UTAR Tea Talk prepares graduands for life beyond university

To support graduands in their transition from university to the professional world, the Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP) organised Tea Talk: Exploring Career Paths and Life on 9 July 2024 at UTAR Kampar Campus and 15 July 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The event, dedicated to final-year students, was led by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, who offered guidance and support as they prepared for life after university.

In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is crucial to develop one’s talents and adopt a growth mindset. To illustrate this, Prof Dato’ Ewe shared graphs showing the increase in knowledge-based workers in the United States over the past century. He explained that a person with expertise is irreplaceable, and that AI should be used to ease their workflow instead, changing the scope of the role, but never the role or its purpose.

He further clarified that a well-rounded worker must develop not only work-related skills but also foundational literacies, competencies, and character qualities, such as ICT literacy, creative thinking and leadership. He emphasised that these skills should be demonstrated not only in the workplace but also during the interview process, where candidates should show initiative, a willingness to learn and adapt, while remaining honest and true to themselves.

He also highlighted the important role of alumni and invited students to reflect on their contributions to UTAR’s growth in education, as well as how they carry the university’s name into various industries. With quiet pride, he shared examples of outstanding alumni and their achievements, expressing his encouragement for graduands to pursue their dreams and soar as high as their wings will take them.

“In the future, we will welcome you with open arms should you wish to return as professionals to share your knowledge with our students,” said Prof Dato’ Ewe.

Present at UTAR Kampar Campus were Faculty of Arts and Social Science Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Tan Kok Tat, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Choo Peng Yin, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (Kampar Campus) Deputy Director Dr Phoon Lee Quen and Faculty of Education Department of English Education Head Dr Siti Ummaizah binti Meor Musa.

Meanwhile, present at UTAR Sungai Long Campus were Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Dean Prof Dr Thong Meow Keong, Faculty of Education Dean Dr Wong Sien Biang, Faculty of Accountancy and Management Dean Dr Pok Wei Fong, Faculty of Creative Industries Dean Assoc Prof Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Director Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi and Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Ir Dr Gobi Vetharatnam.