The grandeur of academic achievement and the spirit of accomplishment filled the air at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s (UTAR) 41st Convocation ceremony, where 1,637 graduates marked the height of their educational journey.
The ceremony, held from 22 to 23 August 2025 at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in UTAR Kampar Campus, was a momentous occasion that celebrated not only individual accomplishments but also the collective success of the UTAR community. The two-day convocation was held in three sessions, with 573 graduates in the first session, 526 in the second session, and 538 in the third session.
Keng with his research supervisor Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, whose guidance shaped his doctoral journey
Doctor of Philosophy graduate Keng Teck Ee from the Faculty of Accountancy and Management shared his pride in overcoming challenges through values instilled during his journey. “My journey taught me three important lessons—expect good things and take small steps daily towards a better tomorrow, keep good friends close as they become lifelong pillars of strength, and lead with your heart because values like kindness, honesty and perseverance will never go out of style,” he reflected, adding that his supervisor’s advice to “never forget your initial aspiration” carried him through to success.
Chaw encouraging her peers to embrace their individual journeys and prioritise their well-being
Representing Session Two, Chaw Yi Vern, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English Language graduate, spoke warmly about memories forged during her years at UTAR. “From early morning lectures and late-night assignments to the joy of campus events and friendships built along the way, none of this would have been possible without our dedicated lecturers, the tireless professional staff, and, most importantly, our families whose sacrifices and unwavering love carried us through. This achievement is not ours alone, it belongs to them too.”
Teoh sharing her journey as a second-degree student, highlighting the values of action, continuous learning, and embracing new paths in life
For Teoh Soon Len, a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) graduate and second-degree student, returning to pursue her studies brought new perspectives. “I may have been called the ‘mature student’ of my class, but pursuing a second degree in physiotherapy has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. Looking back, I’ve learnt three key lessons: to choose Action over Anxiety, to seek Growth through Learning, and to always Embrace the Unknown. These values have carried me through my journey, and I hope they inspire others to take that step forward, even when the path feels uncertain.”
Datuk Sasidaran, recipient of the UTAR Lifelong Learning Award, sharing the proud moment with his wife
The convocation also celebrated the achievement of Datuk Dr (Hons) Ts Sasidaran K. Raman, recipient of the UTAR Lifelong Learning Award, who earned his Master of Engineering (Electrical) at the age of 69. “Since my background is in the electrical engineering sector, I have always wanted to establish an identity for myself. That’s why I took up this Master’s programme at UTAR, while also providing consultations to others in the field. I was strong at practical work, but when it came to theory, I had to polish myself further. Life is short, and you should seize opportunities as soon as possible,” he shared, reminding younger graduates that learning has no age limit.
Tamil Thendral celebrating his milestone with his proud parents as he pursues his dream of becoming a screenwriter in the film industry
Brimming with creative ambition, Tamil Thendral Annadurai, a Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Broadcasting graduate, celebrated his milestone with dreams set firmly on the film industry. “Our job in media is to enter the lives of people and tell others what it means to live such a life. I want to tell stories that celebrate the human experience, and that is what draws me to be a screenwriter,” he said. With aspirations as high as achieving an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar & Tony Awards), Tamil encouraged his peers to be unafraid of continuous learning. “Be ready to join developmental courses provided by our employers, and most importantly, be passionate about the knowledge you want and go after it. If there is a will, there is a way.”
As the graduates turned their tassels and stepped into a new chapter, their words collectively painted a portrait of what UTAR truly stands for—not only academic excellence, but also the courage to dream, the resilience to persevere, and the vision to create a better tomorrow.
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