Graduating with bright outlook ahead

(From left) Ee, Pang and Wong are all graduates from First City University College.

IT WAS a memorable day on Oct 21 for First City University College’s Class of 2018 graduates as they reached the pinnacle of their education journey.

The 23rd annual graduation ceremony celebrated the success of graduates from the Faculty of Design & Built Environment, Faculty of Business, Hospitality & Communication Studies, and Faculty of Engineering & Computing at diploma, degree and post-graduate levels in various disciplines, including Business Administration, Business Management, Accounting & Finance, Marketing, Design & Built Environment, and Engineering & Computing.

These programmes are conducted in collaboration with four foreign partner universities: Anglia Ruskin University, Sheffield Hallam University, Hotel and Tourism Management Institute (HTMi) Switzerland, and Nottingham Trent University.

Families and friends were present to share the joy with graduates who received their scrolls at the ceremony which was attended by First City chancellor Tan Sri Yahaya Ibrahim, vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mak Chai, board of governors chairman Tan Sri Teo Chiang Kok and chief operating officer Yeong Yin Cheng.

Also present were representatives from First City University College’s foreign partner universities: HTMi managing director Ian Larmour, Anglia Ruskin University pro-vice-chancellor Prof Trevor Bolton, Nottingham Trent University college international manager Dr Clare Newstead and Sheffield Hallam University’s School of Design department head Clare Lockwood.

First City University College’s Class of 2018 graduates.

“In today’s highly technology-driven world of intense and unrelenting competition, survival requires one to be adaptable, forward looking and innovative, technologically savvy, and to possess a global mindset.

“My advice to you is to confront these challenges courageously and devote yourself to lifelong learning,” said Prof Mak in his welcome address.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Student of the Year & Excellence Awards by Teo to 53 students who graduated with first-class honours Bachelor degrees and six students who graduated with Master and Business Administration degrees with distinction.

Among the Excellence Awards recipients were Cheah Wee Leong and Ding Kai, who graduated with Distinction in Master in Business Administration (MBA).

Cheah is currently investment banking training director at Asian Banking School.

“The MBA syllabus offered by First City University College is updated, which includes the topic of Global Economy.

“It broadens my mind on current issues in the business world. The theoretical aspect in the MBA programme helps in decision-making, which is a very good attribute to senior management in a corporate organisation,” Cheah said.

Ding, who hails from China, said: “The MBA programme pays special attention to current modules and they are well-coordinated.”

Ding also introduced his friend from China to First City University College and she enrolled in the Intensive English course.

He described the multi-cultural community at First City University College as an interesting environment to be in.

“The students and lecturers are very friendly and treated me with respect. A local Chinese friend also brought me out to taste delightful Malaysian cuisine,” he said.

Wong Hau Cherng who graduated with First Class Honours in BSc (Hons) Software Engineering felt that he had chosen the right place to continue his tertiary education, especially with the emergence of IR 4.0.

Abdul Rasyid (left) and Ding sharing their success stories with each other.

“I am able to first-hand apply all the skills and knowledge I gained during my studies in my profession as a mobile developer,” he said.

Located in the modern township of Bandar Utama in Selangor, Wong enthused that the eco-friendly urban campus at First City University College is conducive and comfortable.

Ong Sze Xian and Abdul Rasyid Bastamam, who graduated with First Class Honours BA (Hons) in Furniture and Product Design, found facilities at First City University College comprehensive and useful to students.

“The first time I saw the workshop, I knew I was ‘sold’. It is spacious, and the equipment are constantly upgraded,” Abdul Rasyid said.

Placing emphasis on student achievements and employability, First City exhibited students’ design artefacts, final project models and prototypes in its 2018 Diploma Graduation Showcase, Degree Graduation Showcase and Innovation Day Graduation Showcase.

In many instances, these displays attracted the interest of industry leaders.

“I managed to secure employment six months before my graduation,” Ong shared.

Similarly, Abdul Rasyid was offered employment on the spot during his Graduation Showcase.

First City University College is focused not only in producing highly-qualified and quality graduates, it also cultivates the idea of leadership by encouraging students’ participation in extra-curricular activities, and competi­tions at national and international levels.

Euphrasia Pang Jia-Yeeng, who graduated with First Class Honours BSc (Hons) in Accounting & Finance, was the president of the student council. She is now an auditor at an international organisation.

On the other hand, Ong with her shelf-unit design called “Float” secured top prize at the national level.

Her multi-purpose sofa called Hygge also took the first-place

spot at the 2018 Asean furniture design contest in Bangkok, where she was the sole Malaysian representative.

Ee Meng Chyyi, who graduated with First Class Honours BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture and Design with her final year design project titled “Elephant Sanctuary”, secured the Silver award in Singapore, and one first runner-up award, two honorary mentions and Best Green Innovation award at national-level competitions.

Ee is now an entrepreneur with her own interior design company.

First City University College offers dual-award degrees with its international partner universities, as well as its homegrown degrees. First City will be holding open days every Saturday and Sunday in December.

Intake for January 2019 is now open. Those who register on the spot will enjoy a 50% early bird waiver off the tuition fees on a first-come, first-served basis.

For details on the programmes, scholarships and incentives offered at First City University College, call 03-7727 3200 or go to www.firstcity.edu.my

Students are also welcome to visit the campus and follow updates on its Facebook page (@firstcityuc) and on Instagram (@firstcity.uc).