AKEPT IS NOW KEEN ON QALB-BASED MANAGEMENT

A glimpse of the seminar in progress.

Two ISDEV senior lecturers had been invited as participants of a 2-day seminar organized by the Akademi Kepimpinan Pengajian Tinggi (AKEPT) with the cooperation of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). It was held from 22 until 23 April 2015 at Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan. Both Dr. Mohd. Syakir Mohd. Rosdi and Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan were there not only as participants but they also represented the lecturers of Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang (USM).

(R)- Mr. Ahmed Keeler  and  (L) - Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Wan Zahid Mohd Nordin delivering their
keynote addresses to the participants.

The seminar with the title 'Qalb Based Strategic Implementation for Higher Education Leaders' were  attended by representatives from public universities throughout Malaysia. The seminar focused on two main aspects - Qalb and Leadership - addressed by the two keynote speakers. The first keynote address was delivered by  a member of the Board of Directors of Sime Darby Berhad,  Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Wan Zahid Mohd Nordin on 'Islamic Leadership in Malaysia Public and Private Sectors' which stressed on the practical aspects.

In the meantime,  the second keynote address was philosophical in nature addressed by Visiting Fellow, Centre of Islamic Studies, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom and Distinguished Fellow Faculty of Leadership and Management USIM, Mr. Ahmed Keeler on 'Mizan Initiative: Qalb and Islamic Leadership'. The seminar was also packed with presentations by USIM researchers who were currently researching on the implementation of qalb based strategies on higher education leaders.

Dr. Syakir (R - holding the microphone) presenting his views to the researchers from USIM. 

According to Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan, she felt privileged to be given the opportunity and trust to represent USM and ISDEV as a participant in the seminar. She added that she had barely reached one year's service as a senior lecturer at an academic centre that was applying and putting to practice the principles of qalb-based management. As she considered herself new and less experienced compared to other ISDEV lecturers, this seminar had given her the benefits and exposure through the two-way discussions and interactions made with other participants. This provided her with the opportunity to contribute ideas and gave inputs since ISDEV is an institution that applies this qalb principle.

Meeting up an ISDEV Alumni, who is currently the Director of Pusat Islam Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 
Dr. Razali Othman who was also one of the seminar's participants.

Meanwhile, Dr. Syakir said, this seminar did not only empower the mind and knowledge but it had also enriched the qalb of the participants. Besides that, the chance of being together with colleagues from other universities was also well utilized to broaden the academic network with other participants of the seminar.

Dr. Syakir (third from left) taking a photo with some of the seminar's participants.