Kota bharu: The Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), the Regent of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra, called on the university to take a more proactive role in enhancing education diplomacy, in alignment with Malaysia's leadership as the ASEAN Chairman in 2025. His Royal Highness highlighted Malaysia's successful hosting of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur and the country's capability to lead the region in international diplomacy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry pointed out that the inclusion of Timor Leste as an ASEAN member and the peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand underscored Malaysia's strategic role as a bridge between Eastern and Western worlds. He encouraged UMK to act as a catalyst for education diplomacy by expanding its collaborations in the ASEAN region, exploring opportunities in Timor Leste, and strengthening existing relationships with other ASEAN countries.

His Royal Highness suggested that UMK should seek strategic and impactful initiatives to elevate its status as a premier education destination in entrepreneurship. He proposed that UMK confer Honorary Degrees on ASEAN leadership figures to acknowledge their contributions, enhancing the university's visibility and regional competitiveness.

Tengku Muhammad Fakhry also congratulated the UMK community, including graduates, lecturers, and staff, for their efforts in organizing the convocation ceremony. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by parents and expressed hope for the continuation of support in UMK's journey as an entrepreneurship-based university.

His Royal Highness emphasized the need for UMK to review its entrepreneurial philosophy with a focus on humanistic entrepreneurship grounded in tauhidik principles. He mentioned that UMK is working on the UMK30 strategic plan and urged consideration of strategic needs for state development through synergy among institutions. He expressed a desire for stronger collaboration between UMK and the state government to benefit both the university and Kelantan's development.