Webinar Bicara Citra Ilmu 2025: “Memaknai Rahmah dalam Pertahanan Negara” in Conjunction with Malaysia’s National Day
Kuala Lumpur: In celebration of Malaysia’s 68th National Day and Malaysia Day 2025, the Academy of Islamic Defence Studies and the Faculty of Defence Studies and Management, National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM), in collaboration with Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia, successfully hosted the Bicara Citra Ilmu 2025 Webinar themed “Memaknai Rahmah in National Defence.”
Held virtually via Microsoft Teams, the program brought together academics, students, and civil society members to reflect on the values of rahmah (compassion and mercy) and their significance in strengthening unity, patriotism, and national security. The discussions also underscored the importance of nurturing youth understanding of harmony as the bedrock of peace and resilience in nation-building.
The session opened with welcoming remarks by Lt. Kol. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hj. Daud bin Hj. Mohamed Salleh (Rtd.), Director of UPNM’s Academy of Islamic Defence Studies, followed by Prof. Dr. Hanim Salleh, Vice President of Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia.
Three distinguished panelists enriched the dialogue: Lt. Kol. Dr. Muhammad Muntaha bin Hj. Saleh and Dr. Amnah Saayah bt Ismail, senior lecturers at UPNM’s Academy of Islamic Defence Studies, alongside Ustaz Nu’man Hani bin Jamal, central committee member of Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia.
The forum highlighted the role of rahmah in fostering unity and moral strength, while also addressing non-traditional security challenges such as cyberattacks, propaganda, and information warfare.
Moderated by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Jessica Ong Hai Liaw, Senior Lecturer at UPNM’s Faculty of Defence Studies and Management, the session concluded with the reminder that “rahmah is a universal value that not only nurtures societal harmony but also strengthens the moral and psychological foundations of national defense.”
The program ended on a patriotic note with a spirited rendition of “Jalur Gemilang,” symbolizing the spirit of unity and love for the nation in the lead-up to Malaysia’s National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.