The 40th Convocation of UTAR, held from 11 to 13 April 2025 at its Kampar Campus, was a significant celebration of academic achievement, personal growth, and new beginnings.

A total of 2,256 graduates, comprising 2,183 bachelor’s degree graduates and 73 postgraduate recipients, marked the completion of their academic journey, a testament to UTAR’s commitment to nurturing future-ready talents for an evolving world.

The convocation not only celebrated academic success but also emphasised UTAR’s evolving academic landscape, with new programmes producing their first cohorts of graduates. These milestones reflect the university’s dedication to offering quality education that adapts to industry demands while equipping students with both knowledge and values to lead with confidence and compassion.

The convocation saw graduates from 117 programmes, with 78 Bachelor (Honours) degrees, 29 Master’s degrees, and 10 PhDs being conferred. While the postgraduate achievements were certainly notable, the core of the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the undergraduate cohort. Graduates from a wide range of fields including Accounting, Business and Economics, Actuarial Science, Mathematics and Process Management, Agriculture and Food Science, Arts, Social Sciences and Education, Creative Industries and Design, Engineering and Built Environment, Information and Communication Technology, Life and Physical Sciences, and Medicine and Health Sciences, were honoured for their academic achievements, each representing a unique journey of resilience and personal growth.

Among the notable highlights of the 40th Convocation was the graduation of the first cohort from the Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF), with graduates completing degrees in Healthcare Management, Risk Management, and Public Administration. Similarly, the first group of graduates from the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology in the Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours) in Digital Economy Technology programme marked another milestone, demonstrating the university’s responsiveness to industry trends.

These graduates are part of a cohort whose achievements are not only reflected in academic grades but in the skills, experiences, and perspectives they have gained throughout their time at UTAR. The university’s educational model has been shaped to produce professionals who are ready to adapt and lead, prepared for the rapidly changing demands of the modern workforce.

Session One of the Convocation was declared open by UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik; Session Two was declared open by UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees Member and UTAR Council Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh; Session Three and Four were declared open by UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Sak Cheng Lum.

The guests of honour for the four sessions of the Convocation were Vice Chairman of Strategic Initiatives for HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad Datuk Richard Lee Say Tshin; Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of ALC International Sdn Bhd, and Executive Council Member of Economic Club Kuala Lumpur Tan Sri Rainer Althoff (P.S.M); Founder of One PerCent Advisory and Coaching Mr Yeoh Chen Chow; and Group Managing Director of Tomei Consolidated Bhd, and President of The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia Datuk Ng Yih Pyng.

Also present at the ceremony were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees Member Datuk Lee Leck Cheng.

UTAR Hospital Board Chairman and UTAR Council Member Ir Academician Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Chuah Hean Teik also attended the convocation together with UTAR Council Members Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Datuk Lim Si Cheng, Dato’ Ng Wan Peng and Mr Hew Fen Yee.

Honouring a visionary leader and philanthropist

The convocation also witnessed the conferment of the UTAR Honorary Doctor of Social Science on Dato’ (Dr.) Low Tuck Kwong, a distinguished entrepreneur and visionary leader in the energy sector, widely recognised for his significant contributions to the growth and development of the natural resources industry.

A Singapore-born Indonesian businessman, Dato’ (Dr.) Low is the Founder and President Director of PT Bayan Resources Tbk. His strategic leadership and commitment to sustainable practices have propelled the company’s success. Under his guidance, PT Bayan Resources Tbk is known for its operational efficiency and logistical excellence.

Beyond his business acumen, Dato’ (Dr.) Low is highly regarded for his philanthropic efforts. He strongly believes in giving back to the community to the best of his ability. His generosity has had a profound impact on the development of education and healthcare in Malaysia, particularly through his substantial donations to UTAR and UTAR Hospital.

Dato’ (Dr.) Low’s contributions to UTAR have been instrumental in supporting the University’s student scholarship programmes, enabling many deserving students to pursue higher education regardless of their financial background.

Words of inspiration for graduates

The President, filled with delight, delivered a heartfelt speech to those in attendance. Prof Dato’ Ewe in his speech advised, “Your future is an unwritten story shaped by the choices you make. Along the way, you’ll face social expectations, peer pressure, and differing opinions, but taking risks, learning from mistakes, persevering, and adapting will make your journey memorable. Eventually, your experiences may inspire others in their struggles. In tough moments, appreciate the support of your family and loved ones. Stay humble, keep learning, and remain curious. This journey is yours, and the world is yours to explore.”

The guests of honour in all four sessions delivered speeches to motivate and inspire the graduates.

Reflecting on his journey, Session One’s guest of honour, Datuk Richard Lee, inspired the graduands with his speech, saying, “I began my education in a Chinese school in Betong, a small town in Sarawak, and eventually earned my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Malaya in 1975. Throughout my 16 years of education, seven of those years were spent at a mission school run by European missionaries. I was deeply influenced by four Confucian values that have guided me throughout my life— propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame. These values, which emphasise respect, justice, incorruptibility, and moral accountability, have remained my lifelong principles, both in life and in my professional journey with HSBC.”

He continued, “Although the world has changed drastically since I first joined HSBC in 1975, with typewriters replaced by digital platforms and discussions shifting to AI and the green economy, certain values remain constant. Among them are adaptability, relationship-building, perseverance, integrity, lifelong learning, and staying true to one’s values. These are the foundations that continue to shape not only successful careers but also meaningful lives.”

Session Two’s guest of honour, Tan Sri Rainer, congratulated the graduating students and reflected on the deeper meaning behind the convocation ceremony. He remarked, “Convocation is more than just a well-deserved celebration of your hard work and perseverance. It is a proud recognition of your growth and a moment of joy for those who have supported you—your families, friends, and mentors. It marks both the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, filled with limitless possibilities.”

He encouraged graduates to reflect on their journey, adding, “As you embark on your personal and professional paths, take with you the knowledge and skills you’ve gained and the cherished memories you’ve made. These are your living assets—valuable, yet requiring continual refreshment through lifelong learning to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive and globally connected world.”

Tan Sri Rainer also shared, “I hope to serve as a bridge-builder to your future success. It is a long bridge, and lifelong learning will be your constant companion along the way. As you move forward, remember these key takeaways: embrace lifelong learning, be open to change, understand the power of data, and cultivate resilience.”

Session Three’s guest of honour, Mr Yeoh, delivered an inspiring message to the graduating class, stating, “Today marks the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another. In many US universities, this session is called ‘Commencement’, a fitting term, as you are stepping into a world that is changing at an unprecedented pace. From the rise of AI to the challenges of climate change and shifting global dynamics, the road ahead is full of both challenges and incredible opportunities.”

Offering a candid reflection on his own journey, he shared, “Some of you may have a clear path ahead, while others might still be figuring things out— and that’s perfectly okay. When I graduated, I had no job offer and had to give up a place at Stanford University due to lack of funding. I never got to live my Silicon Valley dream. But what matters most is that you possess the most powerful tools: the ability to learn, unlearn, relearn, adapt, and lead with purpose.”

He also reminded graduates that setbacks are part of the process, adding, “Resilience is built in moments when things don’t go as planned. When the company I co-founded, Fave, raised USD20 million, people saw the success, but not the 61 rejections before that. I didn’t give up, and neither should you. The world doesn’t need perfection; it needs bold thinkers, problem-solvers, and individuals with the courage to challenge the status quo.”

Session Four’s guest of honour Datuk Ng expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class and reminded them to acknowledge the many individuals who supported their journey. He said, “Take a moment to express your gratitude to those who have stood by you, your dedicated professors, mentors, and tutors whose commitment has shaped your growth, and your families whose love, sacrifices, and encouragement have been the unwavering pillars behind your success. This moment is as much theirs as it is yours.”

He further acknowledged UTAR’s role in nurturing talent, noting, “In the business world, we greatly value the pool of talent developed by excellent institutions like UTAR. The University continues to be proud of its alumni, who are making significant strides across various industries.” Encouraging graduates to treasure their university bonds, he added, “Cherish the friendships you’ve built during your time here. These connections can grow into meaningful professional networks that open new doors and opportunities.”

Concluding his speech with a powerful reminder, he said, “True success isn’t just about climbing the ladder for yourself, it’s about the impact you make in your community. Let us strive to create a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and equitable by contributing meaningfully and helping those in need.”

As the convocation ceremony concluded, the overarching theme of graduate readiness and leadership was clear. UTAR’s 40th Convocation celebrated not just academic success but the preparedness of its graduates to step into a rapidly changing world. The graduates leave UTAR equipped not only with academic credentials but also with the critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience required for leadership roles.

As the graduates begin their next chapter, they join a growing community of over 89,000 UTAR alumni contributing across diverse sectors. The university’s continued expansion of academic offerings and student development opportunities reaffirms its mission to prepare graduates not only for the workforce but for meaningful roles in society.

UTAR’s 40th Convocation stands as a proud reminder of its vision to develop holistic individuals— resilient, future-oriented, and ready to shape a better tomorrow.