It was an exciting week as UTAR welcomed more than 1,600 new students of the 2016 October Intake during Orientation which commenced on 9 October 2016 at both Kampar and Sungai Long Campuses. Orientation for the new students will continue until 5 November 2016. It was designed to prepare them so that they will be familiar with the campus, the university staff, and the Kampar and Sungai Long communities as they begin their journey as university students.
At the mass call, UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik welcomed the new students and inspired them to be diligent in their studies. He highlighted on the importance of English and urged the new students to master the language by communicating with it more often while on campus in order to ready themselves for their future workplace where English use predominates.
The president also encouraged the freshmen to pick up new skills such as complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management, coordination with others, emotional intelligence, keen judgment and decision making, negotiation and cognitive flexibility. Prof Chuah said, “As university students, a good human network should be built and soft skills learnt. I hope our new students talk to seniors without fear and do not feel shy when seeking help.”
Prof Chuah also advised the students to not let achievements in secondary school make them feel overconfident. “It’s nice to score straight A’s in SPM and STPM, but put them in your curriculum vitae and dedicate all your efforts into graduating with good grades from university. There’s a big difference between the public examination system and a university examination system. In university, the weightage of grades will come from every paper and every semester. You must adapt quickly to university conditions and work hard to sustain a good CGPA.”
He explained, “Besides performing well academically, you should also participate in extracurricular activities organised by student clubs and societies in order to lead a balanced academic life. Hardwork, determination, full concentration and self-discipline are key secrets to obtaining a university degree.”
Prof Chuah exhorted them to embrace the six UTAR philosophical values of Virtue and Morality, Knowledge and Intellect, Physical and Mental Health, Sociality and Humanitarianism, Aesthetics and Harmony, and Creativity and Innovation. He also counselled the new students to be ethical, professional, active in sports, sociable, creative, and innovative in order to gain the complete university experience.
The students were briefed on university policies, rules, procedures, and personal safety. Information on financial assistance including PTPTN loans was also disbursed. Various briefings on the university’s facilities, curricula, clubs and societies, events, and others were also held. Students also met their seniors, Heads of Department and Faculty Deans.
Interesting and exciting games and activities were also held to help students familiarise with the campus layout. Among the activities were a city tour, a New Village tour, several ice-breaking and tele-match activities, a blood donation and healthy lifestyle campaign, a community service project and various talks on adjusting to campus life, study skills, soft skills and careers.
Karyn Denise Dula Magno from the Philippines said, “I chose UTAR because the university is reputable and its academic standards are high, as well as because its degrees are well recognised by the industry. Besides that, the fees are affordable and my parents are able to support my education in UTAR. I hope to adapt to this new environment and make new friends in Malaysia.”
New students registering for courses during Orientation at the Kampar Campus
Students at the oath-taking ceremony at Kampar Campus
Prof Chuah addressing the new students at the mass call
Oath-taking ceremony at Sungai Long Campus
Students participating in a game
Student mentors and new students playing games at the Sungai Long Campus
A satire play at the Orientation Week
The Fashion Show at the Orientation Week’s Talent Time
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