Written by Dr Khalid Zanudin
In a meaningful step toward fostering collaboration in the areas of leadership and nationalism, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) has conducted a courtesy visit to Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia (AKM) at the Prime Minister’s Office, Kompleks Bangunan Kerajaan Parcel F, Putrajaya on 24th July 2025. The meeting provided a valuable platform to explore potential avenues for collaboration between both institutions.
The delegation from FSSH was led by the Dean, Dr Kiky Kirina Abdillah, accompanied by the Deputy Dean for Industrial and Community Engagement, Dr Khalid Zanudin as well as Mr Mohd Hisyamuddin Basabah, a lecturer from International Relation programme. They were warmly received by Mr Shahrir Zaman Abd Wahab, the Deputy Director General of AKM, along with several senior officers including Dr Noor Dasrafeezal Abdul Shukur (Director, Digital Media Division) and Mr Khalid Yusoff (Director, Youth and Institution Division).
Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia, an agency under the Prime Minister’s Department, plays a pivotal role in promoting values of nationalism and leadership including the MADANI agenda through various training programmes, modules, and talks. Their initiatives which conducted nationwide generally targeting various stakeholders and groups including national leaders, corporate and GLC executives, youth, community leaders, and digital media practitioners.
Notably, AKM operates training centres nationwide where they have more than fifteen (15) training centres including one in Sarawak (Pusat Latihan Kenegaraan Sampadi), hence opens further opportunities for regional cooperation.
The discussion highlighted several areas of mutual interest, such as federalism, regionalism, and sentiments surrounding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). In fact, AKM has previously engaged with FSSH and UNIMAS scholar, Associate Prof. Dr Arnold Puyok, for knowledge-sharing sessions on MA63 which attended by the AKM staff.
Moving forward, AKM expressed strong interest in collaborating with FSSH and UNIMAS through various forms of knowledge exchange, particularly in leadership development, nation-building, and community outreach. Both parties discussed the potential of integrating AKM into upcoming FSSH initiatives such as the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme, faculty events, and University Social Responsibility (USR) projects. There was also interest in co-organising a Digital Bootcamp with strategic partners including CelcomDigi and Telekom Malaysia.
Nonetheless, this visit marks a promising beginning toward building impactful partnerships aligned with the national agenda, and FSSH looks forward to working closely with AKM to advance shared goals in producing future-leader through leadership, education, and national development.
FSSH – A PArtner for Social Change!