In conjunction with the UTAR August 2023 Convocation, a series of activities was organised to send a frisson of delight to the graduates and visitors, painting another shade of joyous atmosphere to the already memorable and merry convocation. One of the activities was the Pop-up Market organised by Unovate Centre from 18 to 20 August 2023 at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik.

Besides offering students and vendors a valuable opportunity to gain practical and hands-on experience, the pop-up market also sated the visitors’ yearning for an assortment of refreshments and creative products. The entrepreneurial spirit of the vendors reinvigorated the energy of many, touching and light-hearted sentiments flowed in the air ever so sonorously throughout the convocation among the graduates and their families and friends.

There were 21 booths in the pop-up market. They offered a variety of treats and beverages such as burrito bowls, curry puff, assorted buns, fruity bowls, tea egg, sushi, fried noodles, egg tarts, cake, herbal tea, lemonade, coffee and many others. Some booths also offered customised souvenirs such as key chains, acrylic paintings and foldable fans.

Frolicsome moments also sparked amidst the pop-up market, as some student vendors prepared unique costumes and performances to kindle laughter and ebullience among the visitors.

Amidst the lively atmosphere on 20 August 2023, a mellifluous voice graced the surroundings of Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik. As the voice, accompanied by strings of vibrant melody, travelled, visitors and graduates alike drew close to the source of the voice. At the entrance of Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Malaysian artist and Astro radio announcer Tha Jie Ying, better known as Ky Tha, gave a surprise song performance “Ru Guo Na Shi Hou Wo” (如果那时候我) to the jolly bunch, giving more colours to the last day of UTAR August 2023 Convocation.

Inspiration, passion, creativity, and entrepreneurship abounded at the UTAR August 2023 Convocation. The pop-up market has certainly brought joy and treats to not only the graduates and their kin and friends, but also the young entrepreneurs themselves.