Engaging Tea-Talk with UTAR President at UTAR Sungai Long Campus

On 11 July 2024, final-year students at UTAR had the unique opportunity to engage in a Tea Talk session with UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat at the Sungai Long Campus. The session, centred on career exploration and life guidance, provided the graduating students with inspiring advice and invaluable insights from the President, setting a positive tone for their future endeavours.

Prof Dato’ Ewe giving encouraging advice to the students at Sungai Long Campus

During the session, Prof Dato’ Ewe discussed the rapidly evolving nature of artificial intelligence (AI) and the essential skills students need to thrive in the professional world. He emphasised that employers consistently seek two main qualities in employees: a willingness to learn, indicative of a growth mindset, and a good attitude. He pointed out that regardless of one’s expertise, an inability to work well in a team or unethical behaviour could negatively impact the entire company. Thus, employers highly value employees who exhibit both a growth mindset and empathy.

Students listening to the President’s speech

Concluding the session, Prof Dato’ Ewe urged students to continuously pursue learning and stay updated with the latest developments in their careers. He shared an inspiring quote, emphasising that the key to outstanding achievement lies not in talent alone but in a unique blend of passion and persistence. He highlighted that many successful individuals achieve greatness not just through talent, but through the consistent application of their skills.

After the Tea-Talk session, a Q&A session was held, which saw the students asking various questions to the President, deans, and deputy deans of UTAR. These questions ranged from technical questions to questions about working life in general. Following the Q&A session, the DARP gave a presentation on the range of services offered and the essential information about their convocation, such as the Do and Don’ts, and matters related to alumni relations.

Staff from different departments and faculties giving advice from their perspectives and fields of expertise

The attendees at UTAR Sungai Long Campus were Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Dean Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) Dean Prof Dr Thong Meow Keong, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Ir Dr Gobi Vetharatnam, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Sr Dr Chin Hon Choong and students.