Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin’s promotion parallels involvement in education, youth development

SEREMBAN: The proclamation of Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Tuanku Muhriz as Tunku Panglima Besar of Negeri Sembilan is seen as in line with his active involvement in the fields of education, youth and community development.

Director of the Strategic Communications Centre of the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Associate Professor Dr Mohd Faizal Kasmani, said that as USIM Pro-Chancellor since December 2024, His Majesty has shown great concern for the formation of holistic students.

“His involvement in various community activities has greatly inspired university staff to be closer to the community, including through the USIM Living Lab 3.0 Volunteer Outing initiative which reaches out to the homeless and urban poor.”

“I believe the proclamation will continue to strengthen His Majesty’s role as a source of inspiration to students to become graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also moral, caring and willing to serve the community,” he told Bernama here today.

Mohd Faizal said Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin was also a moderate, people-friendly person and aware of the needs of society, including the disabled, which could clearly be seen through the collaboration between the IDEAS Autism Centre and USIM.

He said the relationship between royal institutions and the higher education sector has always been close through a shared commitment to the development of knowledge and the welfare of the people, and the announcement is believed to continue to strengthen the agenda.

Meanwhile, former Principal of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tunku Ampuan Najihah @ Noghori Arts School, Nor Hayati Abdul Rahman described his Majesty as the best example of a leader with an educational spirit who combines academic excellence and artistic talent.

“His Majesty proves that academics and creativity can go hand in hand. As a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science and a talented pianist, his Majesty is an inspiration to students to develop holistically, not just focusing on exams but honing their artistic talents.”

“His Majesty’s re-composition of the Negeri Sembilan National Anthem is a truly mesmerizing work. I often share this story with students that royal art and talent can elevate the dignity of our state’s identity,” he said.

Nor Hayati said Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin’s interest in music also became a universal medium that bridged the gap between the palace and the people, thus highlighting his very friendly personality.

“Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin often plays the piano in front of the people during his father’s birthday celebrations, and he is also not shy about playing the piano with school children whenever he attends educational programs, including visiting our school,” he said.

Yesterday, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, was pleased to proclaim Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin, who is also his second son, as Tunku Panglima Besar in a ceremony at Balairong Seri, Istana Besar Seri Menanti.

Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin, 44, was born in 1982 and is known as a supporter of constitutional restoration and institutional reform in Malaysia who is committed to building a just and equitable nation.

Apart from holding the position of Pro-Chancellor of USIM, his Majesty currently serves as Chancellor of UCSI University, President of ICAN College, Royal Fellow at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Associate Fellow at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

His Majesty is also a Trustee of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation and the Patron of the Negeri Sembilan Schools Arts and Culture Programme, which actively champions access to quality education and holistic learning to produce future leaders.

— BERNAMA

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