Tea meeting with UTAR President

Prof Chuah giving advice to students at the Sungai Long and Kampar Campuses

Graduands of the August 2017 Convocation had the opportunity to receive advice and wisdom from UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik at tea meetings held at Sungai Long Campus on 16 February 2017 and Kampar Campus on 22 February 2017.

Also present at the tea meetings were Faculty of Accountancy and Management Dean Dr Sia Bee Chuan, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Dean Prof Ir Dr Goi Bok Min, Faculty of Creative Industries Dean Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, and Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP) Head Foo Wai Wai at the Sungai Long Campus, while at the Kampar Campus were Faculty of Science Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Gideon Khoo, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Tan Kok Tat, Faculty of Arts and Social Science Dean Dr Alia Azalea, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Dr Cheng Wai Khuen, Faculty of Business and Finance Dean Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Institute of Chinese Studies Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Ling Liong Ngo, and Foo once again.

“Convocation is not only a celebration of your success, but also for your parents and families as well. Make sure to share your joy and success with them and treat them well,” advised Prof Chuah. He reminded the final year students to be courteous and respectful to their parents and families during the ceremony, and also advised them to dress decently for the ceremony.

Prof Chuah further offered tips and advice as they begin building their future careers. Citing a JobStreet survey, he said unrealistic salaries; poor character, attitude or personality; weak communication skills and command of English; as well as being picky about jobs were the top reasons why graduates are unable to gain employment.

Students intently listening to Prof Chuah

“You may have the necessary foundation, but it’s not enough to succeed in today’s globalised and competitive world. You need to continuously seek and learn new knowledge, discover new insights and differentiate yourself from your peers,” he said.

Citing UTAR graduates’ successful employment with Huawei United Arab Emirates (UAE), Prof Chuah said every success story is a tale of constant adaption, revision and change. “You need to be adaptable to new situations, new environments, new people, so that you can achieve success.”

“Especially when you are starting a career as a professional, remember to be a good subordinate and team worker, learn to continuously develop yourself, prioritise the company’s goals, be ethical and if needed, exit the company in a graceful manner with no strained relationships with your employers,” he added.

Lastly, Prof Chuah reminded the students to keep the university’s guiding principles in heart as they journey into their next phase of life. He also shared how contributions from people of all walks of life helped the university’s development in the past, with hopes that the graduands will do the same in future.

The tea meeting not only served as an effort to sustain a strong network with the alumni community, but was equally important for the graduands to be informed on the alumni association’s role in helping students stay in touch with the university after graduation. The graduands were briefed by DARP and the Department of Student Affairs before having the opportunity to interact with the president and other VIPs.