UTAR Buddhist Society organises symposium on career development 

The UTAR Buddhist Society of Sungai Long Campus organised a career symposium titled “Embracing the Original Aspiration, Conquering the Future” on 18 November 2023 at Sungai Long Campus. The symposium saw more than 100 students from all across Malaysia, including those from UTAR Kampar Campus and Kings College.

This symposium marked the Buddhist Society’s first large-scale career-related event. The society’s chairman, Tan Wen Chin said, “The symposium was initiated after observing the confusion faced by tertiary students when they face career life and interpersonal relationship challenges. After six months of diligent planning and hosting a series of events, including hi-high market, the organising committee finally brought today’s symposium to fruition.”

The symposium was divided into two sessions. The first session, titled “Career planning and future prospect of industry” was hosted by Xin Yuan FM’s DJ, Mr Yang Kanghui. The session saw UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Khind Holdings Executive Chairman Mr Cheng Ping Keat as the panellists. They shared insights into the initial aspirations and future prospects of university students’ careers. Prof Dato’ Ewe reminded the students to prioritise upward and positive principles to navigate workplace challenges effectively. Mr Cheng emphasised the importance of personal development, including cognitive and learning abilities, to be more favoured in the workplace.

Front row, third from left: Mr Cheng, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Yang and Ir Dr Chee Pei Song with participants

From left: Mr Yang, Prof Dato’ Ewe and Mr Cheng sharing their insights during the symposium

The second session titled “Interpersonal relationships and work-life balance” was hosted by well-known online shopping platform presenter Mr Dennis Gan, song composer Mr Li Yingjian, registered psychologist Mr Chan Hanwee, and local artist Mr Lim Jianwen. They discussed various aspects of career planning and interpersonal relationships.

Mr Li Yingjian shared his experience leading a team of 2,000 people, emphasising the importance of communication skills and the ideal of functioning seamlessly without a leader. Mr Chan from a psychological counselor’s perspective, analysed perfectionism as a psychological condition, advocating for more tolerance towards oneself and others. Mr Lim shared his experiences of participating in the shooting of “OLA BOLA” during his university days, discussing the learning process in multiple roles.

Front row, second from left: Mr Dennis Gan, Ms Tan Wen Chin, Ir Dr Chee, Mr Lim, Mr Chan, Mr Lee Yin Chien and Ms Tham Xin Chir with participants

The organising committee expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to making this event a success, thanking everyone for their collective efforts in realising the symposium.