2026 RECTOR’S ADDRESS GATHERS NEARLY 300 KIAS COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Sultan Ismail Petra International Islamic University College (KIAS) organised the 2026 Rector’s Address on 12th January 2026, corresponding to 22 Rejab 1447H. Held at Dewan Johor, KIAS, the event gathered nearly 300 members of the KIAS community, including academic staff, management staff, support staff, and student leadership.
The address was delivered by the Rector of KIAS, Professor Dr. Mazlan bin Ibrahim, under the central theme “Change Requires Sacrifice.” This served as a clear signal that 2026 is a critical year in KIAS’s journey toward achieving Full University status.
In his address, the Rector emphasized that true change is not merely a slogan or an idea, but demands the sacrifice of time, energy, and attitude, including the courage to abandon old habits that are no longer productive. The address also drew upon the Islamic principle of sacrifice as the foundation for building an institution rooted in Rabbani values.
The ceremony highlighted KIAS’s significant achievements throughout 2025, including the launch of the tagline “Where the Rabbani Generation is Born,” the enhancement of high-impact academic research, the strengthening of governance, physical campus development, and the expansion of strategic networks at both national and international levels.
For 2026, the Rector outlined ten key focus areas for KIAS’s strategic direction. These include:
- Empowering academic staff as the core of a full university.
- Strengthening academic quality and learning innovation based on MQA standards.
- Implementing data-driven professional governance.
- Increasing institutional visibility and reputation.
- The strategic expansion of the KIAS Skills Development Centre (KIASDEC), the KIAS Halal Centre (KIASHAC), and the International Institute of Language and Translation (IBA).
Regarding financial management, the 2026 Budget focus was outlined under the principle of “Revenue-Aligned Allocation.” This emphasizes focused spending, achieving maximum impact at a reasonable cost, and executing the budget according to set plans and timelines. The Rector also reaffirmed the institution’s firm stance on financial integrity, with zero tolerance for any form of leakage or misappropriation of funds.
The address also introduced the “KIAS” Core Values to serve as the institutional work culture compass toward Full University status: Competent, Ihsan (Compassion/Excellence), Aspiration, and Synergy. These values form the basis of a professional, high-integrity, and team-oriented work culture among all KIAS personnel.
The presence of leaders from the KIAS Students’ Association, the Residential College Action Committee, as well as faculty and centre student associations, highlighted the spirit of togetherness and synergy between management, staff, and students in succeeding the institutional transformation agenda.
The 2026 Rector’s Address served as a platform to unite the resolve of the entire KIAS community to step into a new phase of institutional development with full commitment, sincerity, and sacrifice, ensuring that KIAS continues to produce a Rabbani Generation that is knowledgeable, virtuous, and competitive.