UTAR welcomes new students

UTAR welcomed 1,228 freshmen at its January 2017 Orientation held on 8 January 2017 at Sungai Long and Kampar Campuses. The ceremony capped a week of activities aimed to help freshmen adjust to campus life.

Prof Chuah giving some advice to the freshmen

“Your past achievements during secondary school do not guarantee similar results in the university,” said UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik. “You’ll have to put in extra effort, focus, time and hard work in order to succeed,” he continued.

Freshman taking the oath during the Mass Call

He also encouraged them to participate in sports, activities by student clubs and societies as well as international student exchange programmes. “These activities will help you to develop soft skills that are essential to help you navigate your academic and career life,” he advised.

“Your experiences on campus are part of your education and essential to how you transfer your new knowledge, interests, passion and skills into your daily life. Always remember to keep learning, embrace change and be brave enough to step out of your comfort zone to venture into new areas with a proactive attitude,” he continued.

The freshmen were briefed on various university policies, rules, procedures, personal safety, and information on financial assistances, as well as campus facilities, events, activities, clubs and societies.

Freshman listening to a safety briefing

Other activities in the programme were a city tour around Kuala Lumpur, a blood donation campaign, and recruitment for peer mentoring programme and talent time programme.

“I chose UTAR because it offers the Physiotherapy programme at a very reasonable price,” said Ivan Ho Heng Kit. He added that the university’s qualifications are well recognised by the industries.

A group of freshmen taking a wefie