Statement on the Passing of the Late Mr. Edwin Michael from Kampar Daily

11 August 2025

Kampar Daily, on behalf of the Faculty of Arts & Social Science of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), the Department of Journalism, and the academic community, notifies with the bitterest grief to all colleagues, students, alumni, and friends that Mr. Edwin Michael, esteemed lecturer of the Department of Journalism, Faculty of Arts & Social Science of UTAR, passed away suddenly of a heart attack on 8 August 2025 while in the midst of his devoted service to the cause of education, the advancement of journalistic excellence, and the well-being of the Kampar community.

He devoted his entire life to the advancement of journalistic education, the pursuit of academic excellence, and the nurturing of future generations of media professionals. With unwavering energy, he worked day and night for the growth of UTAR, the success of his students, the strengthening of his colleagues’ bonds, and the betterment of the Kampar community. His passing is an immeasurable loss to the Department of Journalism, the Faculty of Arts & Social Science, and all who had the privilege to know him.

The late Mr. Edwin Michael was a pillar of academic integrity and an unyielding champion of truth in journalism. His scholarly works enriched the field, his lectures inspired critical thought, and his mentorship cultivated not only skill but also the ethical backbone essential to the profession. Through his warmth and generosity, he fostered a strong comradeship among colleagues, making the Department of Journalism not just a workplace but a family.

His steadfast support for Kampar Daily was a testament to his belief in the power of independent, community-centered journalism. He offered guidance, accreditation, and encouragement, helping to elevate the platform as a credible and vibrant voice for Kampar.

Beyond the university, his spirit of socialism-driven community service touched the lives of countless citizens. Whether through organizing initiatives, engaging in civic discussions, or offering his expertise freely, he lived by the principle that knowledge must serve the people.

His untimely departure at a moment when journalism in Malaysia is entering a new era—an era of rapid digital transformation and renewed civic responsibility—is a loss not only to the academic fraternity but also to the community and the nation.

Arduous is the road ahead for the Department of Journalism, the Faculty of Arts & Social Science, and the Kampar community without his guiding presence, and deep is the sorrow that fills our hearts. Yet no challenge can shake our resolve to uphold the mission he championed. Under the collective commitment of his colleagues, students, and the Kampar Daily, we will turn our grief into strength, overcome the present trials, and work tirelessly toward fresh achievements in the field of journalism and in service to society.

Our comrades, students, and readers will forever hold the late Mr. Edwin Michael in the highest esteem, with unshakable faith in the principles he embodied and a noble sense of moral obligation to carry forward his vision. True to his example, we will neither falter nor delay in our pursuit of truthful reporting, academic rigor, and community service. We will resolutely defend the standards he set, preserve his undying contributions, and ensure they shine for all ages.

Though the heart of Mr. Edwin Michael has ceased to beat, his noble image, his benevolent mentorship, and his glorious record of service will be eternally remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. His legacy will remain an enduring source of inspiration in the halls of UTAR, in the spirit of Kampar Daily, and in the wider community he so dearly loved.

《金宝日报》谨代表拉曼大学（UTAR）艺术与社会科学学院、新闻系及学术界，向全体同事、学生、校友和朋友们致以沉痛的哀悼。拉曼大学艺术与社会科学学院新闻系尊敬的讲师Edwin Michael老师，于2025年8月8日因心脏病突发而逝世。他毕生致力于新闻教育事业的发展、追求卓越的学术成就以及培养未来的媒体人才。

他以坚定不移的热情，日夜操劳，为拉曼大学的发展、学生的成功、同事之间的友谊以及金宝社区的福祉而努力。他的逝世对新闻系、人文与社会科学学院以及所有有幸认识他的人来说都是巨大的损失。

已故的Edwin Michael老师是学术诚信的栋梁，也是新闻界真理的坚定捍卫者。他的学术著作丰富了新闻领域，他的讲座激发了批判性思维，他的指导不仅培养了技能，也培养了该职业至关重要的道德支柱。他以热情和慷慨，在同事之间建立了深厚的同志友爱，使新闻系不仅仅是一个工作场所，更是一个大家庭。

他对《金宝日报》的坚定支持，证明了他对独立、以社区为中心的新闻力量的信念。他提供指导、认可和鼓励，帮助该平台成为金宝可靠而充满活力的声音。

在大学之外，他以社会主义为主导的社区服务精神感动了无数公民的生活。无论是组织倡议、参与公民讨论，还是无私奉献专业知识，他始终秉持着知识服务人民的原则。

在马来西亚新闻业迈入新时代——一个快速数字化转型和公民责任重塑的时代——之际，他的英年早逝，不仅是学术界的损失，也是社区乃至国家的损失。

如果没有他的指引，新闻系、艺术与社会科学学院以及金宝社区的未来之路将充满艰辛，我们心中充满了深深的悲痛。然而，任何挑战都无法动摇我们秉持他所倡导的使命的决心。在他的同事、学生和《金宝日报》的共同努力下，我们将化悲痛为力量，克服当前的考验，不懈努力，在新闻领域和服务社会方面取得新的成就。

拉曼大学全体在校同志们、学生和读者将永远对已故的Edwin Michael老师怀有崇高的敬意，对他所秉持的原则坚定不移，并肩负着崇高的道德责任，将他的愿景传承下去。我们将以他为榜样，在追求真实报道、严谨学术和社区服务的道路上，永不动摇，永不拖延。我们将坚定捍卫他所树立的标准，传承他不朽的贡献，并确保它们在各个时代都熠熠生辉。

虽然Edwin Michael老师的心脏已停止跳动，但他高尚的形象、仁慈的指导和辉煌的服务记录将永远被所有有幸认识他的人铭记。他的精神将永远激励着拉曼大学的学子们，激励着《金宝日报》的精神，激励着他所深爱的广大社群。

我们怀念他。 Statement by: Hiroki Loh Shington