The Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP) organised a Tea Meeting with UTAR President on 3 July 2023 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus and 5 July 2023 at Kampar Campus. The meeting aimed to provide final-year students with information regarding the current market and technology trends, ways to increase employability, interview tips and postgraduate programmes offered at UTAR.

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato' Dr Ewe Hong Tat started his speech by emphasising the drastic development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) nowadays. He explained some titles and professions of the future such as bio-system engineer, visual ergonomics, cyber-librarian and data miner. While explaining the novel lexicon of professional titles, he enthused, “The first time I got to know some of the emerging titles, I was confounded too. However, I got to know some of them via UTAR alumni and self-exploration. They are interesting modern professions born in response to AI and future technology. Hence, don’t be afraid of the new titles. You should learn and explore more because they might be the job for you.” He also shared some next-wave technologies such as brain connectome, big data analytics and the Internet of Things. To tackle future challenges, Prof Dato’ Ewe encouraged students to equip themselves with skill one: Adaptability and continuous learning and skill two: Mental balance and emotional intelligence.

Other than that, Prof Dato’ Ewe gave some tips on writing CVs to the students. He recommended students to include some skills in their CVs, including transferable skills, job-related skills and adaptive skills. He also listed the top 10 skills of 2025 which consists of analytical thinking and innovations; active learning and learning strategies; complex problem-solving; critical thinking and analysis; leadership and social influence; technology design, and programming. “When preparing your CVs, you should write about your experience in extra-curricular activities in detail. It will not only show the companies of your experience and skills, but also your potential in the workforce,” added Prof Dato’ Ewe on writing an effective CV.

Speaking of employability, Prof Dato’ Ewe shared the top five reasons for fresh graduates’ unemployment, which included asking for unrealistic salary; being choosy about the job or company; displaying poor character, attitude and personality; having poor command of the English language, and having poor communication skills. Besides, he also shared some details to take note of during an interview. He said, “Research the company and show your genuine passion and interest towards it. The company will recognise your resolution. You should not be afraid of trying because the future will always be unknown. What we can do is try to be confident and well-prepared for the challenges.”

Present at Sungai Long Campus were UTAR President Prof Dato’ Ewe, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Dean Dr Pok Wei Fong, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Assoc Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Dean Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) Deputy Dean for Research and Development and Postgraduate Programmes Prof Dr Alan Ong Han Kiat and Department of Chancellery Head Lim Swea Jen.

Meanwhile, present at Kampar Campus were UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Dean Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun, Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Kuah Yoke Chin, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Ts Dr Cheng Wai Khuen, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Ling Liong Ngo and UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia (UAAM) President Simon Chong Weng Yeap.