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| The documentary image of Mr. Masagos Zulkifli, Singapore’s Minister for Social and Family Development Affairs, at the Ministry Talk of UMM. (Photo by Lintang PR of UMM) |
The University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) invited Mr. Masagos Zulkifli, Singapore’s Minister for Social and Family Development Affairs, to speak to thousands of guests at the Ministry Talk held on August 30th. He was also accompanied by Joko Kusnanto Anggoro, special staff for Law and International Cooperation Affairs of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, to deliver engaging material.
The Minister, familiarly called Masagos, explained three pillars to realize a glorious society: good personality, skills to contribute to others, and harmony in performing citizens’ roles. If all can be achieved optimally, the best community can come true.
In his perspective, existing harmony in society comes from high principles of tolerance and justice. The doctrines of integrity, meritocracy, self-reliance, and recognizing ethnic, racial, and cultural plurality must be fostered. These are guidelines that every citizen must understand, especially for social interaction.
"All parties must contribute to this, especially religious leaders to strengthen tolerance. The plurality of ethnicities, races, and cultures must be recognized and upheld. Moreover, there is a meritocracy that prioritizes a person's ability, so there is no term of privilege in various sectors. This can certainly create social stability in community," the Minister added.
He also shared tips to the audience on how to be a wise leader. One of them is learning new things and reading books. The second is having to be populist and have clear and achievable goals. According to him, leaders must also be able to explain and carry out in detail what strategies will be implemented to realize the plans that have been set.
"Nowadays, we mostly get leadership models or patterns from western literature. But in fact, leadership values already written in the Quran. One of them is the prophetic value of the Apostle of Allah (PBUH): how to be someone populist and able to mingle with other people, not feeling himself/herself elite and different," Masagos emphasized.
The same idea was also delivered by Joko Kusnanto. He believes that the three things Masagos said are vital to a country. Of the three, the primary and essential thing is a good family. Family development is a crucial starting point for prosperity, stability, and mutual respect, either for society or even the life of a country.
On the same occasion, Joko also appreciates the effort of the White Campus UMM to continue to innovate in carrying out a program. For example, there are many approaches related to study programs which are not widely applied by universities in Indonesia. It can perhaps become a pilot project for international cooperation.
On the other hand, the Rector of UMM, Prof. Dr. Fauzan, M.Pd., asserts that UMM has actively contributed to various aspects, including human resources (HR). One is preparing a demographic bonus through the major-based Center of Excellence (CoE) program. This innovation attempts to generate professionals for the World of Business and Industry.
“If we listened earlier, in the Singapore national anthem, the word "Majulah (Onward)" is repeated several times, which shows that it isimportant. Therefore, Indonesia must also be able to become a more advanced golden country. UMM welcomes it with CoE and the Center for Future Work," he concluded. (imh/faq/wil)
