Memorable day for Utar students

A total of 1,587 Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) students received their graduation scrolls during the 18th convocation ceremony at the university’s Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik Hall at the Perak campus in Kampar.

The recipients were from 64 programmes, including 52 Bachelor (Honours), 11 Master and one Doctorate programmes.

The first session of the two-day convocation ceremony began on Saturday.

Gan Ming Lee, who graduated with a Doctorate of Philosophy, said he was planning to continue studying and obtain a post-doctorate degree.

The assistant professor at the university’s Faculty of Information, Communication and Technology said he wished to build up his research profile and also to have his research papers published to help the people.

Gan, from Shah Alam, advised fellow Utar students, pursuing a doctorate programme, to be disciplined.

“They must take the initiative to conduct their own research.

“A lecturer can only guide us. Most of the work done still depends on our own efforts,” he said.

“We must really work hard if we want to achieve success,” he added.

Public Relation,Mass Communication graduate Gwen Chin  had her family members coming in celebrating her graduation day during the Utar convocation. 

Kenneth Lee Tze Wui, who passed out with a Master of Communication, said he was both excited and happy to receive his scroll.

“All the hours spent studying has paid off.

“I really enjoyed my time as a student here,” said the Kuching-born Lee, adding that his parents also flew in to celebrate the joyous occasion with him.

Lee, who is currently a college lecturer, said a student’s life was more fun when compared to the working world.

“Even when rushing to meet the deadline for assignments, it is still not as hectic as meeting deadlines in the working world.

“I also need to be knowledgeable, conduct more research on the course that I am teaching in order to relate and impart knowledge to my students,” he added.

Bachelor of Arts in English Education graduate, Ng Kai Ling, said she would miss her student’s life at the campus.

The 23-year-old from Johor said there were many happy memories with her friends and that she would continue to keep in contact with them.

“I made a lot of good friends here. We had so much fun during our time together.

“I am going to miss my life here,” she said.

Beautiful fancy bouquet of congratulating flowers  were given by friends and family members to the graduates during the convocation in Utar.

“The environment here at the Kampar campus is also good,” said Ng, who is currently teaching at SJKC Yok Poon in Johor Baru.

“The university provides lots of amenities for the students here, making it a good and conducive place to study in,” she added.

Guest of honour for the first session of the convocation ceremony, Utar International Advisory Council chairman Prof Datuk Dr Wang Gungwu, in his speech imparted some advice to the graduates.

Prof Wang stressed on the importance of having compassion to deal with a variety of people during their life’s journey.

Quoting famous playwright and entreprenuer Wilson Mizner’s words, he said graduates should be nice to people while on their way up the ladder of life, as they would also meet them on their way down.

He also urged graduates not to forget their roots and the noble qualities of being human.

Meanwhile, Utar president Datuk Dr Chuah Hean Teik said graduates should always aim high to achieve success.

“Be willing to work hard to achieve your dream. Do not be afraid of failure as it is an invaluable teacher,” he said.

Also present during the first day of the convocation ceremony were Utar council chairman Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and council member Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh.