To address the challenges in the world today, traits namely accountability and openness must be existent in oneself, especially those who are joining or have joined the world of employment.
 
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Bashawir Abdul Ghani said that organizations not only look for an employee who is able to perform the tasks entrusted, when in fact they become more motivated to hire employees who possess high ethical values and accountability apart from being open.
 
According to him, from the perspective of organizational management, accountability is seen as a process of 'making (of) top corporate leaders who are responsible for their actions, goals and utilize available objective measures'.
 
He advised fellow graduands to train themselves and practice principles namely being responsible, trustworthy, tolerant and aware of both the good and bad while carrying out their duties to help organizations achieve their goals.
 
"Graduates who have the sense of accountability and openness in the organization are not only able to solve problems and make the right decision in the interests of the public, but they are also capable of producing the best results.
 
"Therefore, I would like to enlighten fellow graduands about the realities of the working environment which is not just a battle field which will shape the economy of families, it will also mould the value of civil society life.
 
"Graduates who will or have joined the world of employment, whether in the government or private sectors, need to be involved in developing civil society with the goal of upholding the importance of transparency and good governance within these bodies," he said this at session six of the 31st. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Convocation Ceremony at the Mu'adzam Shah Hall.
 
He further reiterated that transparency, a quality related to honesty and openness is the key element in good governance and the prevention of corrupt practices.
 
According to him, the leadership of the current government seriously views the issues related to integrity and governance that have now menaced to become cancerous in society and organization.
 
"The government promises openness and transparency in the aspect of governance, so graduates who are or have joined the world of employment are reminded to always be sensitive and together enforce the value of transparency, accountability and openness within the organization and its ecosystems.
 
"I also call on graduands to comprehend the importance of celebrating the inequality of fellow human beings because we are all created by Allah (the Most Glorified) as individuals who possess unique and personalised characteristics," he said.
 
In that regard, the Vice-Chancellor further reiterated that such understanding is needed in the field of work because the needs and desires of each person are different, just as the uniqueness that exists in each person.
 
At the same time, he also called for all the graduands to prioritize the three basic principles outlined by the Ministry of Education, namely love, happiness and mutual respect when interacting.
 
"I fervently hope that graduates will continue to establish relationships and contribute to alma mater as UUM alumni and jointly develop communities and future generation by helping the alma mater realise its mission in applying the 'KNOWLEDGE VIRTUE SERVICE' philosophy.
 
"All of you should be proud of being the alumni of UUM, as we are proud of being your alma mater," he said.
 
A total of 822 graduates received their respective degrees including a major university award from the Vice-Chancellor.

University graduates should apply their knowledge for the well-being of the people, not just for financial rewards.

The Chancellor of Universiti Utara Malaysia, His Royal Highness Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah advised graduates to regard knowledge as a blessing and be accountable to help nurture the concept of caring society.

Tuanku Chancellor remarked that, this is due to the prevalent increase in various destructive conducts among the people in our society.

"It is my sincere hope that graduates will become the role model to ensure that our society remains ethical and compassionate," said Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah during the Pro-Chancellor's Inauguration Ceremony and the 31st Convocation Ceremony of Universiti Utara Malaysia at the Mu'adzam Shah Hall this morning.

"Indeed, university education is not just the only means to secure employment but this is the foundation to lead an ideal life in the future.

"We hope that graduates will continue to be more successful, creative and productive so they can create jobs and not just become job seekers," added Tuanku Chancellor.

At the same ceremony, Tuanku Chancellor also proclaimed the Raja Muda of Kedah, Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Ibni Sultan Sallehuddin as the new UUM Pro-Chancellor.

I also hope that UUM graduates will not only be able to hold high positions in various institutions but will turn into well-rounded individuals and able to contribute to the society.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of UUM, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Bashawir Abdul Ghani said, he has charted a comprehensive plan to bring UUM to greater heights, but at the same time remain steadfast on the principle of humanising education.

Prof. Dr. Ahmad Bashawir stated that, UUM has made great progress towards implementing some of the measures that have been identified to facilitate the process. This includes the suggestion by YAB Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad that universities must transform and use new methods of teaching and other social activities.

"Hopefully, all graduates will not forget your Alma Mater, Universiti Utara Malaysia and continue to contribute for the development of the campus, the place where you gained your knowledge.

Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultanah Maliha binti Almarhum Tengku Ariff, the Sultanah of Kedah has also graced the ceremony.

A total of 131 graduates received their respective degree scrolls today, presented by Tuanku Chancellor, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Prof. Dr. Yusnidah Ibrahim had the honour of being granted an audience with Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Che Puan Muda Zaheeda Mohamad Ariff, Raja Puan Muda Kedah at Wisma Darul Aman, today.

During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Yusnidah enlightened Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Raja Puan Muda Kedah on the upcoming 31st Convocation Ceremony of UUM, which will be held on 11 to 15 November 2018. The ceremony will commence with the inauguration of Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Raja Muda Kedah as the new UUM Pro-Chancellor during the first session. Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Raja Muda Kedah will preside over the second session of the 31st Convocation Ceremony of UUM.

In addition, Prof. Dr. Yusnidah also presented an update on the latest achievements of UUM, including two major subjects offered by the university i.e. Business and Economics as well as Social Sciences were listed for the first time in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2019 and two programmes offered by the Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy (TISSA-UUM) obtained the EFMD Programme Accreditation System (EPAS) accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), making the Accounting programme offered by TISSA-UUM, the first and only programme to receive the EPAS accreditation in Malaysia.