General Studies teach students us to be more sensitive, tolerant and
adaptable as members of a polycultural community
General Studies is an undergraduate education course offered with the aim of providing students with preparatory knowledge for life in modern society. The knowledge includes an understanding of noble values, history, and responsibility in society, mastery of soft skills, expansion of knowledge regarding Malaysia, and being able to apply knowledge in daily life. General Studies subjects have been introduced with the aim of improving the quality of human capital in line with the goals of the National Higher Education Strategic Plan. With that, the General Studies subjects are expected to be able to produce graduates who are holistic and have a strong identity by adhering to religion, heritage customs, pure values as well as culture and identity that have been practiced for generations in Malaysia.
There are several purposes for the establishment of General Studies among university students where it is compulsory to take during their studies at university. Among the purposes of the establishment of General Studies subjects are nation-building, the mastery and expansion of soft skills, the strengthening and expansion of knowledge in Malaysia, and the application of soft skills. Based on that purpose, the General Studies subjects have been divided into four groups, namely: (U1) appreciation of philosophy, values, and history, (U2) mastery of soft skills, (U3) expansion of knowledge about Malaysia, and (U4) community management skills that are practical in nature such as community service and co-curricular activities.
At MAHSA University, several General Studies subjects that expose students to social elements and soft skills have already been introduced such as Malaysian Studies, Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi, Ethnic Relations, Islamic Civilization and Asian Civilization, Philosophy and Current Issues, Appreciation of Ethics and Civilization, Time Management, Youth Development, and Community Service. The courses aim to produce students who excel not only in academics but also in the aspect of learning soft skills which in turn can give them the strength to interact and socialize positively with the outside community. This is because every student will eventually return to society after graduating from the university.
Community Service Program to Orang Asli Village
Various social activities involving the outside community were carried out by MAHSA University students whose taking General Studies Subjects such as volunteer program, community service program, and projects to reach out orphans and Orang Asli, and many more. Through such activities, they can apply the knowledge that they have learned in the class into the society. The advantages of General Studies Subjects have made the students more attentive and immersed in the life of the community, so that close family relationships are forged, and the community feels the existence of the Institute of Higher Education and benefits from this togetherness.
Community Service and Educational Activities with Orang Asli Children as part of General Studies project
Community Service and Educational Activities with Children from Orphanages