Grads honour First City journey

Momentous milestone: Graduates posing for a group photograph at First City UC's 26th graduation ceremony.

HOLISTIC growth – that was what Chuah Jia Jian was most thankful for when he took to the stage to deliver the Vote of Thanks at his graduation ceremony recently.

“We were encouraged to join events, workshops, club activities, graduation showcases and even competitions.

“These were where we built our confidence, strength and practical skillsets,” said the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Graphic Design graduate of First City University College (First City UC).

Having achieved top results in his studies, Jia Jian was one of the recipients of the Excellence Awards presented by the institution to its outstanding graduates for their exceptional achievements in the academic realm and extracurricular activities.

The awards were presented by First City UC board of governors chairman Tan Sri Datuk Teo Chiang Kok at its 26th graduation ceremony, which celebrated the success of graduates from diploma, degree and postgraduate levels in various disciplines from the Faculty of Design & Built Environment, Faculty of Business, Hospitality & Communication, and Faculty of Engineering & Computing.

Another Excellence Award recipient, Chan Shu Sian commended the lecturers for delivering lessons effectively despite the switch to online instruction during the movement control order (MCO) imposed in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“They did their level best to deliver their best knowledge, which I was able to apply in my studies, especially in my final year subjects,” said the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Furniture and Product Design graduate in a press release on March 20.

The winner of the Faber-Castell Wonder Box Design Competition 2019 added that even though the first phase of the MCO began during her final semester, she was able to attend follow-up meetings with her lecturers through the varsity’s online academic platform and facilities.

Chan Che Wei, who was honoured with an Excellence Award, as well, praised the holistic Bachelor of Computer Science (Intelligent Systems) (Hons) syllabus.

“We were taught multiple programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, C++, and PHP that would allow us to adapt to the real-world environment more easily,” he said.

Besides excelling in his studies, Che Wei made his institution proud when he bagged the Distinction Award in the individual category of the E-Genting Bug Hunt 2019 Competition.

He expressed his appreciation to his lecturers who, he said, were very experienced in teaching, and were always there to help him whenever he faced any difficulties.

Reflecting on her academic journey, Excellence Award recipient Nur Melina Nisha Shahrom expressed gratitude for the hands-on experience she had gained from her internship programme.

She also praised the institution for providing a conducive learning environment for the students.

First City UC vice-chancellor Prof Dr Saw Sor Heoh congratulated the graduates for their remarkable achievements in her address.

Applauding the students for their commitment to completing their studies amid such unprecedented times, she wished them success in their future endeavours and welcomed them to be part of the institution’s alumni community.