UTAR’s second e-Convocation went live on YouTube at 10.30am on 20 March 2021. This e-convocation not only celebrated the graduation of its 2,606 students; but also saluted the contributions of staff, students, alumni and partners, especially the frontliners during this period of the pandemic. It was a heartwarming video of gratitude, recognition, celebration and achievements; a memorable e-convocation that was enjoyed by all, not just the graduates.

This e-Convocation had close to 2,100 views on YouTube within the first hour; with many fellow graduates, their family and friends sending congratulatory messages and emojis to each other on YouTube Chat. On the third day after going live, there were more than 17,000 views on YouTube and the number of views is increasing daily.

The graduates of the March 2021 convocation are from a total of 92 programmes, comprising 64 Bachelor’s degree, 23 Master’s degree and five PhD programmes. Due to the pandemic, the physical convocation ceremony had to be postponed and UTAR graduates can choose to attend the next physical convocation ceremony within the next three years. The dates for the next physical convocation will take into consideration the guidelines and instructions given by the Government of Malaysia depending on the Covid-19 pandemic that impacts the safety and health of staff and students on campus.

The highlights of the e-Convocation ceremony are presented below in summary.

The ceremony began with a special welcome performance by some members of the UTAR Kampar Campus 24 Festive Drums who followed safety and health SOPs:.

Addressing the e-Convocation, UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik said, “UTAR was founded by the people for the people with a mission to be a university of excellence. We have always had a strong commitment to contribute to society, to embrace new initiatives, and to engage with the community. I encourage you to continue this tradition of excellence, to blaze your own trail and to make a positive impact on society. In completing your degree at this difficult time, you have already demonstrated your resilience and resourcefulness. You will be remembered in the years to come as a very special graduating class. I am confident that the knowledge, skills and experiences you have acquired will serve you well, and will help you to chart a positive path forward. I extend my heartiest congratulations to all graduates and wish you all the best in your career.”

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chairman of Board of Trustees of UTAR Education Foundation Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Sak Cheng Lum enthused, “Students who are graduating today is truly a testimony to the dedication, commitment and hard work. You have come through very well and are moving forward stronger together. The past one year has been a very challenging one, both for UTAR and our students. The evolving of the new norms as the result of the Covid-19 pandemic has brought with it a lot of difficulties and the need for innovation and adaptation. To the University, it meant adopting changing SOPs, facing stress on its financial and operating budgets, providing for the needs of our students and keeping everyone safe. Our dedicated academic staff worked hard to continue to provide the best teaching to our students using new approaches and methods to ensure that UTAR’s education standards do not decline. Our students have also shown that they were able to adapt to new social norms and new learning environment while having to face the pressures and uncertainties that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought. My sincere thanks to UTAR staff, both academics and administration, for the hard work that you have all put in. My heartfelt congratulations to all graduates and your parents for graduating at a time when the whole world is facing social and economic uncertainties. Stay strong and continue to persevere and work hard. Do not forget everyone else who are in the same situation as you are in, and your opportunities to succeed and excel are still there for you to grasp. Do well in whatever you choose and make UTAR proud of you. Lastly, do not forget your alma mater, do come back and visit us from time to time in the future. My best wishes go with you.”

Adding to that, UTAR Council Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh said, “Congratulations graduates. Your university degree is a valuable asset. The rapidly changing world that we live in requires us to constantly retrain ourselves to meet our life and work ambitions. You will have to craft new career directions as opportunities emerge, and develop new knowledge and skills as your career evolves. It is likely that the jobs you will have in the future, does not currently exist, but, with the right attitude, great perseverance and belief in yourself, you can overcome new challenges and adapt to changes. I wish you all the best in life. Stay safe and healthy.”

Sharing the joy of the e-Convocation celebration, UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat sent his congratulations to the graduates of March 2021 and said, “A graduation is a memorable event, an opportunity to mark and celebrate a great accomplishment. Although we are unable to gather in person for this graduation, this does not diminish our sense of pride for our graduates. Congratulations to all graduates and your family. Your transition from students to graduates is a tremendous significance of your achievements.

Regardless of what pursuits you undertake, pursue it with passion and dedication, even though the path may sometimes seem long. Work hard, have fun, but remain sharply aware of the inevitable and perpetual changes in the world around you, and the new opportunities they create. Always remain open to new possibilities. Adopt lifelong learning as the way forward so that you can progress with the changes.

These are extraordinary times of the pandemic and you have made it through to be extra-ordinary people who are extra-resilient and adaptable to meet the new challenges that came your way. You have done well.

I sincerely hope you will remain connected to your university. UTAR is and always will be a place of interaction among extraordinary and diverse people, so please take advantage of the many opportunities to be active and engaged members of our alumni community. On behalf of all at UTAR, I extend my very best wishes and warmest congratulations. Take care and be safe.”

Following this, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Student Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang, UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman and UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong congratulated the graduates with their own messages.

Prof Yow said, “Your graduation is a big accomplishment and you have attained it. Congratulations. These are exceptional times of the pandemic. You have to be creative, determined and adaptable. These are the qualities that you will need to overcome the challenges. I am confident that you are ready for the journey ahead. Go out and show the world what you can do. Never give up on your dreams. I wish you the best of luck. Take care and be safe.”

Prof Faidz added, “Congratulations on becoming UTAR graduates. You have come this far and achieved so much. We are proud of all you have achieved. As you pursue your career, you will expand your repertoire of knowledge and skills. Do your best to showcase your talents and capabilities. Believe in yourself and seek greater achievements. We wish you success and do stay safe and healthy.”.

On the other hand, Prof Choong motivated, "Congratulations on your graduation. This occasion today holds much pride and significance for you, your family and friends who supported you along the way. Friends and family are some of your most valuable career and life assets. Be grateful for their support and do stay connected. They can be the inspiration that you need in times of challenges. Stay motivated. I wish you all the best and never give up on believing in yourself. Take care."

Among university and industry partners of UTAR who joined the e-convocation with their congratulatory messages were, Vice President of Renmin University of China Du Peng, Professor of Business, Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts Prof Dr Jens Morchel, President of Aichi Gakuin University Prof Hiromichi Hikita, President of Tzu Chi University Ingrid Y. Liu, Vice President of Wenzhou Medical University Prof Jin Sheng Wei, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Public Bank Berhad Dato’ Chang Kat Kiam, CEO of Camfil Malaysia Sdn Bhd Mark Simmons, Chief Financial Officer Greatech Integration (M) Sdn Bhd Koay Lin Lin, and General Manager of Daikin Research and Development Centre Sdn Bhd Lim Soon Kiong.

Sports international celebrity and Former Squash Champion Datuk Nicol David made a special video appearance that elevated the event with her bright smile and cheerful words of encouragement to the graduates. Many students looked up to Datuk Nicol David as their idol and this special guest appearance by Datuk Nicol David was indeed a warm and surprising treat.

The ceremony also saw the delivery of congratulatory messages and speeches by UTAR alumni, students and selected representatives of the graduates.

The highlight of the e-convocation is the presentation of the list of graduates by faculties. The Deans of Faculties delivered their congratulatory messages followed by the name and photo of every March 2021 graduate for every degree programme in each faculty.

To celebrate this event with the graduates, every UTAR faculty Dean and staff held their own meaningful online activities for their graduates during this convocation period to create memories for their graduates and to facilitate networking among fellow graduates. In addition, an e-concert was also held on the same evening of the e-convocation, showcasing the multi-talents of UTAR students to celebrate with the graduates. Adhering to the standard operating procedures of the pandemic, musical and song performances, as well as videos were recorded by UTAR alumni, students and graduates from separate locations making the online celebration very unique and truly memorable.

The e-Convocation video can be viewed from the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1NQ6mwm2GM