Student Representative Speech during DS Rosmah visits to Stevens Ins of Technology

SPEECH

MUHAMMAD AFIQ HASSAN

PRESIDENT OF UMNO NEW YORK NEW JERSEY

SOCIAL CHAIR OF MALAYSIAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION AT STEVENS INS OF TECH.

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“HOLISTIC MALAYSIAN STUDENTS”

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FOR AN EVENT WITH FIRST LADY OF MALAYSIA

STEVENS INS OF TECHNOLOGY, HOBOKEN NJ

MARCH 2^ND 2012

1.     Bismillhirahmanirrahim,

         Yang Berbahagia Datin Sri Rosmah Mansor, First Lady of Malaysia,

Tuan Yang Terutama Dato’ Hussein Hanif, Malaysia Permanent Representive to the United Nation,

         Dr Nariman Farvadin,President of Stevens Institute of Technology,

         Your Excellencies,

         Stevens Directorates,

         Head of Programs,

         Distinguished Participants,

          Delegates, Members of the Media

Ladies and Gentleman,

2.     Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Good Evening and Salam 1 Malaysia

First and foremost, I would like to welcome Datin Seri Rosmah, the First Lady of Malaysia to Stevens Institute of Technology.

Let me also extend my appreciation to all the distinguished guests for taking their precious time off to be here today. It is a great pleasure to welcome all of you to this wonderful university.

Government of Malaysia has given us great opportunities and initiatives that have helped us discover the uniqueness of American education in so many meaningful ways. There are about 500 Malaysian students in greater New York area alone.  The number keeps growing and we are expecting more students to be sent to the United States in the near future.

3.     Coming from a personal experience, being exposed to the American education system has led me and others to become a more holistic individual. By that, I mean, we are more intellectually active, creative and innovative, ethically and morally upright. In addition, I also think I have become a person who is more adaptable and capable of critical thinking.

4.     All of the above mentioned values are not only worth seeking but also vital for the country to produce more great leaders and advance the country in a way that has never been achieved before. The model human capital as well as an ideal leader should also be well-rounded individuals with an appreciation for humanistic pursuits such as arts, culture, sports and volunteerism.

  

5.     The attributes of first-class human capital can also be achieved via active participation in student movements, community involvement and volunteer events. It is safe to say that by participating in these events especially in United States or local community, we will be able to improve our knowledge especially on planning and management as well as enhancing our leadership skills.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

6.     The Malaysian government has a great faith in the Malaysian student population abroad in maximizing their fullest potential. I believe that most of us today realized that knowledge is power and hence, will attempt to make the best of the ample opportunities provided at varsity level. Since education is seen as and has been the engine of economic advancement and social mobility, the Government of Malaysia has also provided sound and substantive directions in moving us towards and beyond the Millennium Development Goals and targets by strengthening the network with international companies especially in United States. This effort has been initiative by the Government of Malaysia through Education Malaysia Washington DC with collaboration of Malaysia US Chamber of Commerce.

7.     After walking out of our school with a scroll in hand, it is hoped that we will be on the right path in achieving our success with the help of these two bodies. With that being said, many of us should feel fortunate to be in a place that many of our peers back home could only dream of.

8.     Before I pass the microphone back over to the respective masters of the ceremony, allow me to highlight the fact that overseas students are indeed an essential element in the human capital development. But this essential element alone can never fully realize the aim of Malaysian government to create more first-class human capital. The Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, government agencies, corporate bodies, higher education institutions, the academia and students will have to work hand in hand together in great urgency to develop our human capital, which in turn, is ultimately the prized asset of Malaysia.

9.     It is my personal hope that the Malaysian students abroad will continue to excel in their studies and continue the struggle to assist our country to establish itself as one of the best in the eyes of the world. Before I end my speech, I would like to share with all of you a very powerful quote by a very powerful and respectful man, Nelson Mandela. And I quote, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.

THANK YOU