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.

The ceremony aimed to create special memories for UTAR graduates and their families and give them a reason to celebrate and be joyful of their achievements, despite the pandemic and the postponement of the physical convocation ceremony.

With the intention to celebrate the occasion together, the ceremony saw university partners, industry partners, special guest, faculty members, alumni, students and university management coming together to put up a brilliant coordinated event for the UTAR graduates.

The occasion also witnessed UTAR university and industry partners, namely 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 Executive Officer of Mango Media Sdn Bhd Ge Yamei, 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 congratulating the graduates.

Vice President of Renmin University of China Prof Du Peng said, “On behalf of Renmin University, it is my great honour to send you our best wishes in this video at your e-convocation. The graduates of 2021 have experienced unprecedented times despite all the difficulties brought by the pandemic you have successfully completed your studies through great efforts. Congratulations. May you continue your life journey with courage, wisdom and noble character and may each of you have a bright future and glorious youth ahead.”

Professor of Business, Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts Prof Jens Morchel said, “In 2019, I was in UTAR Kampar Campus and I was deeply impressed by the two bronze sculptures which were Albert Einstein and Confucius playing chess together. It was situated on the Campus. These sculptures symbolise the relationships between Asian and European countries. Well, Albert Einstein happened to be a German and I want to quote him here and he said, ‘Genius is one per cent talent and 99 per cent hard work.” You had to put in a lot of hard work in earning your degree over the years. I know this from our exchange students who visit Malaysia every year and they said to me it is not easy to succeed in your school. Well, you have succeeded and you can be proud of this. As you have completed your education, you have an asset to show off. For the years to come, I wish you all the best and success in your personal and professional lives. Good luck and God bless you.”

President of Aichi Gakuin University Prof Hiromichi said, “On behalf of Aichi Gakuin University, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the graduates today. Well done, congratulations and best of luck to you on the roads ahead. Thank you.”

President of Tzu Chi University Prof Ingrid said, “Tzu Chi University and UTAR are sister universities. Both provide fine educations to bring up our next generation of excellent global citizens. Please keep learning after you graduate and use your professions to help those who are in need. So, you can broaden the horizons and transform other lives with your own life. Congratulations on achieving your milestone.”

Vice President of Wenzhou Medical University Prof Jin said, “It is my honour to speak to you at this very moment. Please accept my heartiest congratulations. Today is a milestone for you as a graduate of UTAR. I am sure that you are prepared to go out into the world to make a career for yourself. Set your sights and overcome the challenges. You are going to accomplish even more and contribute to the community and the world in future.”

Deputy Chief Executive Officer Public Bank Berhad Dato’ Chang said, “On behalf of Public Bank, it gives me great honour to convey my heartiest congratulations to UTAR’s graduating class of March 2021. This is a special moment not only for graduating students but also for the families, the lecturers and all those who have nurtured and assisted them along the way. In today’s competitive and unpredictable environment, a well-educated and trained workforce is the market differentiator and that is why the culture of continuous learning is highly advocated at Public Bank. Public Bank Founder Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow firmly believes that learning is the foundation of progress. It is also the reason for the meaningful partnership between Public Bank and UTAR. A partnership that aims to promote excellence and encourage the development of high calibre graduates who are capable, ethical and employable. Indeed, Malaysia’s well-being depends on each succeeding generation to be prepared to confront the future world and its challenges, in particular, we must have a generation of young Malaysians possessing not only ability and drive but the passion, tenacity of purpose and ethical values. Remember young leaders, the future is yours, the opportunity to excel is in your hands. Take the challenge to paint the canvas and create your own picture and in doing so make your University proud, make yourself proud, and of course, make your parents proud. With that, I wish you the best of luck and success in all your future endeavours.”

CEO of Camfil Malaysia Sdn Bhd Mark Simmons said, “I’m very pleased to be part of this event today and I want to take this opportunity to wish you a bright future and good luck in your continuous endeavours. He also thanked UTAR for the fantastic and committed collaborations between both institutions.”

Chief Executive Officer of Mango Media Sdn Bhd Ge Yamei said, “I would like to wish everyone a prosperous and bright future upon your graduation.”

Chief Financial Officer Greatech Integration (M) Sdn Bhd Koay said, “First of all, congratulations to all of you, you should be very proud of yourself. Firstly, graduates have to explore various fields before taking the plunge into the one that they are passionate about. In your job-seeking, the priority should not be the monetary reward from the job. The interest in the job must come first because you will be spending one-third of your life in it and it is important to ensure that you land into the right field. Never stop learning and make reading a habit. The day we stop learning is the day we chose to stop growing. Congratulations and best wishes for your next adventure.”

Last but not the least, General Manager of Daikin Research and Development Centre Sdn Bhd Lim said, “You have just reached a new stage of your life. For the next five or ten years, give all you can on whatever you will be doing. Never stop learning, never stop growing. Opportunity will always be knocking on the doors of those who are ready. Build a strong foundation that will propel you further and higher at the later stage of your life. Moving on you will constantly face challenges along your way. When you are in a difficult situation always ask yourselves what is the right thing to do, always follow the right path before taking the right and conscious actions. Lastly, always stay happy. Congratulations on your graduation, go out there and soar like an eagle.”