Office for Strategy and Institutional Change

Prof. Dr. Azila Ahmad Sarkawi Covering Principal Director

Foreword

In an era of rapid and unprecedented change, our university continues to navigate an evolving higher education landscape that demands adaptability, innovation, and clarity of purpose. During this period of stewardship, it is essential that we remain firmly anchored to our foundational values while advancing the strategic direction entrusted to us. This commitment is embodied in our vision of the Garden of Knowledge and Virtue.

At the core of this vision lies Tawhidic Epistemology and Ummatic Excellence, a guiding framework that affirms the oneness of Allah (SWT) as the ultimate source of all knowledge. More than a conceptual ideal, it provides a unifying lens through which diverse disciplines are integrated, enabling holistic thinking and purposeful solutions to contemporary challenges. Through Tawhid, knowledge is no longer fragmented but harmonised towards meaningful impact.

This framework also calls upon us to pursue Ummatic Excellence—to be not only a successful institution, but a beneficial one that contributes positively to the ummah at large. Achieving this aspiration requires collective commitment, shared responsibility, and a strong ethical foundation rooted in justice, equity, and sustainability.

The Office for Strategy and Institutional Change (OSIC) remains committed to steering this agenda through strategic planning, institutional alignment, and continuous improvement. By embedding Tawhidic Epistemology in our strategies and practices, we aim to cultivate a culture of intellectual integrity, moral purpose, and principled innovation.

As Covering Principal Director, I am honoured to support these ongoing efforts, ensuring continuity while strengthening our strategic foundations. Together, we move forward in realising our aspiration to be a true Garden of Knowledge and Virtue, where the pursuit of wisdom is inseparable from the cultivation of noble character.