JOHOR BAHRU, 29 March – Diversity and inclusion start with the understanding each individuals uniqueness and recognizing differences among each other in one community.Diversity can be viewed in different dimensions such as of race, culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, political beliefs, gender, age groups and other forms of differences between one another.

Director of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Counseling Center, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhamed Sharif Mustafa said that UTM practices inclusion actively and ongoing engagement with the various dimensions of diversity.
“Our students and curriculum have instilled this characteristics with the intent of achieving a heightened awareness in appreciating, embracing and celebrating diversity.
“The education is not about academic achievements alone but also has something to do with nurturing the values and shaping one’s personality. It is therefore imperative for all of us here to understand diversity and live together harmoniously,” he said.

Prof. Muhamed Sharif was representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Mohd. Ismail Abd. Aziz in officiating the Diversity and Inclusion Youth Camp 2014 held at the Banquet Hall, Johor Bahru campus.

Prof. Muhamed Sharif was representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Mohd. Ismail Abd. Aziz in officiating the Diversity and Inclusion Youth Camp 2014 held at the Banquet Hall, Johor Bahru campus.

Also attending were members of the Board of Supervisor Putera Sampoerna Foundation, Dr. Robert Bong and Prof. Rosie Bateson, Vice Rector of Universitas Siswa Bangsa Internasional (USBI), Indonesia.
UTM was chosen as the host for the second time where the first was held in 2012. The outcome of this event will propagate understanding and appreciation beyond conclusion which permeate into the ‘fabric’ of Malaysia’s societies.

As many as 170 local and international university students from ten countries participated in this programme.