He said it was important to instil this in university students as it would enable them to blend their knowledge with a better inter-personal approach.
The Universiti Malaysia Pahang chancellor said a 1992 study by the Maryland University in the United States revealed that there was a decline in the interest of undergraduates to participate in volunteer activities.
Among the reasons given by the undergraduates, he said, was lack of time due to the focus on their studies.
"It's already 18 years after the study was done and we should ask whether it has continued to decline or has improved.
"In my opinion, the lack of interest in volunteerism among undergraduates should be studied and overcome," he said at the UMP's fifth convocation yesterday.
Present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Daing Nasir Ibrahim.
Tengku Abdullah said the lack of the volunteerism spirit among undergraduates had led to a perception that they were more keen to get involved in insignificant activities.
Therefore, he urged the management of universities to make volunteerism the main agenda to help develop their students into future leaders.
"Through a well-planned volunteerism agenda, we can instil positive values including good leadership, empathy, a caring attitude and humility among university students."
At the ceremony, Tengku Abdullah also conferred the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Technology Management) to Adnan in recognition of his contribution to the development of Pahang.
Read more: 'Instil volunteer spirit in students' http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/30dol-2/Article#ixzz121SeP03c
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