A mass call to welcome the newcomers of the January 2023 intake was held on 1 February 2023 at UTAR Kampar Campus by the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) and the UTAR Kampar Campus Registration, Campus Tour and Mass Call (RCM) Committee. The Mass Call in Sungai Long Campus was held on 30 January 2023.

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat welcomed the freshmen with a speech and a talk titled “Your Academic Journey in the 4th Industrial Revolution and AI Era”. He first introduced UTAR to the students and highlighted that UTAR’s six pillars of education emphasise the importance of education with human values. The six educational pillars are Virtue and Morality; Knowledge and Intellect; Physical and Mental Health; Sociality and Humanitarianism; Aesthetics and Harmony, and Creativity and Innovation.

He then elaborated on the technological revolution and evolution of the economy that occurred over the centuries and to the present time. He highlighted that in the 4IR, there is a need for knowledge workers with a growth mindset and empathy. “A growth mindset is having the belief that intelligence can be continuously developed, and it brings out the desire to learn. A person with a growth mindset also embraces challenges and perseveres in the face of setbacks. They also learn from criticism and they see efforts as the path to mastery. Individuals with a growth mindset are also able to find lessons and inspiration from others’ successes and they are able to reach high levels of achievements,” said Prof Dato’ Ewe. He also advised students to keep a good attitude, expand their knowledge, possess good values, and equip themselves with essential skills.

While explaining the 21st Century Learning framework, he said that the framework highlights the need for students to acquire content knowledge and 21st-century themes; possess information, media and technology skills; life and career skills as well as learning and innovation skills. He also mentioned that the World Economic Forum has listed 21st-century skills which are divided into three categories, namely foundational literacies— students’ abilities in applying core skills to everyday tasks; competencies— students’ approach to complex challenges; character qualities— students’ approach to their changing environment. He highlighted to students that problem-solving skills, self-management, working with people, and technology use and development will be among the top skills required by students in 2025. Hence, he advised students to be equipped with the skills for adaptability and continuous learning, besides maintaining mental balance and emotional intelligence.

He also added, “In enriching students’ university life, we always encourage them to perform academically well with hands-on experience, develop soft skills, participate in clubs and societies, and contribute to society.” Students were also strictly advised to stay away from any illegal and immoral acts and to always prioritise safety and security through awareness and prevention practices.

Students were also enlightened on the importance to be equipped with transferable skills, job-related skills and adaptive skills. They also understood that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a special blend of passion and persistence, called grit. Next, Prof Dato’ Ewe reminded students to learn to differentiate matters that were truly important and urgent. Lastly, he advised students to maintain good health by exercising and maintaining a balanced diet.

Meanwhile, Student Representative Committee Kampar Chairperson Chu Min Wei said in her speech, “When you step into the university, the unknown may make you anxious and a little uneasy, however, we will learn to adjust to this phase of life. What we will be, depends on how we think, and the way we think will shape the future that we wish to see. Although you may feel worried about adapting to this new environment, if we continue to work hard and do our best to achieve the best result, everything will eventually pay off. We all seek for a better health and better environment, and to achieve this is to be the change that we wish to see in our future. Therefore, it is good for us to participate in soft skills events that will help us in our university life, social life, and work.”

Also present at the mass call were Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Faculty of Arts and Social Science Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng, Faculty of Business and Finance Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Dr Peter Tan Sin Howe, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology Dean Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue, Faculty of Science Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Tan Kok Tat, Institute of Chinese Studies Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) Kampar Director Ts Tan Lee Siew and Mass Call Manager Aireen Tan.