Proud day for 1,343 graduates

AIMST University graduates (from left) Juqueline Quentine, 33, Jasrinder Kaur Jasbir Singh, 26, J. Dharshini, 24, Brandon Heu Sing Ann, 26, Prakash Kalai Chelven, 27, Lim Chee Chuen, 26, M. Pirivaaschini, 26, and Lee Wen Chee, 24 after the university’s 13th convocation ceremony in Semeling, Kedah. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/ The Star

A TOTAL of 1,343 graduates from various programmes took the stage at the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University’s 13th convocation ceremony held for the class of 2020 and 2021.

The convocation also marked a significant event as it saw the installation of MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran as the first pro-chancellor of AIMST University, held on the first day of the ceremony.

He is also the Prime Minister’s special envoy to India and South Asia, and the Maju Institute of Educational Development (MIED) chairman.

Although the country has transitioned to the endemic phase of Covid-19, the convocation which took place at the university’s Great Hall in Semeling, Bedong, Kedah, held on May 28 and May 29, had standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place to ensure the safety of everyone.

The hall was frequently sanitised and hand sanitisers were placed at entrances and exits.

In his introductory remarks, AIMST University vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr John Antony Xavier, spoke about the challenges that students had to undergo due to the pandemic in their pursuit to continue and finish what they had set out to do as a student and become part of the alumni of the university.

“You are now a member of the AIMST University alumni.

“The alumni has a substantial number of extraordinary people who, in the past 15 years, have contributed to the nation’s success through their distinguished careers in national and international organisations.

“As a member of AIMST alumni, you have now become the university’s ambassador.

“Your success is our success. And wherever you go, the AIMST family will be there to support you,” said Prof John.

He also thanked the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), Higher Education Ministry, Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), Malaysian Dental Council and other relevant accreditation bodies for ensuring AIMST programmes are of top-notch quality.

He said the university appreciated colleagues from partner universities, government and private hospitals, clinics and captains of industry who have helped train students in their respective fields.

On the same occasion, the vice-chancellor, on behalf of the university’s Board of Governors, proclaimed Vigneswaran as the pro-chancellor.

The members of the board of directors, senate, faculty and staff guests as well as students, their parents and relatives, witnessed the installation of the first-ever pro-chancellor of AIMST University.

In his speech, Vigneswaran thanked AIMST University chancellor and founder Tun S. Samy Vellu, for his trust reposed in him to discharge the functions of the pro-chancellor.

Vigneswaran also thanked Samy Vellu for being a mentor and igniting the torch of passion for upliftment of the community.

The former also pledged to forge links with the broader community, including government, businesses and industries, which will enable the university to serve the community better and enhance its reputation.

“To be effective in this role, I shall keep abreast of the major strategic and policy issues that the university will have to address,” he said, adding that he would utilise his networks for the strategic benefit of the university.

“I shall also advance AIMST University’s purpose to enrich students’ lives, develop talent for the nation and benefit humanity through cutting-edge research,” said Vigneswaran.

He also took the opportunity to thank the Federal Government for allocating an annual grant of RM25mil to AIMST University.

The grant will be channelled towards more scholarships for deserving students and infrastructure development of the university.

Vigneswaran spoke on the achievements of AIMST University, which is currently in the top 51% of all universities in Asia and among the top 351-400 Asian universities.

“Last year, there was a 35% increase in high-quality research output, averaging close to 200 papers over 2021-2022. Citations have also increased by 50%.

“AIMST University has secured more than 15,000 high-impact citations since 2000 and nearly RM15mil in grants over the past three years from the government and industry.”

He also announced that the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry had allocated RM11.5mil for vaccine development.

This sum will be shared between AIMST University and Universiti Sains Malaysia, the co-collaborator in vaccine development.

“Through the years, AIMST University has increased its collaboration with top universities worldwide.

“These include Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School in the US, Karolinska Institute in Sweden, the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, Monash University Malaysian campus, the University of Leicester in the UK, Deakin University in Australia and the Technical University of Denmark.

“AIMST University students from across the faculties have been winning contests, competitions and awards from local and international bodies.

“One lecturer from the Faculty of Pharmacy, is classified among the top 1% of the world’s scientists in pain management.

“Another two are listed among the top 2% of the world’s scientists by the prestigious Stanford University.”

Vigneswaran also cited that course curriculums were regularly updated to keep abreast with the times, and help students become better graduates with a high employability rate.

As for the Medical programme, this upgrade will help medical students confidently sit for the US Medical Licensing Examination, which will allow them residency in the US.

On the first day of the convocation, 664 students of the 2020 batch graduated with 213 in medicine, 83 in dental surgery, 95 in pharmacy, 41 in applied sciences, 122 in allied health, 12 in engineering, and 98 in business management.

The gold medallist for 2020 is Brandon Heu Sing Ann from the MBBS programme of the Faculty of Medicine.

The convocation also saw 11 masters and eight candidates who completed their Post Basic in Critical Care Nursing programme receiving their scrolls.

The event also celebrated the achievements of several international graduates from India, Libya, Pakistan and Myanmar graduating in various fields of studies.

On the second day of the convocation, 679 students of the 2021 batch graduated with 191 in medicine, 77 in dentistry, 74 in pharmacy, 54 in applied sciences, 141 in allied health, 32 in engineering, and 110 in business management.

Heu, 26, from Sarawak won the University Gold Medal Award and Best Medical Student Award in the MBBS programme.

He took up the course to serve people by alleviating their suffering and being a beacon of hope.

He said he liked biology and read before all his lectures. He practised what he learnt and studied consistently, which was the secret to his success.

Heu has been awarded prizes for debates, quizzes and various presentations at state and national competitions, and also won first prize at the Intervarsity Academic Olympiad.

In addition to his academic excellence, he has varied extracurricular interests. He has trained extensively in archery and has competed at a national level. He was also active in various foundations and clubs at AIMST University.

Fellow graduate, J. Jasrinder Kaur, 26, did her Bachelor of Pharmacy and obtained the Faculty Outstanding Award.

She pursued the course because it has a wide scope in the job market, career advancement opportunities and provides room to grow.

She has started working at the Kepala Batas Hospital and is a fully registered pharmacist.

M. Pirivaaschini, 26, who obtained the Outstanding Award in Bachelor of Science (Hons) Finance and Management, said she enrolled for the course due to her love for Mathematics.

“After my Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination, I was offered to do a course in Information Technology in Universiti Utara Malaysia but I was not interested in computer studies at that time.

“Since my elder sister was studying in AIMST doing her Business and Marketing studies, I applied for a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Management course.

“I would like to dedicate this to my parents and uncles who have always motivated me to study hard. My father always told me to put in the effort, as it would pay off later.”

Meanwhile, K. Prakash, 27, who graduated in Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic), said his parents always wanted him to study engineering as his father is also an engineer.

“My father’s career also motivated me to study hard and I managed to get the Outstanding Students Award for Faculty of Engineering and Computer Technology.”