ALOR SETAR, 31 July 2025 – In a meaningful initiative to promote academic integrity and shape responsible future scholars, Albukhary International University (AIU) successfully conducted a seminar titled “Academic Dishonesty” at the AIU Auditorium. The event, held under the leadership of the Centre for Foundation and General Studies (CFGS), brought together students, faculty members, and guest speakers in an open dialogue on the ethical challenges faced in academic environments.
The seminar forms part of CFGS’s continued efforts to equip students in the Foundation in Arts and Foundation in Computing programmes with not only academic readiness but also the moral and ethical awareness necessary for success in undergraduate studies and beyond.
Seminar Leadership and Student Engagement
The session was led by Mr. Mohd Fadli Zakaria, a lecturer at CFGS, and was moderated by Foundation Studies students Phyo Wai Aung and Yee Mon Lwin, who demonstrated exemplary communication and leadership skills. Their involvement underscored the importance of student-led academic discourse and peer learning.
The event saw active participation from students across disciplines, offering them a platform to reflect on their roles as ethical learners in a multicultural academic setting.
Understanding the Causes of Academic Dishonesty
A key highlight of the seminar was the thought-provoking address delivered by Mdm Alia Hanim Zainal Abidin, Director of CFGS. Her presentation shed light on the root causes of academic dishonesty, emphasizing that such behaviours can be both intentional and unintentional.
She categorised intentional misconduct as acts such as:
- Plagiarism (copying without citation),
- Cheating during examinations, and
- Fabricating information or data.
Unintentional dishonesty, she explained, may stem from:
- Lack of awareness about academic rules,
- Diverse educational backgrounds, and
- Low confidence or fear of failure.
To make the topic more relatable, Mdm Alia Hanim shared real-life scenarios involving AIU students, helping attendees better understand how common and often preventable such issues can be. Her empathetic yet firm approach encouraged students to view academic honesty as both a personal and institutional responsibility.
Psychological and Social Consequences
Further adding depth to the discussion was a session by Mr. Mohammad Hafis Shafiq Bin Mohammad Sopian, AIU’s resident Counsellor. His talk focused on the far-reaching consequences of academic dishonesty—not only in terms of academic penalties but also in the context of personal well-being and social development.
He discussed the psychological impact, which may include:
- Guilt and anxiety,
- Loss of self-esteem,
- Spiritual disconnect, and
- Trust issues within peer groups and academic communities.
He also emphasized that habitual dishonesty can evolve into addictive behaviours, affecting both academic and personal life. The session aimed to raise awareness of the mental health implications of academic misconduct, encouraging students to seek help when struggling.
An Open Dialogue: Q&A and Reflections
The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session that saw enthusiastic participation from students. Many took the opportunity to ask insightful questions and share their own perspectives and challenges regarding academic integrity.
This session fostered a safe and respectful space for dialogue, reinforcing the idea that honesty is not just a rule to follow, but a value to live by. It also helped normalize conversations around ethical dilemmas, helping students feel more prepared to face them responsibly.
Building a Culture of Integrity at AIU
The “Academic Dishonesty” seminar stands as a timely reminder that integrity is fundamental to personal and academic growth. AIU continues to prioritise character education through such initiatives, aligning with its core values of respect, discipline, and lifelong learning.
By promoting awareness, accountability, and open discussion, CFGS and AIU reaffirm their commitment to cultivating ethical global citizens who are not only academically competent but also morally grounded.
📌 About Albukhary International University (AIU)
Located in Alor Setar, Kedah, Albukhary International University is a non-profit, private higher education institution that fosters an inclusive, ethical, and transformative learning environment. With a strong emphasis on social impact and integrity, AIU aims to empower future leaders who uphold values that transcend borders.
📍 Address: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 05200 Alor Setar, Kedah Darul Aman, MALAYSIA
📧 Email: corpcomm@aiu.edu.my
🌐 Website: www.aiu.edu.my
