IBTIKAR USIM | JUN 2019

B U L E T I N P E N Y E L I D I K A N D A N I N O VA S I U N I V E R S I T I S A I N S I S L A M M A L AY S I A 3 3 However, not only are research works devoid of the elements of faith, published Islamic academic works tend to be fragmented according to the different Islamic knowledge disciplines. Thus, it is now timely that scholars in the fields of usulluddin, fiqh, syariah and tasawwuf in collaboration with those in quranic and hadith studies offer a holistic spiritual dimension when researching these contemporary issues. USIM academics should seize this opportunity to spearhead a counter narrative to the neoliberal, entrepreneurial and ivory tower models. This will set us apart from the pack. Virtually Visible Building and nurturing an online academic network is no longer a luxury in a post-COVID-19 world. Attending conferences, especially overseas, will be limited due to the lack of funds but opportunities will abound too. Webinars and seminars, which have flooded the virtual scene during this pandemic, have somewhat levelled the playing field. There are now plenty of chances to participate in large expensive conferences that would otherwise be unaffordable. Where feet had dragged previously, the transition towards online teaching and assessment was almost immediate. Today, just three months into the crisis, academics including senior professors have upgraded their digital skills and successfully produced a substantial amount of learning resources. The switch to PhD/Masters viva online is another new development which was once resisted by many academics. Chairing and maneuvering these sessions require very different skills compared to the traditional face-face sessions. These skills are now an added advantage which can be used to produce do-it-yourself videos to highlight research accomplishments to be broadcast on social media platforms such asYouTube, LinkedIn andFacebook. Becausemanyacademics, regardless of location, are now on the same page, these platforms can also be used effectively to exchange ideas and enhance collaboration between researchers. Respected Intellects Academics must be mindful of their triad responsibilities of teaching, research and community engagement. Though understandably the degree of participation can vary, they do not have the luxury of picking just one over the other. Writing, critical thinking and research management, analytical and presentation skills, all hallmarks of research, are important traits that academics must possess to be effective educators of university students. While active participation in mainstream and social media augur well for the visibility of academics and the university, academics must seriously