By: Haslawati H. Maamor

Sultan Abdul Samad Library (PSAS), Universiti Putra Malaysia, continues its commitment to nurturing a culture of knowledge and human development through the organisation of two inspirational talk programs held in conjunction with the “Exploring Self-Improvement and Resolutions” exhibition in August 2025. Both programs featured experienced figures from diverse backgrounds who shared their success stories, life challenges, and values of perseverance as sources of motivation for the university community and the public.

The first program, “Creating Works in the Tower of Knowledge: Inspiration from a Cerebral Palsy Warrior,” was held on 25 August 2025 at the PSAS Exhibition Room. The session featured Dr. Mastura Mahamed, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, UPM, who shared her life journey as an academic living with cerebral palsy. Her sharing highlighted inner strength, strong determination, and the importance of an inclusive ecosystem in the education sector. Moderated by Ms. Nur Syafinaz Mohd Noh, the session provided meaningful insight into the extraordinary potential of individuals with special needs and underscored the importance of empathy and inclusivity in building a knowledgeable society. It was a deeply touching experience that reminded participants that every individual possesses extraordinary potential for success. Dr. Mastura Mahamed’s story of resilience reflected how limitations can be transformed into strengths through confidence, support, and determination.

The second program, “Inspirational Talk: Three Faces Behind Success,” took place on 26 August 2025 at Anjung Ilmu, PSAS. The program featured three prominent figures: Dato’ Haji Mohd Zain Hassan, former CEO of Alam Flora Sdn Bhd; Dato’ Jalaluddin Hassan, a renowned host and actor; and Associate Professor Dr. Abd Rauf Hassan, Head of the Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, UPM. Drawing from their diverse career backgrounds, the panelists shared experiences of challenges and achievements in building success, leadership, self-discipline, and integrity. The session was moderated by Mr. Muhammad Aidil Fazli Samsuri and was conducted via live streaming to reach a wider audience.

Some panelists shared that they began their life and career journeys with limited resources, whether in terms of opportunities, self-confidence, or support. These experiences shaped their independence, resilience, and determination to prove their capabilities. They emphasized that a modest background is not a barrier to success but can instead serve as a catalyst to work harder.

Throughout their life journeys, failure was an unavoidable experience. Some had made wrong decisions or gone through periods of emotional setbacks. However, the panelists unanimously agreed that these experiences created space for reflection, improvement, and the development of resilience. Failure was not seen as a disgrace, but as a turning point leading to subsequent success.

Overall, both programs complemented each other in delivering messages of self-development, resilience, and inspiration across diverse backgrounds. This PSAS initiative not only enriched intellectual discourse but also strengthened the role of the library as a center for mental transformation and community empowerment.

The organisation of both programs had a significant impact on participants and the university community as a whole. These programs successfully instilled inspiration, self-awareness, and lasting motivation, particularly among students and staff, encouraging them to view success from multiple dimensions of life. The real-life experiences shared by the invited speakers helped participants understand that success is not an easy journey but is shaped by perseverance, discipline, failure, and the ability to rise again.

In addition, the programs increased awareness of diversity and inclusivity, particularly through the story of Dr. Mastura Mahamed, which demonstrated that physical limitations are not barriers to intellectual excellence and meaningful contributions in academia. From a professional development perspective, the talk sessions provided a platform for cross-disciplinary knowledge sharing and strengthened soft skills such as leadership, communication, and reflective thinking. Indirectly, these programs reinforced PSAS’s role as a hub of knowledge, inspiration, and personal transformation, in line with the university’s aspiration to cultivate a knowledgeable, competitive, and resilient society.

Date of Input: 16/12/2025 | Updated: 17/12/2025 | amiruliqhmal