UTAR celebrates its 25th Convocation

Graduands marching their way to Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik 

UTAR welcomed a total of 2,451 new graduates into the family of UTAR alumni at the UTAR’s 25th Convocation ceremony held from 18 to 20 August 2017 at the Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik of Kampar Campus. It was a three-day celebration of the graduands’ hard work, determination and their dedication to the ideals of UTAR.

Graduands and their parents at the UTAR 25th Convocation

Prof Chuah advising the graduands on the importance of lifelong learning

UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik said, “As we are all well aware, the world is changing. And it brings to mind an interesting quote by William Pollard about the inevitability of change. He said, ‘Without change, there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable’. The sweeping change that is brought on by technological advancements and also globalisation will have far-reaching effects, and it will most definitely bring disruptions to the labour market. Some jobs may cease to exist while others may grow or come into existence. Therefore, it is crucial for those going into the labour market or already in the labour market to shift their mindsets. It is imperative that we are aware of what is happening, not only around us but also across the globe. If not, we may wake up one day and realise that we have been swept aside by the tides of change, losing relevance.”

Prof Chuah also advised that, “Your journey of learning does not end here. Your graduation is not an end but it is part of a larger journey of life. All the accomplishments you have achieved during your course of study in the University are just starting points in the race of life where you participate to gather further achievements. Your graduation serves as the launching point that projects you to your future endeavours. There will be many other launching points in your life’s journey that will propel you further. I hope you will recognise them and excel towards personal growth and success in your career ventures.”

He further explained to the graduating students that, “In the scholarly circle of life, one group enters and another group graduates. The incoming freshman class comes in with the great potential to learn and to grow, to expand her sense of individuality alongside an expanding set of experiences. In turn, the graduating seniors go out with great potential to advance their career aspirations and contribute to the society. As members of the academic community, we stand in awe of this process and that is the true meaning of convocation. As graduates, you will also enter a different circle of life, one of family and career. Do remember that like all circles, they come back to you. So do uphold good values and practice good ethics to live your life responsibly in order to make the world a better place for those around you. Learn to appreciate people and learn from them. People can teach so much that books cannot do.”

UTAR Registrar Yim Lin Heng leading the Chancellor’s procession

A total of 2,451 graduands from 88 programmes comprising 65 Bachelor (Hons) degree, 21 Master’s degree and two PhD programmes, received their convocation scrolls in four sessions held over the three-day period. The Convocation also celebrated the academic accomplishments of the pioneer batches of graduates from the following programmes: Master of Arts Communication from the Faculty of Creative Industries and Master of Science (Computer Science) from the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology.

Of the 2,451 graduands, two received their PhDs, 68 received their Master’s degree and 66 received their Honours Degree with Distinction, while the rest received their Bachelor Honours with Merit and Bachelor Honours degree.

Tun Ling declaring the opening of Session One of the Convocation

Tan Sri Ting declaring the opening of Session Two of the Convocation

The Session One of the Convocation was declared open by the UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik; Session Two was declared open by the UTAR Council Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh; and Session Three and Four was declared by Prof Chuah. Also present at the ceremony were other UTAR Council and Board of Trustees members.

Guests of Honour, clockwise from top left: Tan Sri Chor, Dato’ Seri Ong, Datuk Hong and Tan Sri Lim

The Guests of Honour for the four sessions of the Convocation were Director of Tenaga Nasional Berhad and the Commissioner at Malaysian Aviation Commission Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Chor Chee Heung for Session One, Minister of International Trade and Industry II of Malaysia and UTAR Council Member Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Chuanfor Session Two, Chairman and Founder of Top Glove Group of Companies Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai for Session Three, and UTAR Council Member Ir Academician Datuk Hong Lee Pee for Session Four. The scroll presenters for Session One were Tan Sri Chor and Tan Sri Ting; Session Two was Dato’ Seri Ong; Session Three were Prof Chuah and UTAR Council Member Hew Fen Yee, and Session Four was Hew again.

Tan Sri Chor said in his speech that, “My message to you all is in essence, stated in this quote from Henry David Thoreau, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined”. Yes, it is now time for you to live your dreams and aspire for the life you have imagined in all your youthful days. Your journey as a student has ended and now you will begin to live your own life; no longer regimented by your class timetable. It’s an exciting life for you ahead and you must continue to keep learning and be humble to learn from others. People around us can teach us so much but we must be open to see and learn. The knowledge acquired and lessons learnt in life are more meaningful if we experience it ourselves and they become our guide to future endeavours. Be bold to face the life’s journey ahead and always think twice and weigh the consequences before you take on any risks. There are positive outcomes for cautious decision-making.”

He added, “I encourage all of you to dare to dream, go where you want to go, and be what you want to be, but on the right moral path and in a good way. I believe there is a bright future waiting for those who dare to pursue their dream. Many successful entrepreneurs started their life with a dream to succeed and that was their springboard to success later in life. Many successful people had big dreams when they were young - Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Robert Kuok, Jack Ma; just to name a few. But of course, they pursued their dreams relentlessly through sheer hard work and determination and a keen foresight. Success is never free and easy. It’s a lifelong journey of discovery, mistakes after mistakes, disappointments and eventually through lessons learnt, you become better and sharper.”

Dato’ Seri Ong in his speech motivated the graduands, “Be strong and do not lose courage and always keep up your courage. Courage is not the absence of fear. It’s about being true to you. It’s about holding on to what’s right and holding on to the good in the darkest of the night. It’s about holding the hand that needs help, holding close the weak and the worn. Standing to fight a battle you might lose because there is simply too much at stake. When that time comes, I wish for you the integrity to make the tough choices and the courage to ask others to stand with you.”

He added, “The fireworks begin today for all of you. Each degree is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse. Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom. Every person is the architect of his or her own future. Your imagination is your preview of lives coming attractions. It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. They say that it is not what you possess in life, but how educated you are; that matters most in life. It is the best tool in life to go ahead. Therefore, dear graduands, please bear in mind that the purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one. Take pride in how far you have come. Have faith in how far you can go and enjoy the journey and keep learning.”

Tan Sri Lim enthused, “A degree is important but a degree alone will not guarantee success. You also need to equip yourselves with social and interpersonal skills. All business is competitive especially international business. These skills will enable you to compete in the international arena, as employers are always looking for talents who are competent, articulate, multi-skilled, and multi-lingual. Thus, I highly encourage all of you present today to continue to learn and improve throughout your life because learning is a never-ending journey. I am a strong advocate of continuous learning and improvement.”

He added, “In my company, Top Glove, I have even made this part of our Quality Policy: Continuous improvement and innovation are our duties. Today, Top Glove is the world’s largest rubber glove manufacturer.  But number one is not forever.  Becoming number one is hard but to sustain number one and our “world’s largest” position is even harder!  Even when you have achieved success, you must continue to work harder, smarter and faster, so you can remain number one.  At Top Glove, we also have a company motto: Must Know, Must Do and Must Teach. ‘Must Know’ is where you are now: You have acquired knowledge and graduated. ‘Must Do’ means you must then apply your knowledge and skills effectively and be a positive contributor to your company, society and country. And finally, ‘Must Teach’ means you must share your knowledge, skill and experiences with others in order to move up the value chain of your company, society and country.”

Last but not least, Datuk Hong in his speech, elucidated, “As you strive to fulfil your dreams and partake a more adventurous journey in the next stage of your life, I urge you to keep reading and learning new skills in addition to your current achievements. It is of great importance to remember your responsibilities towards the society and to bear in mind how the people, society and nation have helped us to accomplish today’s achievements. Hence, I hope you will all continue to strive for continual improvements, share your expertise with your fellow juniors, and contribute your knowledge to your nation.”

He added, “I would like to share with you the main contributing factors in “Innovation and Forward Planning”, to the success and achievements in career and life. Innovation, particularly Science Technology and Innovation (STI), is one of the important pillars supporting the development and thriving of a state, a nation and an enterprise. It also plays an important role in the survival of a state, a nation and an enterprise. To be successful in your career life, one should plan forward and position yourself at an early age. Unlike dreams, ambition and aspirations, forward planning or career positioning is a strategic mapping of your career development path. It involves the selection of the right fields; clear target setting; planning with clear directions and strategic action plans, and most importantly have strong conviction and determination to follow through.”

Tan Sri Chor presenting the scroll to Public Relations graduate Chong Jia Ying

Tan Sri Ting presenting the scroll to Banking and Finance graduate Kok Yong Le

Dato’ Seri Ong presenting the scroll to Chemical Engineering graduate S. Vishahan

Prof Chuah presenting the scroll to Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery graduate B. Hezron 

Hew presenting the scroll to Accounting graduate Ang Chyh Kun

Kuan Teik Hua, a graduate of the Master of Engineering (Electrical), said, “To be a good leader is by working hard because eventually, people will appreciate your effort.” Established his own company, KL Automation Engineering Sdn Bhd, Kuan said to be a successful entrepreneur is to start early, as being an entrepreneur takes a lot of practice and even more hard work is needed. He added, “Malaysia has a lot of potentials and with education, success is made easier and possible.”

Another high achiever was Ong Sing Hui, a graduate of Master of Science from the Faculty of Science. He said, “UTAR’s education has helped me to build confidence, become more prepared, and by participating in extra-curricular activities, it also nurtures soft skills and leadership skills.” He advised the juniors to be determined, persevere, never give up, and trust their abilities.”

Third from left: Tan Sri Chor, Tan Sri Ting and Prof Chuah with some graduates of Session One

Third from left: Hew, UTAR Board of Trustees Member Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lee Oi Hian, Tan Sri Ting, Dato’ Seri Ong and Prof Chuah with some graduates of Session Two 

Fourth from left: Prof Chuah and Tan Sri Lim with some graduates of Session Three

Prof Chuah (middle) with some graduates of Session Four

With the addition of 2,451 graduates from this 25th Convocation, the number of the University’s alumni now stands at 50,506 since its inaugural convocation in 2005.

Master of Psychology (Industrial and Organisational Psychology) graduate Tan Ting Ying with her colleagues from the Department of Psychology of UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science

Graduates of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences smiling with their professors

Graduates in jubilant mood 

From left: Psychology students Rebecca Pang Sing Vun and Soo Jun Wei; and Foundation student Veronica Pang Syn Ni singing Aku Negaraku

From left: Public Relations graduate and Marketing alumna singing The Shining Light

From left: Microbiology alumna Yang Shun Kai, Syn Ni and Sing Vun singing Aku Negaraku

From left: Finance student Tay Jor Jun and Psychology student Xaviera Yih singing How Far I’ll Go and Zhang Sheng Xiang Qi respectively

From left: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery students Kho Siew Jiuan, Kong Eu Jinn, Foo Fook Yew and Lim Sue Chee singing Aku Negaraku

From left: Yang and Foo singing Baba Mama

From left: Yang, Foo and Chemistry student Lim Vi Xuen singing Aku Negaraku

From left: Lim, Chemistry student Tan Ie Huang and Tay singing The Shining Light

Graduates throwing their mortarboards in the air