Well done: Ting (right) presenting a scroll to Doctor of Philosophy (Social Science) graduate Diong Fong Wei.
The grandeur of academic achievement and the spirit of accomplishment filled the air at the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) 40th convocation ceremony, where 2,256 proud graduates received their scrolls.
Held from April 11 to 13 at the varsity’s Kampar Campus, the momentous event saw students graduating from 117 bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes.
The convocation, which celebrated the graduation of the first batch of students from the Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance, as well as the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, also witnessed the conferment of the UTAR Honorary Doctor of Social Science on PT Bayan Resources Tbk founder and president director Datuk Dr Low Tuck Kwong.
Comprising four sessions, the convocation was declared open by UTAR chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, UTAR Education Foundation board of trustees member and UTAR Council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh, and the foundation’s board of trustees chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum.
With the addition of 2,256 graduates from this 40th convocation, the university’s alumni now number over 89,000 since its inaugural convocation in 2005.
UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat, in his speech, urged the graduates to always stay humble, keep learning, and remain curious.
“Your future is an unwritten story shaped by the choices you make.
Along the way, you’ll face social expectations, peer pressure and differing opinions, but taking risks, learning from mistakes, persevering and adapting will make your journey memorable.
“Eventually, your experiences may inspire others in their struggles,” he said, reminding the graduates to appreciate the support of family and loved ones when faced with challenges.
Words of wisdom from the ceremony’s guests of honour
I began my education in a Chinese school in Betong, a small town in Sarawak, and eventually earned my bachelor’s degree from Universiti Malaya in 1975. Throughout my 16 years of education – including seven years at a mission school run by European missionaries – I was deeply influenced by four Confucian values that have guided me throughout my life, namely, propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame. These values, which emphasise respect, justice, incorruptibility and moral accountability, have remained my lifelong principles, both personally and professionally. Although the world has changed drastically since I joined HSBC in 1975 – with typewriters replaced by digital platforms and discussions now centring on AI and the green economy – certain values remain constant. Among them are adaptability, relationship-building, perseverance, integrity, lifelong learning, and staying true to one’s principles. These are the foundations that continue to shape not only successful careers but also meaningful lives.
HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad vice chairman of Strategic Initiatives Datuk Richard Lee Say Tshin
Convocation is more than just a well-deserved celebration of your hard work and perseverance. It is a proud recognition of your growth and a moment of joy for those who have supported you. It marks both the end of one chapter and the beginning of another – one filled with limitless possibilities. As you embark on your personal and professional paths, take with you the knowledge and skills you’ve gained, along with the cherished memories you’ve made. These are your living assets – valuable, yet requiring continual renewal through lifelong learning to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive and globally connected world. I hope to serve as a bridge-builder to your future success. It is a long bridge, and lifelong learning will be your constant companion along the way. As you move forward, remember these key takeaways: embrace lifelong learning, be open to change, understand the power of data, and cultivate resilience.
ALC International Sdn Bhd chief executive officer and chairman and Economic Club Kuala Lumpur Executive Council member Tan Sri Rainer Althoff
Today marks the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another. In many US universities, this session is called ‘Commencement’ – a fitting term, as you are stepping into a world that is changing at an unprecedented pace. From the rise of AI to the challenges of climate change and shifting global dynamics, the road ahead is filled with both challenges and incredible opportunities. Some of you may have a clear path ahead, while others might still be figuring things out – and that’s perfectly okay. When I graduated, I had no job offer and had to give up a place at Stanford University due to a lack of funding. I never got to live my Silicon Valley dream. But what matters most is that you possess the most powerful tools: the ability to learn, unlearn, relearn, adapt, and lead with purpose. Resilience is built in moments when things don’t go as planned. When the company I co-founded, Fave, raised US$20mil (RM88mil), people saw the success, but not the 61 rejections before that. I didn’t give up, and neither should you. The world doesn’t need perfection; it needs bold thinkers, problem-solvers, and individuals with the courage to challenge the status quo.
One PerCent Advisory and Coaching founder Yeoh Chen Chow
Take a moment to express your gratitude to those who have stood by you – your dedicated professors, mentors and tutors, whose commitment has shaped your growth, and your families, whose love, sacrifices and encouragement have been the unwavering pillars behind your success. This moment is as much theirs as it is yours. In the business world, we greatly value the pool of talent developed by excellent institutions like UTAR. The university continues to take pride in its alumni, who are making significant strides across various industries. Cherish the friendships you’ve built during your time here. These connections can grow into meaningful professional networks that open new doors and opportunities. True success isn’t just about climbing the ladder for yourself – it’s about the impact you make in your community. Let us strive to create a future that is inclusive, sustainable and equitable by contributing meaningfully and helping those in need.
Tomei Consolidated Bhd group managing director and The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng
