A proud moment for 2,736 graduates

It was a jubilant and life-changing occasion for 2,736 graduates of UTAR when they received their respective postgraduate and undergraduate degrees at UTAR’s 28th Convocation. The graduates celebrated their academic achievement together with dignitaries, lecturers and staff from UTAR at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in Kampar Campus from 8 to 10 March 2019. The graduation ceremony was a three-day celebration of the graduand’s perseverance, determination and their dedication to the ideals of UTAR.

Graduands marching their way to Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik 

A total of 2,736 (Session 1 – 702; Session 2 – 649; Session 3 – 693; Session 4 – 692) graduands from 92 programmes comprising 65 Bachelor (Hons) degrees, 19 master’s degrees and eight PhD degrees, received their convocation scrolls in four sessions held over the three-day period. Of the 2,736 graduands, 13 received their PhDs, 74 received their master’s degree and 67 received their Hons degree with Distinction, while the rest received their Bachelor Hons with Merit and Bachelor Hons degree.

Graduands and their parents at the UTAR 28th Convocation

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

Prof Chuah declaring the opening of Session Three and Four of the Convocation 

UTAR Registrar Yim Lin Heng leading the Chancellor’s procession

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

Guests of Honour, clockwise from top left: Dato’ Tan, Prof Ahmad Fadzil, Dato’ Seri Wong and Dato’ Gan

The Guests of Honour for the four sessions of the Convocation were Consultant in Neurology Department of University of Malaya and Member of Board of Trustees of UTAR Education Foundation Prof Dato’ Dr Tan Chong Tin for Session One, President and Group Chief Executive of SIRIM Berhad Prof Ir Dr Ahmad Fadzil Mohamad Hani for Session Two, Chairman of Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Perak Branch and Executive Chairman of Ngan Yin Food Industries Sdn Bhd Dato’ Gan Tack Kong for Session Three, and Chairman of Malaysian American Electronics Industry (MAEI) and E&E Productivity Nexus (EEPN) Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai for Session Four. The scroll presenters for Session One were Tun Ling for PhD graduates, Tan Sri Ting and Dato’ Tan; Session Two were UTAR Board of Trustees Member Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lee Oi Hian and UTAR Council Member Datuk Lim Si Cheng; Session Three were UTAR Council Member Datuk (Dr) Oh Chong Peng and UTAR Board of Trustees Member and UTAR Council Member Datuk Lee Leck Cheng; and Session Four were UTAR Council Member Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Chor Chee Heung and UTAR Council Member Hew Fen Yee.

Tun Ling (right) presenting the scroll to Doctor of Philosophy graduate Tee Peck Ling

Tan Sri Ting (right) presenting the scroll to Master of Philosophy (Social Science) graduate Tan Jian Heng

Dato’ Tan (left) presenting the scroll to Bachelor of Communication (Hons) Public Relations graduate 
S. Kugganesh

Tan Sri Lee (right) presenting the scroll to Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) Accounting graduate Siti Farahdeena binti Ahmad

Datuk Lim (left) presenting the scroll to Bachelor of Science (Hons) Software Engineering graduate Koh Chee Xiang

Datuk (Dr) Oh (right) presenting the scroll to Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons) graduate Lee Kar Weng

Datuk Lee (left) presenting the scroll to Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduate Rebecca Loh Shu Ji

Tan Sri Chor (right) presenting the scroll to Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English Education graduate 
P. Thanushini

Mr Hew (left) presenting the scroll to Bachelor of Science (Hons) Microbiology graduate Goh Yi Xian

In his commencement address, Prof Chuah congratulated the graduands and explained to them that the graduation was the culmination of a long and challenging, however, ultimately rewarding journey. He said, “Having completed your formal education, armed with a degree and obtained the relevant skills, there is much more to learn from this point onwards. Unlike in the university where your schedule is dictated by your programme, from now onwards, you are the master of your own time and actions, and your future is very much dependant on your decisions. Therefore, this is now the time to really reflect on your principles of life and the values you want to live by, both at work and at home.” He added, “While many employers are focusing on qualifications, knowledge and experience, as it has always been traditionally; I personally feel that the x-factor and the significant differentiator for personal success and recognition is to practise professionalism and ethics while remaining morally upright in all aspects of your work and life. You need to adopt good values that you believe in and follow a path of ethical practices that will eventually command the respect of those around you, and that will let you live a life of dignity with confidence and peace so that you can focus on being successful and achieving your goals. The thoughts that you possess, the actions that you do and the consequences of these two, affect not only yourself but those around you as well and for a much longer period of time than you expect.”

Prof Chuah also inspired, “The world, as we know, is changing rapidly: its technology, its climate, its social structure and boundaries. It takes little predictive capacity to know that your generation is now the world’s FIRST truly global generation. You are living in an increasingly mobile and permeable world. Make no mistake, the force of globalisation will be the greatest determinant of your time and your children’s time on Earth. We are entering into a Fourth Industrial Revolution shaped by advanced technologies from the physical, digital and biological worlds that combine to create innovations at a speed and scale unparalleled in human history. To adapt to this revolutionising landscape, you have to ensure that you are lifelong learners and comprehend the speed and enormity of what is going on around us not only in the country but the world over.”

Dato’ Tan in his speech congratulated the graduands and motivated the graduands with the theory of servant leadership by Robert Greenleaf. He quoted Greenleaf and described, “A great leader is seen as a servant first, and that simple fact is the key to his greatness. Leadership is bestowed upon a man who is by nature a servant. Leadership is also something given and that could be taken away. However, the servant nature is the real man, not bestowed, not assumed, and not to be taken away. He enthused, “Most of you will work in some existing institutions after the graduation, whether it is corporate or public, commercial or not-for-profit, large or small. The reasons for the existence of the institutions are to serve and fulfil human needs. If you are an entrepreneur and want to start a new venture, the core consideration is to identify some unfulfilled, real human needs and try to solve it. As most of you are likely to work in a business environment, I’ll share an interesting observation on Greenleaf’s priority between serving the customers and the workers. His own priority is the workers where the workers must feel that work is meaningful and it is not just for a living.”

Prof Ahmad Fadzil in his speech inspired the graduands by sharing his life journey and emphasised, “Lifelong learning is the continued educational experience that helps engage the brain, improve physical activity and maintain healthy social relationship. Lifelong learning can boost your self-confidence because it is an added bonus to your existing capability, competency, experience and skills gained as students. In later years, apart from the professional knowledge you acquire through work, lifelong learning also will help you absorb good practical skills such as handling the finances, improving communication skills, as well as basic computer skills. It assists us to understand the “why” and “what” from our previous successes and failures, thus helping us understand ourselves better. The key is to never give up. You should see yourself as a “product” in progress. To make yourself an “exclusive product” that is relevant at all times, especially in the oncoming era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, you need to have that enthusiasm to keep learning.”

Dato’ Gan in his speech enthused, “Now, on this special day, your life will take another exciting turn that will navigate you to many different paths. There will be opportunities for you to chase your dreams; chances for you to pick up new skills; platforms that allow you to unleash your potentials; occasions that enable to extend your social circle; people who inspire you and teach you lessons. Likewise, anticipate challenges ahead of you. There is no need to be worried about the future. Obstacles enrich your experience as you grow to develop a better self; uncertainties and anxieties are normal feelings but you need to believe in yourself. All you need to do is to take the rough with the smooth as they are all important junctures that all of us have to experience and learn something out of them in order to develop oneself.” He added, “In addition to that, you also need to equip yourself with the right skills. Technological skills are most relevant in this ever-changing borderless world, where information is so easily spread and accessible everywhere. With technological changes and the oncoming Fourth Industrial Revolution, there will be new opportunities for business and career development. We must be alert when new opportunities arise and be sure to seize them.”

Last but not least, Dato’ Seri Wong in his speech, elucidated, “Today I wish to share with the graduands the five (5) C’s strategy. The 5 C’s that I want you to remember and practice are Change, Competitiveness, Communication, Character and Choice. Please expect changes in the business environment, the companies’ expectations of you, challenges that you face in your career, family and everything that you do. You need to respond with a positive attitude, be agile and adaptive to the changes. It is a competitive world. Be hungry for success, don’t be complacent. Challenge the status quo. Be a team player, you cannot do everything yourself. Build a competitive team. Make your communication clear, concise and precise. Keep it simple and sweet and communicate with empathy.” He added, “Conduct business with ethics and integrity and practise the same in your life. It also means doing what is right even when nobody is watching. Honesty is gold. It is important to build trust and respect with all the people who work with you, be it your manager, peer, subordinate or the community.You always have a choice. Don’t ever say that ‘I don’t have a choice’. If your choice does not work out, then make a new or different choice. It is not the end of the world; you can always make a fresh start.”

Photo: Courtesy of Sin Chew Daily

From left: Fatin Shahira binti Rohaizan, Brian Kueh Shi Hua, R. Balu, Tee Peck Ling, Tan Foong Yee, Tun Ling, Prof Chuah, Tan Sri Ting, Dato’ Tan, Saw Chee Koon and Goh Jing Yi

From left: Lee Jye Lyn, Lee Hooi Fung, Looi Chia Wei, Chow Jenn Pang, Chen Yin Hou, Chee Xiang, Prof Chuah, Tun Ling, Prof Ahmad Fadzil, Tan Sri Ting, Datuk Lim, Tan Sri Lee and Hew 

From left: Jye Lyn, Hooi Fung, Looi, Prof Chuah, Chow, Chen and Chee Xiang

From left: Datuk (Dr) Oh, Catherine Chua Khay Ting, Rebecca Loh Shu Ji, Khoo Sheng Hsuan, Dato’ Gan, Tun Ling, Prof Chuah, Datuk Lim and Datuk Lee

From left: Chua, Loh, Khoo, Chong Hou Yaa, Prof Chuah, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Dean Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng, Tan Zi Yann, Lee Kar Weng, Nor Aiza binti Khairulanuar and Anith Arina binti Abdul Aziz

From left: Datuk Lee, Tan Sri Chor, Toh Jia Ni, Chew Sue Na, Lee Jia Hong, Yi Xian, Beh Min Er, Dato’ Seri Wong, Tun Ling, Prof Chuah, Liew Siong Hian, Elvin Koay Jing Lin and Hew

Mak advising fellow graduates to be determined

Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) graduate, Mak Vee Jin in her graduation speech said, “Thank you UTAR for helping us develop the right skills and practical knowledge which have been proven of its use in our work. Every end is a new beginning, today is maybe the last day for some of us as students in UTAR. But, I believe the real challenge will only begin from today onwards and we should never relax. We must use the same spirit that we have shown in the past, the sacrifices that we have made and the sleepless night that we have endured; I believe these are our key secrets to our destinations.” 

Lee sharing his memorable experiences with other fellow graduates

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Materials and Manufacturing Engineering graduate, Lee Haozhe in his graduation speech shared his memorable experiences throughout his four years of journey at UTAR. He also thanked his family and friends, course mates, lecturers and professors for their unconditional support and guidance in making the journey possible.

Loh thanking UTAR for giving him the best platform to excel

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Mechatronics Engineering graduate Loh Kin Huat in his graduation speech said, “I would like to express my utmost gratitude to my lecturers and parents for their assistance throughout my journey at UTAR. I might not be the best as you expected but I hope I had made you proud today, with that, I would like to say “I love you all”. Thanks, UTAR for giving me such a great education platform to achieve greater heights in society.” 

Liew advising the fellow graduates to be thankful to parents, family members and friends

Bachelor of Marketing (Hons) graduate Liew Siong Hian in his graduation speech said, “First of all, I would like to congratulate all my fellow graduates. Thank you very much, my wonderful parents, for your unconditional love and support and for giving me the chance to be independent in this world. To UTAR management, lecturers and staff, thank you for providing a great learning platform and passing all the knowledge and skills throughout my years at UTAR.”

With the addition of 2,736 graduates from this 28th Convocation, the number of the University’s alumni now stands at 58,868 since its inaugural convocation in 2005.

Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) Psychology graduate S. Ravitra Sri with her family members

Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) Psychology graduate Davinder Jit Singh a/l Madan Jit Singh with his family members 

Graduates in jubilant mood   

Mace bearers, clockwise from top left: Psychology student R. Thanusha, Accounting student Ong Jun Xiang, Electronic Engineering student Foo Yue Yan and Chinese Studies student Yin Shiqiang

From left: Psychology graduate Rebecca Pang Sing Vun and Public Relations student Veronica Pang Syn Ni singing Setia and Because You Loved Me

From left: Public Relations student Esther Koh Khai Qi, Biotechnology student Ong Yee Yang and Computer Science student Huang, Songjiang singing Fu Qin

From left: Koh and Psychology student Chong Qi-Qi singing Kita Punya Malaysia

From left: Chong and Marketing student Sam Jett Shi singing BFF

From left: Ong and Biochemistry student Ng Min singing Baba Mama

From left: Ng, Koh and Chemistry student Lim Vi Xuen singing The Shining Light

From left: Lim, Ong and Ng singing Setia

 From left: Chemistry graduate Tan Ie Huang and Lim singing The Shining Light 

Chinese orchestra performance 

UTAR Philharmonic orchestra performance