New chancellor for AIMST

Congratulations: Vigneswaran (right) with AIMST University vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr John Antony Xavier at the ceremony.

It was a double celebration for AIMST University in Sungai Petani, Kedah, which recently witnessed the installation of the institution’s new chancellor and the convocation of 692 graduates.

MIC president and Maju Institute of Educational Development (MIED) chairman Tan Sri Dr S.A. Vigneswaran, who was installed AIMST University chancellor, also officiated its 14th convocation ceremony, along with the varsity’s trustees and board of directors on May 27.

In his acceptance speech, Vigneswaran paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Tun S. Samy Vellu, whom he credited for “almost single-handedly” building AIMST University.

Vowing to continue Samy Vellu’s vision and leadership, building on the university’s excellent standing and collaborating with reputable international universities, Vigneswaran praised the former for being “a leader, mentor and guide to all”.Thanking the government for the RM25mil grant, he said the fund would allow AIMST to offer more scholarships to deserving students and to carry out infrastructure development.

The varsity’s commitment to excellence, he added, was evidenced by its achievements, namely, a 35% increase in high-quality research last year, 13 patents filed in the last three years, and the procurement of nearly RM10mil in government and industry grants over the past five years.

“We are also working on installing solar panels in collaboration with TNB to reduce our overhead costs for energy.

“As a non-profit organisation, we also plan to set up a diagnostic centre to help the needy and underprivileged community here,” he said, adding that the varsity plans to offer new courses, and to set up a new campus in KL and a branch abroad.

During the ceremony where 37 graduates were presented with the MBBS (Hons) scroll, Faculty of Dentistry student Foo Jia Yee was awarded the University Gold Medal Award for her outstanding academic performance.

Khaw Shui Ying was awarded the Best Medical Student Award and Lim Ee Xin the Best Dental Technology Student Award.