Front row, from left: Ms Tan, Dr Ling, Dr Au Yong, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Choong, Dr Lim, Dr Tan, and Dr Choo
The “Tea-Talk with UTAR President: Exploring Career Paths and Life”, organised by the Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP) on 5 March 2025 at UTAR Kampar Campus, was truly worthwhile for the graduating batch of August 2025.
UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat highlighted the importance of a growth mindset in today’s digital world, and its demand for more knowledge workers with essential skills. He illustrated this by comparing past and present economic evolutions and discussing emerging technologies, their potential impact, and the influence of industrial revolutions.
Prof Dato’ Ewe listing some of the most in-demanded skills
With digital transformation occurring rapidly, he advised, “Two of the most important skills needed are adaptability and continuous learning, alongside mental balance and emotional intelligence. In this age, employers are looking to recruit employees with five digital skills, namely digital marketing, big data and analytics, database, e-commerce, and software application and development. Possessing soft skills, such as problem-solving, the ability to work under pressure, independent working skills, communication skills, and a willingness to learn will also give you an advantage in your workplace and help your career progression.”
Students were enlightened when they learnt about the top 10 skills of 2025, which included analytical thinking and innovation; active learning and learning strategies; complex problem-solving; critical thinking and analysis; creativity, originality and initiative; leadership and social influence; technology use, mentoring, and control; technology design and programming; resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility; and reasoning, problem-solving and ideation.
The talk additionally provided information on attaining outstanding achievement through a blend of passion and persistence. Using the formula created by renowned book author, Angela Duckworth, students learnt that talent combined with effort produces skill, while skill combined with effort leads to achievement. On top of that, the UTAR President advised students to be equipped with emotional intelligence, adversity quotient, and cultural intelligence, which are skills that will help individuals turn obstacles into opportunities.
His final advice for the students was for them to make wise choices when deciding their next step after graduation. Prof Dato’ Ewe mentioned that personality, scholastic record, communication skills, experience, teamwork, university reputation, and salary expectations are factors that determine the successful employment of young professionals. He also shared top reasons for one’s unsuccessful employment and advised students on ways to excel in their interview sessions.
Also present were Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Faculty of Science (FSc) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Choo Peng Yin, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Tan Kok Tat, Institute of Chinese Studies Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Ling Liong Ngo, DARP Head Ms Tan Cheng Wah, and other staff members.
Clockwise from top left: Dr Au Yong, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Dr Choo, and Prof Choong answering and advising students during the Q&A session
Students listening to the advice and industrial insights from UTAR President
Students during the tea meeting
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