Graduates today must not only be capable employees but also relevant to industry needs, globally competitive and driven by pure values, says Management and Science University (MSU) president and founder Prof Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid.
Producing talent with strong employability, adaptability and character, supported by an ecosystem that ensures equal access to education, marketability and future readiness for all students is important, he added.
“Always uphold the noble values instilled throughout your studies at MSU – integrity, empathy, respect and appreciation for others, and helping those in need.
Prof Mohd Shukri: Integrity, empathy and respect will guide graduates to success.“As long as you hold firmly to these values, your life journey will be smooth, and many successes will be achieved,” he said during the varsity’s 36th convocation ceremony on Dec 6.
Held at the MSU campus in Shah Alam, the ceremony saw a total of 2,453 graduates receiving their doctorate, master’s, bachelor’s and diploma qualifications across eight faculties and schools.
It also marked the graduation of the varsity’s first Bachelor in Economics and Finance (Hons), Advanced Diploma in Midwifery and Diploma in Music cohorts.
MSU, said Prof Mohd Shukri, has established two new faculties – the School of Veterinary Medicine (SOV) and the School of Dentistry (SOD), making it the country’s first private university to offer a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programme.
He also proclaimed the appointment of Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang as MSU’s new pro-chancellor, a move he said would strengthen the university’s academic leadership and global collaborations.
Noting the growing demand for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes due to the sector’s high job placement rate and strong industry relevance, he said skills mismatch – the gap between academic qualifications and industry needs – is one of the biggest challenges facing youth and graduates today.
“Thus, we have provided a balanced ecosystem between academic pathways and TVET skills-based programmes.
“MSU’s four high-impact TVET programmes were recently launched by the Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, signalling strong government commitment to expanding the country’s skilled workforce and meeting the national target of 35% highly skilled workers by 2030,” he said.
Driving sustainability
Beyond academics, Prof Mohd Shukri highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability, emphasising the nation’s need to address pressing ecological challenges.
Efforts, he stressed, must focus on awareness, training, and research to build a strong foundation for sustainable development.
“Through the MSU Centre for Climate Resilience and Strategy (m-CREST), we will develop targeted training programmes,” he said, adding that a RM10mil seed grant from Yayasan MSU will help launch its research ecosystem.
He said m-CREST is MSU’s initiative to strengthen national resilience, drive sustainable innovation, and ensure environmental security for future generations.
This initiative, he said, is also part of MSU’s continuous commitment to sustainable development goals, ensuring that MSU graduates are not only academically excellent but also capable of contributing meaningfully and continuously to global sustainability and community welfare.
He said recent events, including floods, heavy rainfall, and landslide incidents underscore the urgent need to address climate issues, which is why MSU is now working closely with Japan to explore the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in its climate resilience strategy.
“Normally, dealing with climate requires analysing decades – 10, 20, or even 100 years – of data.
“With AI, our predictions will be more accurate and precise,” he said, adding that by next year, the collaboration should result in a more focused support in addressing climate challenges.
from left to right: Nurin, Theebana, Wardena and Sabrina
Top achievers
The convocation honoured 70 outstanding graduates with awards. Among them were:
Receiving this award is incredibly humbling. It represents years of consistency, resilience, and the belief that growth comes from showing up even on the difficult days. In many spaces I was part of, I was often the youngest person there, and that taught me early on that humility and curiosity are real strengths. You do not have to be the smartest in the room as long as you are willing to grow. This recognition also reminds me that whatever we do, it is more meaningful to be purpose driven rather than goal driven.Achievements carry more weight when we remember why we started, instead of just focusing on hitting the target. My advice to future graduates is to build habits that help you stay grounded. Stay curious, ask questions, and do not be afraid to take the slower path if it means learning properly. Achievements will follow when your foundation is strong. Surround yourself with people who push you to think bigger, and do not compare your pace with others. Everyone grows differently, and that is the beauty of the journey.
- Chancellor’s Gold Medal Award recipient Theebana Durairajh, 23, Bachelor in Computer Science (Hons)
One of the biggest challenges was balancing a heavy academic workload with leadership roles and event responsibilities. There were times when lab reports, assignments, and event issues came at me all at once. Sometimes meetings and event preparations overlapped with exam week, and it became overwhelming. What kept me going was the support from my family, friends, and the International Medical School lecturers and staff, along with the reminder that difficult moments are temporary. My mom always told me, ‘Either love what you do or do what you love,’ and that advice helped me stay grounded. To future students, remember that everyone has their own pathway. I aim to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and become a doctor so my journey may take slightly longer and that’s okay. Know your study style, stay curious, and manage your time well. When you feel like you’ve reached your limit, you’ve actually unlocked a new one. Be open to experiences beyond the classroom, as these will shape your growth. Most importantly, take care of your well-being and trust the process. With dedication and the right mindset, success will follow.
- President’s Award recipient Nurin Amalia Kamarul Sahrin, 22, Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Hons)
Being recognised is truly an extraordinary honor. What inspired me to pursue cardiovascular technology was the intention to serve and my fascination with how the human heart works. As a qualified assistant medical officer, I witnessed firsthand how early detection, accurate diagnosis, and compassionate care can change the entire trajectory of a patient’s life. That experience strengthened my purpose and motivated me to specialise. More importantly, I was inspired by the idea that every skill and knowledge I gain in this field has the potential to save a life, to comfort a family, and to contribute to a healthier community. To aspiring healthcare graduates, remember to always hold on to your ‘why’. This field is demanding, but with purpose, resilience, and compassion, you will find meaning even in the toughest moments. Stay curious, stay humble, and remember that every patient you encounter is someone’s loved one. Treat them with the same kindness you would want for your own family.
- Mohd Shukri Yajid Outstanding Award recipient Wardena Ningseh Abdul Malek, 23, Bachelor in Cardiovascular Technology (Hons)
Throughout my academic journey, I have always prioritised punctuality and discipline in everything I do. I prepare my work early, stay active in class, and ask questions when I do not understand. I also regularly review my work with my lecturers to ensure that I am on the right track and help my friends when they face difficulties. To my juniors, manage your time well, avoid last-minute work, and be brave to take leadership roles. Be active in class, join campus activities, and always share your problems and ideas with your family because their support and guidance are very valuable in our journey. After graduating, we will face real challenges in the working world. So, we have to stay positive, keep learning, and believe in ourselves.
- President’s Award recipient Nur Sabrina Malek, 24, Diploma in Management
