A brand-new beginning for February 2025 intake students

Embarking on an academic journey in university is always full of unknown opportunities for growth. It is a journey marked by newfound independence, diverse experiences, and myriad encounters that shape one’s character. Whether it will be a journey brimmed with friendships or academic breakthroughs, the transition into the life of a university student nonetheless presents its own set of ambiguities and challenges to the newcomers who wish none but to carve their own paths in this unfamiliar sanctuary of knowledge.

It was no exception for the 400 students from the February 2025 intake, who, as participants of the orientation programme, recently stepped into the green-encircling campus in Kampar and the urban campus in Sungai Long, UTAR. As they were first introduced to university life away from their home, they, similar to many young scholars, likely found themselves encapsulated by an entirely new rhythm, heading towards the next chapter of their academic journey.

To familiarise the students with the fresh environment, the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) of UTAR, together with the UTAR Kampar Campus Registration, Campus Tour and Mass Call (RCM) Committee, conducted the orientation ceremony on 6 February 2025 at UTAR Kampar Campus, and on 7 February 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

The orientation ceremony was a part of the orientation programme for the February 2025 intake students. It aimed to introduce new students to the university’s leadership, including the President, Vice Presidents, senior staff, deans, and deputy deans.

Offering his warm welcome to the new students of the February 2025 intake, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat remarked, “Welcome! To every one of our new students in UTAR. It is a good time to join us at the start of the year. By joining us early, I hope it gives you an abundance of opportunities to grow, improve and adapt yourself better.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe also offered his advice to the newcomers through an insightful introduction to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). “By sharing a glimpse into your academic journey in this fourth industrial revolution era, also known as the AI era, with you early, I hope you will know which direction you want to develop yourself further in the future. Make the best out of yourself because enrolling in a university is not just to earn another degree, it is about how you build yourself and prepare yourself for future career and life,” he said.

The orientation programme was designed not only to close the gap between new students and the university environment but also to provide them with essential guidance. By encouraging the RCM Committee, comprised mainly of senior students, to share their personal insights and experiences on various aspects of university life with the newcomers such as extracurricular activities, programme structures, and daily essentials, it equipped the new students with not only useful information but also confidence to make the most out of their academic journey.

Meanwhile, through briefing sessions conducted by UTAR staff, new students were also provided key information on the university’s diverse support systems, including student affairs, scholarships and financial aid, student mobility programme, soft skills development programme, and safety and security support.

To further familiarise new students with the dynamics of university activities and atmosphere, UTAR offers a diverse array of extracurricular opportunities as part of the orientation programme. These include upcoming events such as clubs and societies’ recruitment drives, city tours, new village tours, community awareness and blood donation campaigns, health campaigns, and talent competitions. These initiatives provide invaluable opportunities for students to adapt to their new surroundings as well as promote the development of their latent potential.

As the world enters the dawn of the year 2025, UTAR wishes the wayfarers of university life a journey filled with camaraderie, joy, and memorable learning experiences. May their journey at UTAR be one of discovery, resilience, and success, where challenges become invaluable experiences for holistic growth. As their transformative journey continues, UTAR remains committed to supporting and guiding students through this era of technological revolution, and towards a bright future.

For more information on the February 2025 Intake Orientation Programme and future updates, please visit the official UTAR Orientation website at https://orientation.utar.edu.my/.