Curating Connections

Budi, a profound concept that courses through the heart of Malaysian society, stands as a testament to the enduring power of kindness, wisdom, and ethical conduct. Its origins trace back to the Sanskrit Buddhi - meaning intellect or wisdom. Yet, Budi is not confined to the intellect; it is the moral compass of the Malaysian soul, intertwining the virtues of compassion (budi penyayang), generosity (budi baik), and discernment/tolerance (budi bicara). These virtues shape the budiman - an individual whose actions reflect these deep-rooted values, whose life embodies the spirit of wisdom.

Budi is not merely a static concept; it is a living philosophy that guides social interaction and nurtures the collective spirit of a community. As illustrated in this year’s UiTM Global Goals report, by linking Budi with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we reveal a path where local wisdom connects with global aspirations. Here, Budi becomes more than a guide for personal behavior; it transforms into a beacon for collective global progress, illuminating the way toward a more harmonious world.

Through the lens of visual storytellers, the essence of Budi unfolds as a mosaic of Malaysian kinship that resonates with sustainability and echoes across all 17 SDGs. Budi is not a passive cultural relic; it is a dynamic force, enriching heritage while playing a vital role in building a sustainable future. This philosophy found its voice in the 2019 UiTM Curated Ads Campaign, which won Bronze in the International TV Commercial category at the prestigious QS World Rankings for Asia-Pacific universities. In that campaign, Budi conveyed how education reconnects the self to the universe, demonstrating how Budi’s message of kindness, empathy, and sustainability transcends national boundaries and speaks to the universal human condition. Through Budi, we are reminded that the values we cultivate within ourselves hold the potential to shape a more peaceful and sustainable global society.

Evoking Emotional Resonance through Visual Storytelling

This report is more than a collection of facts and figures; it is an intricately woven narrative that blends thoughtful language with evocative visuals, inviting readers to engage on both emotional and intellectual levels. By invoking emotional resonance, the report extends Budi’s values to the audience, urging them to explore Malaysian wisdom from cultural and scholarly perspectives.

Moreover, visual storytelling plays a crucial role in bridging the timeless wisdom of Budi with contemporary global challenges, particularly those outlined in the SDGs. Through the careful process of Collect, Care, Curate, and Communicate, every element of this report whether image, text, or data, serves as a reflection of the essence of Budi, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Photographers, including UiTM staff, students, and alumni from the Selangor Puncak Alam, Perak Seri Iskandar, and Melaka Lendu campuses, serve as visual storytellers, capturing moments of kinship, compassion, and resilience. These images do more than illustrate; they embody the heart of Budi, creating an emotional and intellectual experience that reminds us Budi is not a distant ideal but a lived reality, present in everyday actions.

A Philosophical Prism for the Future

The thematic vision of this year’s report transcends the boundaries of artistic and scholarly exploration. It offers a philosophical reflection on how cultural wisdom can guide global progress. By threading the timeless principles of Budi through the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, the report does more than tell a story; it challenges us to consider our role in creating a more sustainable, equitable, and harmonious world.

Readers are invited to deepen their understanding by exploring the curatorial essay published in “BUDI: Capturing the Essence of Malaysian Kinship through Visual Storytelling,” an exhibition curated in celebration of Malaysia Day 2024 and the UiTM Global Goals Sustainability Report. This essay provides not only a broader context but also a deeper exploration of how the wisdom of Budi serves as both a philosophical prism and an artistic inspiration for a world in search of connection, compassion, and collective responsibility.

Budi penyayang (compassion) drives initiatives that uplift the underprivileged, addressing poverty through empathetic and targeted actions.

Budi baik (generosity) inspires the sharing of resources, ensuring food security and nutrition for all.

Akal Budi (healthy mind) advocates for mental well-being and a holistic approach to health, enhancing life quality.

The concept ofbudi bicara (tolerance) underpins inclusive education, fostering environments that celebrate diversity and promote lifelong learning.

Budi bahasa/pekerti (good conduct) champions respect and equality, dismantling gender barriers and empowering all individuals.

Budi penyayang (compassion) guides efforts to provide clean water and sanitation as a basic human right, ensuring dignity for all.

Budi baik generosity) encourages the development and distribution of sustainable energy sources, advancing universal access to energy.

Akal Budi (healthy mind) promotes ethical business practices and innovation, driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Budi penyayang (compassion) ensures that infrastructure development is equitable, inclusive, and accessible to all communities.

Budi bicara (tolerance) fosters social justice and reduces inequalities by embracing diversity and promoting fair opportunities.

Mengenang Budi (gratitude) drives community-centred development that values heritage and promotes sustainable urbanisation.

Budi baik (generosity) supports sustainable consumption practices, encouraging mindful use of resources and reducing waste.

Akal Budi (healthy mind) underscores the importance of environmental stewardship and proactive measures to combat climate change.

Budi penyayang Budi penyayang (compassion) extends to the protection of marine ecosystems, advocating for the conservation of oceans and aquatic life.

Budi baik (generosity) aligns with the protection of terrestrial ecosystems, ensuring the preservation and restoration of natural habitats.

Budiman (wisdom and good-heartedness) is a cornerstone of this goal, promoting ethical governance, the rule of law, and inclusive societies.

Hutang Budi (indebtedness) acknowledges the importance of collaboration and reciprocity in achieving the SDGs, fostering global partnerships rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose.