Laaveniya and her husband Ashwa Kumar look forward to carrying out their future plans now that she has earned her degree.
A TOTAL of 7,156 graduates received their scrolls at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Skudai’s 69th convocation ceremony this year.
From this number, 1,195 were international graduates from 57 countries, UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim said.
He said this year’s cohort comprised 732 PhD and 1,476 master’s graduates, as well as 4,233 recipients of bachelor’s degree.
“We also have 658 diploma holders and 57 executive diploma graduates.
“With this year’s ceremony, UTM has produced 238,993 graduates, including 13,645 international alumni from more than 100 countries,” he said in his speech at the ceremony.
Gracing the event was Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, who is also UTM Chancellor.
The convocation also saw the university awarding an honorary doctorate to Japanese diplomat and academic Masahiko Horie, the former Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia.
In addition, UTM conferred the title of professor emeritus on four distinguished figures for their contributions to the university and the country, namely, Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang, Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Tajuddin Md Ninggal, Dr Awaluddin Mohamed Shaharoun, and Prof Dr Ghazali Sulong.
Prof Mohd Shafry said UTM continued to strengthen its standing globally, having climbed to 153rd place in the QS World University Rankings 2026, positioning it among the top 10% of institutions worldwide.
“UTM is now ranked in the top 100 globally in the fields of artificial intelligence and data science, as well as mineral engineering and built environment.
“The Prime Minister even mentioned UTM in the tabling of Budget 2026 as a leader in the nation’s artificial intelligence agenda,” he added.
He said the university recorded 100% graduate employment and employability rates for 2024, with many earning premium-level incomes.
Prof Mohd Shafry also reminded graduates to uphold integrity, wisdom and responsibility as they moved forward in their careers.
“Knowledge is a duty. Use it with integrity to serve, uplift, and bring benefit to humanity.
“You are not just degree holders, you are ambassadors of the institution,” he said, urging those with student loans to repay them so future generations could continue to benefit.
He encouraged graduates to return to the university in the future to contribute their expertise and insights.
“The doors of UTM will always remain open. Continue to innovate with values that place humanity and divinity at the centre,” he added.
Royal grant recipient Che’er (centre) with her parents after receiving her scroll. — Photos: MYSARA FAUZI
Royal grant recipient Che’er Mintong, 23, completed her Bachelor of Psychology with Human Resource Development.
Che’er is working as a special education interventionist, teaching children with autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
She said she was inspired to become a psychologist after watching a Singaporean drama where the main character was a psychologist.
“I was amazed at how a doctor could help someone by just talking to the patient,” said Che’er.
“When I entered secondary school, my friend often came to me for advice.
“Helping her gave me courage to pursue my dream of becoming a psychologist.”
During her first two years at UTM, Che’er balanced six co-curricular activities, including the psychology club, Mandarin club and her role as a student representative.
“Sometimes I only had three to four hours of sleep at night due to my packed schedule but it was manageable. I prioritised examinations and assignments.
“In my third year, I got busier with my final-year project and internship, and had to reduce my involvement in co-curricular activities,” she said.
Che’er also completed a five-month internship at the Psychiatric Department of Hospital Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam in Selangor, gaining hands-on experience in mental health care.
For 26-year-old J. Laaveniya, graduation day was a proud moment considering she had almost given up.
Laaveniya, who earned her Master of Education (TESL) from UTM, said her husband encouraged her to try teaching online to help with her studies.
“I was unsure if I could get students as I am new at teaching.
“Using my TikTok account in September last year, I tried anyway.
“My husband S. Ashwa Kumar helped me host free live tuition sessions for English, Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics and Science.
“We had the support of parents, teachers, as well as students and that kept us going.
“I do not come from a well to do family, so I understand how it feels for students who cannot afford this kind of education,” she said adding that she planned to open an educational centre providing free tuition classes to help students from low-income families. — By VENESA DEVI and MYSARA FAUZI
