PUTRAJAYA, 2 October 2026 (The Capital Post) – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on university students to use their knowledge, talent and education to contribute meaningfully to society and the country.
Speaking at the Anugerah Tokoh Siswa Negara (ATSN) 2026, Anwar said higher education should not be seen solely as a pathway to academic achievement but as a platform to develop knowledge, character, values and awareness of national and societal issues.
He said universities should not be disconnected from challenges facing society and encouraged students to apply what they learn to help address issues affecting the country.
Anwar also stressed that academic excellence should be supported by strong personal values, character and identity, saying knowledge alone would not be sufficient without principles to guide its application.
He urged Generation Z students to develop greater awareness, a desire to serve and a willingness to contribute towards positive change in society.
Higher Education Minister Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir said student excellence should be assessed holistically, encompassing academic achievement, leadership, character and readiness to serve the community.
He said the development of both intellect and character was important in producing knowledgeable, responsible and principled graduates capable of contributing to the public and the nation.
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ATSN 2026, held in Putrajaya on 1 October, featured 13 main awards covering leadership, inclusivity, volunteerism, community service, sustainability, innovation, unity, public speaking, sports, heritage arts and entrepreneurship.
The top honour, the Anugerah Tokoh Siswa Negara 2026, was awarded to Mohamad Amar Aidid Mohd Zain of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) for achievements and experience in student representation, participation in higher education planning and humanitarian aid mobilisation.
The event also presented four special award categories — the Higher Education Minister’s Special Award, Deputy Higher Education Minister’s Special Award, Higher Education Ministry Secretary-General’s Special Award and Director-General of Higher Education’s Special Award — to eight students from public universities and higher education institutions.
ATSN 2026 was organised by the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) through the Department of Higher Education in collaboration with Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM).
Also present were Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim, KPT Secretary-General Datuk Ts. Dr. Hj. Aminuddin Hassim, Director-General of Higher Education Datuk Prof. Dr. Azlinda Azman, as well as senior KPT and higher education institution officials.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi, ATSN 2026 continues to recognise students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership and contributions to society and the nation – The Capital Post
