The new students of June 2023 intake were welcomed with an orientation ceremony at both UTAR Sungai Long Campus and Kampar Campus. Organised by the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) and the UTAR Kampar Campus Registration, Campus Tour and Mass Call (RCM) Committee, the orientation ceremony at Sungai Long Campus was organised on 19 June 2023, while the ceremony at Kampar Campus was organised on 21 June 2023. The ceremonies saw around 500 students and 300 students in attendance respectively.

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Ewe Hong Tat welcomed the new students with a concise introduction to the urbanised campus—Sungai Long Campus, as well as its nature-surrounding counterpart—Kampar Campus. Besides, the students were enlightened on the culture as well as the structures of UTAR such as the mission and vision of UTAR, the Six Educational Pillars of UTAR, industry partners; and the faculties and departments.

In his speech, Prof Dato’ Ewe spoke on the students’ academic journey in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), saying, “In today’s working world, there is an increase in demand for knowledge workers who are empathetic and possess a growth mindset, as they are able to embrace challenges and persevere in the face of failure. Thus, this highlights the need for students to learn and acquire 21st-century knowledge and skills, including adaptability, continuous learning and emotional intelligence. Not only that, obtaining other skills such as job-related, transferable and adaptive skills will be extremely beneficial in securing a job when entering the working world.”

As the atmosphere in the hall grew solemn, filled with ears listening to the assortment of academic topics, Prof Dato’ Ewe stopped for a moment and offered his words of encouragement and advice to the young students, providing a slight push to the reserved students. The hall instantly burst into a chain of soft chatters as the students tried to break the ice by initiating casual conversations with their newfound friends located just beside them. “You should enjoy learning new things and meeting new friends because university life is something that a lot of people would remember and cherish,” enthused Prof Dato’ Ewe.

“Excelling in academic study is important, but you should always know when not to stress yourselves and bring about physical and mental harm. Remember to always take good care of your health by exercising and eating a balanced diet. If you are unable to manage your stress level, why not talk to your friends or family? Besides, UTAR has also established the Centre for Healthy Minds and Wellbeing. It offers free counselling service to all the UTAR students, so you should make good use of it,” Prof Dato’ Ewe advised.

The Student Representative Council (SRC) Chairpersons of both campuses offered their thoughts regarding transitioning into university life. In her remarks, SRC Sungai Long Chairperson Wong Shi Kar said, “Throughout your campus life, I encourage all of you to take this opportunity to broaden your perspectives by joining the various clubs and partaking in many extra-curricular activities. By doing so, you will be able to keep a healthy lifestyle while balancing your studies. You can also accumulate different experiences, which will be extremely useful in contributing back to society once you graduate.”

Meanwhile, SRC Kampar Chairperson Chu Min Wei said, “Everyone has their own learning personalities. Hence, you should not be afraid of any uncertainties, and keep on pursuing your ideas throughout your academic life. In today’s rapidly globalising world, possessing the ability to think critically is one of the most valued skills. I encourage each and every one of you to participate in more extra-curricular activities organised by UTAR, as UTAR incorporates critical thinking into its soft skills as one of the core elements. Not to mention, it also enriches your university experience and widens your social networks. I wish you all a memorable and unforgettable experience at UTAR!”

Guided by the ceremony helpers, the students rose with their right arms raised, and began the customary oath-taking. As the sonorous voices of the oath faded out, the rhythm of the national anthem and the singing voices faded in, followed by another round of singing of the UTAR Song, “The Shining Light”.

A new interactive session was also held for the first time during the orientation ceremony, where the freshmen had the opportunity to resolve their inquiries through a Q&A session. When asked about the availability of boat service in Kampar Campus, Prof Dato’ Ewe commented, “We don’t have boat service in our campus, because the lakes in the campus are very deep due to their past purpose as tin mines. However, we were successful in turning the tin mines into talent mines.” Aside from that, the students were enlightened on various information related to UTAR programmes and structures during the Q&A session.

The students were also encouraged to participate in a survey to gain feedback on making various improvements on the campuses.
Moreover, a fun quiz with the students was also held during the interactive session. Excitements were roused among the students as they pulled out their phones to engage in the light-hearted session. The top five winners were awarded prizes.

Also present at the orientation ceremony were Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Assoc Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Dean Dr Pok Wei Fong, Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Dean Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Dean Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun, Faculty of Information and Communication (FICT) Dean Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue, Faculty of Science (FSc) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) representative Dr Lee Siew Keah, Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) of Sungai Long Campus Director Melissa Stefanie Netto, CFS of Kampar Campus Director Ts Tan Lee Siew; and Orientation Ceremony Managers Tan Yong Ge and Tan Jo Fang.

To watch the highlights of the Orientation Ceremony and the Talent Time shows at Sungai Long and Kmapar Campuses, please click the following links:

Sungai Long Campus

Orientation Ceremony:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sfs22S_RIvI

Talent Time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aQnbRDj3-g

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@utarnet/video/7247755729426189569

Kampar Campus

Orientation Ceremony:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl1FqnKRq4Q

Talent Time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9Jk3X9cNCE

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@utarnet/video/7247756020804570369