UTAR final-year students participated in a Tea Talk session with UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat on 15 March 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, and on 20 March 2024 at UTAR Kampar Campus. The event, organised by the Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP), aimed to assist students in addressing the challenges of the professional world, cultivate a strong sense of connection with UTAR after graduation, provide updates on upcoming events and activities at UTAR, and establish an opportunity for interactions with UTAR officials.

Despite the attendance of more than 300 participants at both campuses, the sessions fostered an intimate atmosphere where students gained valuable insights and established meaningful connections for their future endeavours.

The Tea Talk sessions commenced with a presentation delivered by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat. Prof Dato’ Ewe, in his talk, emphasised the significance of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Robotics, Internet of Things (IoTs), Big Data Analytics, Quantum Computing and 5G. He highlighted the rapid advancements in AI and its implications for future careers, introducing an assortment of emerging professions like Algorithm Trader and Drone Controller to the soon-to-be graduates. With that, Prof Dato’ Ewe urged students to embrace these opportunities and emphasised adaptability, continuous learning, mental balance, and emotional intelligence as essential skills for navigating the evolving job market.

Furthermore, Prof Dato’ Ewe provided practical advice on crafting effective CVs, stressing the inclusion of transferable skills and job-related experiences. He emphasised detailing extracurricular activities in CVs to demonstrate not only skills but also potential to prospective employers. Additionally, he mentioned the benefits of exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet.

Addressing employability challenges, Prof Dato’ Ewe identified common reasons for fresh graduates’ unemployment, such as unrealistic salary expectations, being overly selective about jobs or companies, poor character, attitude, or communication skills. He stressed the importance of research and genuine interest in prospective employers during interviews, encouraging students to cultivate a growth mindset and empathy in alignment with UTAR’s educational pillars of virtue, knowledge, and social responsibility. Prof Dato’ Ewe concluded by encouraging students to embrace lifelong learning and prioritise their well-being amidst the uncertainties of the future job landscape.

“Many people asked, ‘Should I choose this company? Should I further my study? Should I work in Singapore or Malaysia?’ It is fine, it is always good to ask many questions because it shows that you care. Try to attend more career fairs and explore more job opportunities. Even if you work in a small company, you can still learn things which you might need to prepare for the future. After you think you have gained enough experience, make your best choice, but keep in mind that learning is a never-ending process,” said Prof Dato’ Ewe to the future graduates.

A Q&A session was also included in the tea talk sessions at both campuses, which saw the students posing various interesting questions to the president, deans, and deputy deans of UTAR, seeking opinions in different areas, ranging from technical to general questions.

Following Prof Dato’ Ewe’s presentation and the Q&A session, the event proceeded with another presentation by DARP, introducing students to the range of services offered, essential information regarding convocation, including guidelines and etiquette, and matters related to alumni relations. Following this, separate information sessions were conducted by each respective department, including DSA, DSFA, CEE, DPP, IPSR, CCCD, and DSSC, providing attendees with comprehensive insights into the resources and opportunities available within each department.

The attendees at UTAR Sungai Long Campus were Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Prof Dr Alan Ong Han Kiat, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) Director Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Dean Dr Pok Wei Fong and Faculty of Creative Industries Dean Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng.

Meanwhile, present at UTAR 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 Business and Finance (FBF) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Faculty of Science (FSc) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Choo Peng Yin, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Ling Liong Ngo, and IPSR Deputy Director for Kampar Campus Assoc Prof Dr Choong Yuen Onn.