My name is Nurul Hamidah Mohd Hamdi, and I am a teacher at Albukhary International University, currently teaching an MPU course 'Appreciation of Ethics and Civilization' to students of the School of Business and Social Sciences. I am a proud Malaysian with a deep appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry of our nation. Having spent years working and studying in various international campuses, I have been fortunate to immerse myself in diverse cultures and educational settings. My education adventure has whisked me around the globe, immersing me in a whirlwind of teaching styles and cultural vibes. These global escapades have totally jazzed up my views on ethics and society, giving me fresh insights to compare and contrast with our cool Malaysian vibe. Every stop along the way has jazzed up my teaching game, making it a blast to vibe with students from all walks of life and sprinkle a touch of global magic in the classroom! This reflective journal is a compilation of my thoughts and insights gained from the weekly sessions of the course, spanning Week 1 to Week 6. Through these reflections, I aim to connect the course content to my personal experiences and the broader societal context. My goal is to provide a nuanced perspective that not only resonates with the students but also encourages them to appreciate the intricate interplay between ethics, civilization, and cultural diversity. In these reflections, I delve into the core themes of the course, drawing on real-life examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate the relevance of ethical principles and civilizational values in our daily lives. I hope that my reflections will inspire students to Journey Through Ethics and Civilization About the Author
critically engage with the material, reflect on their own experiences, and contribute thoughtfully to our collective understanding of ethics and civilization. Reflecting on the introduction to ethics and civilization in the Malaysian context has indeed been a profoundly enriching experience. The historical journey that our society has traversed—from the pre-colonial era through colonial rule, and into postindependence—provides a comprehensive backdrop to understand the ethical and civilizational values that define us today. This week, I found myself pondering how these historical narratives shape our collective consciousness and daily lives. Growing up, my grandparents often recounted stories about the 'adat' and 'adat istiadat' (customs and traditions) that governed their lives. These stories, though seemingly simple, carried profound lessons on respect, communal living, and social harmony. I vividly remember the elaborate ceremonies and the importance of 'sopan santun' (politeness and decorum) during festive occasions. These traditions were not just rituals; they were a way of instilling values and a sense of belonging. In my region, many of these customs are still practiced with reverence. For instance, during Hari Raya, it is customary to seek forgiveness from elders, a practice known as 'maaf zahir dan batin'. This act is not just a formality but a genuine effort to cleanse one’s heart and renew relationships. Similarly, the concept of 'gotong-royong' (community selfhelp) is alive and well. Whether it’s preparing for a wedding or cleaning the village, neighbors come together, reflecting the spirit of mutual aid and collective responsibility. Embark on a grand journey into the land of Ethics and Civilization, shining a spotlight on the vibrant tapestry of Malaysia.
This week’s lessons emphasized that these practices are not mere cultural relics but are vital in maintaining social cohesion in our rapidly modernizing society. They serve as a foundation upon which our ethical framework is built. In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, these traditions remind us of the importance of community and mutual respect. Comparing this to other regions, particularly those that I have visited, I notice a stark difference. In many urban settings, especially in Western countries, the sense of individualism is more pronounced. While this has its own merits, such as fostering independence and personal achievement, it often comes at the expense of communal bonds. In contrast, Malaysian society, with its emphasis on community and family, offers a different perspective on social living. The course has made me realize that understanding and appreciating these practices is crucial. It’s not just about preserving our heritage but also about adapting these values to contemporary challenges. For instance, in the digital age, how do we ensure that the principles of 'budi bahasa' (courtesy) and 'adat' are upheld in online interactions? How can we use technology to enhance, rather than erode, our ethical and civilizational values? One personal experience that comes to mind is when I was part of a community project aimed at improving local infrastructure. The project required collaboration between people of different ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. It was a microcosm of our society’s diversity. Despite initial challenges, the project succeeded because of the underlying ethical principles of mutual respect, understanding, and shared responsibility. It was a powerful reminder that our historical values are not just relevant but essential in addressing modern-day issues.
In conclusion, this week’s exploration has deepened my appreciation of our cultural and ethical heritage. It has highlighted the importance of understanding our past to navigate the present and shape the future. As we move forward, I am motivated to delve deeper into how we can preserve these values amidst globalization and technological advancements. Our traditions and customs are not just about celebrating the past; they are about building a cohesive, respectful, and harmonious society for the future. This week’s exploration of the concept of ethics and civilizations has been an eyeopener, broadening my understanding of how foundational ethical principles are to the development and sustainability of any civilization. We delved into the definitions and CONCEPTOF ETHICS ANDCIVILIZATIONS
dimensions of ethics—examining what constitutes right and wrong—and how these moral guidelines are integral to societal progress. The discussions illuminated the symbiotic relationship between ethics and civilizations, highlighting that a society’s cultural, social, and economic structures are profoundly influenced by its ethical framework. In my personal life, I’ve always tried to adhere to principles of honesty and integrity, seeing them as essential to my interactions and relationships. However, this week’s lessons underscored that these individual values scale up significantly to impact entire civilizations. It’s fascinating to see how ethical decision-making in leadership, governance, and communal life shapes the broader social fabric, promoting justice, equity, and harmony. One of the most striking concepts discussed was the idea that civilizations thrive on ethical governance and fair laws. This principle reminded me of the importance of the 'Rukun Negara', Malaysia’s national philosophy, which includes principles like belief in God, loyalty to the King and country, and the supremacy of the constitution. These principles are not just lofty ideals but practical ethical guidelines that aim to ensure societal harmony and national unity. In my community, we have certain unwritten rules that everyone follows. For instance, respecting the peace during certain times of the day, especially during religious prayers, is a norm that fosters mutual respect. Similarly, showing deference to elders by listening attentively and valuing their advice is a practice that, while simple, contributes to social cohesion and respect for heritage. Comparing this to my travels and observations in other cultures, I notice varying degrees of ethical influence. For example, during my stay in Japan, I observed a profound sense of respect and order that permeates daily life. The Japanese concept of 'wa' (harmony) and the ethical principle of 'kaizen' (continuous improvement) are deeply ingrained in their civilization, influencing everything from business practices to social interactions. It’s a testament to how a strong ethical foundation can lead to a well-functioning and progressive society. This week’s course content has made me realize that for a civilization to thrive, there needs to be a collective commitment to ethical principles. It’s not just about having laws but about cultivating a culture where these ethical values are lived and practiced daily. This understanding has motivated me to reflect on my own actions and how they contribute to the ethical landscape of my community. For instance, in my professional life, I’ve faced situations where ethical dilemmas arise. In a competitive environment, the temptation to cut corners or engage in unethical
behavior can be strong. However, understanding the broader impact of these choices has reinforced my commitment to integrity. Upholding ethical standards, even in challenging circumstances, sets a precedent and contributes to building a trustworthy and fair professional environment. In conclusion, this week’s exploration of ethics and civilizations has deepened my understanding of the crucial role that ethics play in societal development. It has highlighted that our actions, guided by ethical principles, significantly impact the wellbeing and progress of our civilization. As I move forward, I am inspired to actively promote and practice ethical behavior, understanding that these values are the bedrock of a harmonious and prosperous society.