LABUAN — The Semarak Ilmu @UMSKAL 2026 Programme through “Telaah Series II: A Good Heart Will Never Die” had brought together academics, students and various government agencies in the Federal Territory of Labuan on a single knowledge discourse platform, highlighting the values of ethics, integrity and humanity.
The programme, held today at the Theatrette Hall of Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL), was organised by the UMSKAL Library in collaboration with the Zakat Academy, Zakat Collection Centre – Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (AZKA-PPZ).
The academic forum featured Professor Dr. Hanudin Amin from the Labuan Faculty of International Finance (FKAL), who presented his book entitled Examining Ten Case Studies in Ethics and Islamic Finance Governance, moderated by Senior Lecturer of the Centre for the Advancement of Language and Communication (PPIB), Dr. Norcikeyonn Samuni.
UMSKAL Director Professor Dr. Shamsul Bahari Shamsudin, in his welcoming address, said programmes of this nature are crucial in strengthening the reading culture, empowering critical thinking and building a society of integrity and competitiveness, in line with the aspirations of the National Reading Decade 2021–2030.
“The university is not merely a centre for knowledge delivery, but also plays a role as an institution for the development of character, values and the thinking of society through the continuous strengthening of the culture of knowledge,” he said.
His speech was delivered by UMSKAL Chief Administrator Sharifah Ismail.
The second series of the programme carried the theme “A Good Heart Will Never Die”, emphasising the values of humanity, ethics and integrity in life and in Islamic finance.
Among the highlights of the programme was a special presentation entitled “Zainal Abidin: An Unsung Hero”, which inspired participants through real-life experiences related to humanitarian values and integrity-driven leadership.
The attendance of heads of departments and government agencies from the Federal Territory of Labuan signified their support for the agenda of knowledge cultivation and intellectual development of the community.
The programme was chaired by Head of the UMSKAL Library Division Rosnitah Gumpar, who played a key role in coordinating and executing the overall programme.
The organisation of the Semarak Ilmu @UMSKAL programme is seen as part of the university’s continuous efforts to empower the reading culture, enhance knowledge literacy and strengthen strategic ties between higher learning institutions and the local community.
Also present were Assistant Manager of the Zakat Collection Centre MAIWP Labuan Mohammad Haziq Abang Sapri, PPIB Coordinator Dr. Siti Halimah Putung, Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation) of FKAL Dr. Alesia Sigang Gugkang, Entrepreneurship Coordinator of the Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FKI) Nona Masnie Mohd Nistah and Deputy Chief Librarian Rosnitah Gumpar.
