Education, Youth Development And Music Define Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin’s Public Role

SEREMBAN, June 12 (Bernama) -- The proclamation of Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin Tuanku Muhriz as Tunku Panglima Besar of Negeri Sembilan is seen as being in line with his active involvement in education, youth development and community affairs.

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Strategic Communications Centre director Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Faizal Kasmani said that as Pro-Chancellor of USIM since December 2024, Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin had shown a strong commitment to the development of holistic students.

“His involvement in various community activities has been a great source of inspiration for the university community to engage more closely with society, including through initiatives such as the Jaulah Sukarelawan USIM Living Lab 3.0 programme, which reaches out to the homeless and urban poor.

“I believe the proclamation will further strengthen his role as a source of inspiration for students to become graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also ethical, caring and ready to serve society,” he told Bernama here today.

Mohd Faizal said Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin was also known for his humility, approachable personality and concern for community needs, including persons with disabilities, as reflected in the collaboration between the IDEAS Autism Centre and USIM.

According to him, the relationship between the royal institution and the higher education sector has always been close, rooted in a shared commitment to knowledge development and public welfare, and the proclamation was expected to strengthen that agenda further.

Meanwhile, the former principal of SMK Tunku Ampuan Najihah@Noghori Arts School, Nor Hayati Abdul Rahman, described Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin as an exemplary education-minded leader who combined academic excellence with artistic talent.

“He proves that academics and creativity can go hand in hand. As a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science and a talented pianist, he inspires students to develop holistically, not only by focusing on examinations but also by nurturing artistic talents.

“His rearrangement of the Negeri Sembilan State Anthem is a remarkable work. I often share this story with students to show how royal artistry and talent can elevate the identity of our state,” she said.

Nor Hayati said his interest in music also served as a universal medium that bridged the gap between the palace and the people, highlighting his approachable personality.

“Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin often plays the piano before the public during his father’s birthday celebrations, and he is also comfortable playing together with school communities whenever he attends educational programmes, including visits to our school,” she said.

Yesterday, Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir proclaimed Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin, his second son, as Tunku Panglima Besar in a ceremony at Balairong Seri, Istana Besar Seri Menanti.

Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin, 44, born in 1982, is known as an advocate of constitutional restoration and institutional reform in Malaysia, committed to building a just and equitable nation.

In addition to serving as Pro-Chancellor of USIM, he is currently Chancellor of UCSI University, President of ICAN College, Royal Fellow at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Associate Fellow at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

He is also a trustee of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation and patron of the Negeri Sembilan Schools Arts and Culture Programme, actively championing access to quality education and holistic learning to nurture future leaders.

-- BERNAMA