Big day: Graduands marching towards Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, ready to celebrate their momentous achievement.
Life is short, so seize all opportunities that come your way.
That is the advice of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s (UTAR) Lifelong Learning Award recipient Datuk Dr (Hons) Sasidaran K. Raman, 69, who graduated with a Master of Engineering (Electrical) at the varsity’s 41st convocation ceremony recently.
An experienced electrical engineer from an underprivileged family, he spent 18 years travelling across Malaysia during his career with Mardec Berhad (formerly known as the Malaysian Rubber Development Corporation), before deciding to broaden his horizons.
Completing his postgraduate studies, said Sasidaran, feels as though he has carved out a new identity for himself and reached another peak in his life – 11 years after completing his undergraduate studies.
Sasidaran with his wife.
“I was strong at practical work, but I wanted to strengthen theoretical foundation.
“That’s why I took up this master’s programme at UTAR.
“I hope my story encourages youths to go after their goals,” he said in a press release from the varsity.
The ceremony, held at the UTAR Kampar campus on Aug 22 and 23, saw 1,637 graduates from 107 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, receiving their scrolls.
The convocation also celebrated the graduation of the first batch of students from the M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, who completed the Master of Medical Science in Public Health; the Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance, who completed the Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Tourism Destination Marketing; and the Faculty of Accountancy and Management, who completed the Bachelor of Finance (Financial Technology) with Honours programme.
The number of the varsity’s alumni now stands at more than 90,000 since its inaugural convocation in 2005.
Aspiring screenwriter Tamil Thendral Annadurai, who received his Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Broadcasting degree, plans to pursue his master’s degree while simultaneously building his experience in the industry.
“As a media practitioner, our job is to enter the lives of people and tell others what it means to live such a life.
“I want to tell stories that celebrate the human experience, and that is what draws me to be a screenwriter,” he said.
Sharing his dream of becoming an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards) winner, Tamil Thendral said he is ready to learn new things and join developmental courses to gain more knowledge.
“Be passionate. If there is a will, there is a way,” he concluded.
UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat reminded the graduates that success is not always a straight path, but one that is often shaped by detours, challenges, and moments of growth.
He advised them to stay true to their values, and to be brave in carving their own path – even when it differs from the expectations of those around them, as they begin a new chapter.
The world, he added, is waiting for their contribution.
“Let your setbacks become lessons, and let your progress be guided by purpose, not pressure.
“In moments of doubt, lean on the strength of those who believe in you: your family, mentors and friends.
“Stay grounded, keep your curiosity alive, and never stop learning.
“This is your journey, walk it with courage, compassion and confidence,” he said in his speech.
Keng (left) receiving his PhD scroll from UTAR Council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh.
“My journey taught me three important lessons: expect good things and take small steps daily towards a better tomorrow; keep good friends close as they can be your lifelong pillars of strength; and lead with your heart because values like kindness, honesty and perseverance will never go out of style. I am deeply grateful to my supervisors, especially Prof Cheng Ming Yu, whose guidance and reminder to ‘never forget your initial aspiration’ carried me through to this day. Keng Teck Ee, Doctor of Philosophy, Faculty of Accountancy and Management
“As I reflect on our journey at UTAR, I am grateful for the memories we created — from early morning lectures and late-night assignments to the joy of campus events and friendships built along the way. None of this would have been possible without our dedicated lecturers who taught us with passion and patience, the professional services staff who supported us tirelessly, and, most importantly, our families whose sacrifices and unwavering love carried us through. This achievement is not ours alone — it belongs to them too. Chaw Yi Vern, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English Language, Faculty of Arts and Social Science
“I may have been called the ‘mature student’ of my class, but pursuing a second degree in physiotherapy has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. Looking back, I’ve learnt three key lessons that I want to share with my fellow graduates: choose action over anxiety, seek growth through learning, and always embrace the unknown. These values have carried me through my journey, and I hope they inspire others to take that step forward, even when the path feels uncertain. Teoh Soon Len, Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
