Title of professor huge recognition, responsibility - Mohamed Khaled

KUALA LUMPUR - The title of professor is not only conferred on intellectuals to recognise their intelligence, but it also symbolises the great responsibility placed on them, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said the group had the responsibility to make their expertise available to the public so that the knowledge could be used by the community.

"Besides, many people now only see professors as wise and intellectually superior. In doing so, they forget the second characteristic, which is the value of wisdom in terms of relationships and its benefits to society

"In other words, the title of professor is not used for intelligence that is only hidden or kept for self-gratification," he said in his speech at the presentation of appointment certificates to National Professors Council (MPN) university chapters and clusters last night.

Referring to the various MPN clusters and chapters, Mohamed Khaled said that the classification of expertise should facilitate efforts to combine different knowledge and disciplines more effectively.

"We need to work together. Our knowledge in a particular field is no longer beneficial if it is narrowly focused and does not cut across disciplines.

"I hope that the MPN will gather the best talents and minds in the country to be strategically mobilised to bring good to our nation. To take up this task and responsibility with full dedication and determination to contribute to the country," he said.

In a statement issued at the event, MPN said,the establishment of university clusters and chapters was an initiative to support and streamline the system in mobilising the expertise of experienced academics to more smoothly support government's efforts towards the national development agenda. - BERNAMA