President welcomes new students

UTAR Department of Student Affairs (DSA) of Kampar and Sungai Long Campuses, and UTAR Kampar Campus Registration, Campus Tour and Mass Call (RCM) Committee successfully organised an orientation ceremony at both Kampar and Sungai Long Campuses on 23 and 24 October 2023, respectively.

UTAR October 2023 intake students with Prof Dato’ Ewe (centre), the senior officials, deans, deputy deans, SRC members and RCM committee at Kampar Campus

UTAR October 2023 intake students with Prof Dato’ Ewe (centre), the senior officials, deans, deputy deans, SRC members and RCM committee at Sungai Long Campus

Held as part of the Orientation programme for October 2023 intake, the orientation ceremony was conducted for new students to meet the University President, the senior officials, as well as, the deans and deputy deans.

Attended by more than 1300 new students from both campuses, the orientation ceremony was graced by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat.

Orientation ceremony for October 2023 intake students

Prof Dato’ Ewe welcoming the new students

In his welcome speech at the mass call, Prof Dato’ Ewe warmly welcomed all the freshmen and introduced UTAR as a place full of opportunities, which will not only enrich their lives as undergraduates, but also provide them with valuable life experiences. In conjunction with the mass call ceremony, Prof Dato’ Ewe also delivered a talk titled “Your Academic Journey in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and AI Era”.

In his talk, Prof Dato’ Ewe introduced the new students to the vision and mission of UTAR. He explained that UTAR, guided by its vision to be a global university of educational excellence, is highly reputed as one of the fastest-growing private higher education institutions in the country. Apart from vision and mission, Prof Dato’ Ewe also urged the new students to embrace the six UTAR philosophical values of Virtue and Morality, Knowledge and Intellect, Physical and Mental Health, Sociality and Humanitarianism, Aesthetics and Harmony, and Creativity and Innovation. He advised the new students to be ethical, professional, sociable, active in building their human network, creative, be involved in sports, and innovative, in order to gain a complete university experience.

Prof Dato’ Ewe advised, “In University, balance is the key. Work smart from the beginning of the semester, and do not procrastinate. University is a learning environment, in which students must take responsibility for thinking and applying what they have learnt. Though it comes with challenges, University life is still exciting and entertaining. In order to adapt to the transition, students must understand and recognise the different teaching styles, testing, and grading.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe offering advice to the new students at Sungai Long Campus

In addition to that, Prof Dato’ Ewe also touched on the importance of human networking and extracurricular activities. He said, “Besides performing academically, students should participate in extracurricular activities organised by student clubs and societies, in order to lead a balanced academic life, and also to become an all-rounder. Do take the opportunity to build networks with your seniors, lecturers, and students from other faculties. Hard work, determination, full concentration, and self-discipline are the key secrets to earn a successful university experience.”

Furthermore, Prof Dato’ Ewe’s speech also focused on the aspects of the technology revolution and its roles in education in the future. He said as we embarked on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, technology plays a central role in nearly all aspects of people’s lives. Therefore, in order to prepare the talent needed for the digital economy, education must adapt fast as the demand for digital skills is growing and evolving. Prof Dato’ Ewe also emphasised on the importance of higher-order thinking skills, multiple intelligences, and creativity among university students to further improve and equip themselves with the 21st-century skills.

He further advised, “On top of that, the academic journey in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved significantly in response to the growing importance of AI technologies. The academic journey in the AI era is not static. It requires continuous learning, adaptation, and a passion for exploring the frontiers of AI technology. Additionally, soft skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication, are also vital for success in this field.”

Lai sharing valuable advice with freshmen at Kampar Campus

Student Representative Council (SRC) Kampar Campus 2023/2024 Vice Chairperson Lai Young Chi welcomed the new students and advised, “Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world. Education equips individuals with knowledge and skills, enabling them to make informed decisions and take control of their lives. It empowers people to improve their circumstances, overcome obstacles, and pursue opportunities.” She added, “Embracing diversity in campus life is a fundamental principle for creating inclusive and enriching educational environments. Diversity encompasses a wide range of characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic background, abilities, and more.”

She concluded, “Embracing diversity in campus life is not just a moral imperative; it's also an educational and societal benefit. It helps prepare students for the complexities of the world, promotes tolerance and understanding, and enhances the overall educational experience.”

Lim, inspiring the students to pursue their beliefs, with his own study experiences at UTAR

SRC Sungai Long Chairperson Lim Kwong Yau said, “Be brave to step out of your comfort zone; good academic result alone is not a way to success. University is not only about attending classes and earning degrees. It is about stepping out of your comfort zone, meet more people, and gain more memorable experience. I firmly believe you will gain different insights.” He added, “Be brave to try something new in your university life, and become extra ordinary among the people around you. Find a fighting position, where you can contribute to changes in this campus, society, country, and even the world. Joining clubs and society, and the SRC, are great platforms that surely make you different and better than others. I believe you will be the future leader in your own way.”

Also present at the mass call were UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Science Dr Lee Lai Meng, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun, Dean of Faculty of Business and Finance Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Deputy Dean of Faculty of Information and Communication Technology Dr Choo Peng Yin, Deputy Dean of Faculty of Science Dr Gideon Khoo, Deputy Dean of Institute of Chinese Studies Dr Ling Liong Ngo, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Dean Academician Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Deputy Dean (Student Development and Industrial Training) Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, Faculty of Accountancy and Management Dean Dr Pok Wei Fong, Faculty of Creative Industries Dean Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, Deputy Director of Centre for Foundation Studies (Kampar Campus) Phang Ying Ning, Centre for Foundation Studies (Sungai Long Campus) Head of Department (Department of Management and Accountancy) Goy Ling Ling, SRC Kampar Campus Vice Chairperson Lai, SRC Sungai Long Campus Chairperson Lim Kwong Yau,, Kampar Campus Orientation Ceremony Manager Helmi Nafiz Lee bin Hanif Lee and SRC Sungai Long Campus Orientation Ceremony Manager Liew Khai Hang.

Freshmen taking their oath