‘UTAR grads must embrace growth mindset’

Academic milestone: Graduates and their family and friends attending the convocation ceremony.

Move at your own pace, stay true to what matters to you, and don’t be afraid to take a different route from what is seen as the norm.

That was Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat’s advice to the 2,713 graduates who received their scrolls during the varsity’s 42nd convocation ceremony recently.

“As you step into this next chapter of your lives, remember that success is rarely a straight line. The journey can be complex, unpredictable, and filled with unexpected turns – and that is perfectly normal,” he said, stressing that mistakes are not failures; they are opportunities to learn and grow.

Calling on graduates to embrace a growth mindset, he said progress matters more than pressure and every challenge is a chance to improve.

“When moments of self-doubt arise, remember that you are not alone.

A moment to remember: Graduates posing for a celebratory photo.

“Lean on the support of those who believe in you – your family, mentors and friends – and extend the same empathy and understanding to others along the way,” he said, while reminding the varsity’s young talents to stay curious, continue learning, remain grounded in who they are, and let the values instilled in them guide their journey.

The convocation, held at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in UTAR Kampar Campus across four sessions from April 10 to 12, saw graduates from 116 bachelor’s, postgraduate diploma, master’s and doctorate programmes receiving their scrolls.

Prior to each convocation session, UTAR honoured its late chancellor, Dr Ling, with a special tribute video and observed a moment of silence.

A visionary leader, statesman and champion of education, Dr Ling, who passed away on April 4, played a defining role in transforming the university into the thriving educational institution it is today.

In her speech, Higher Education director-general Prof Datuk Dr Azlinda Azman reminded those present that they were graduating with more than a degree, leaving the varsity with a strong foundation grounded in UTAR’s enduring values of virtue and wisdom.

Installation: Ting (far left) presenting the certificate of appointment to Wong, as Prof Ewe (far right) looks on.

“As you step forward, you join a distinguished community of more than 93,000 UTAR alumni who are already shaping the landscape of Malaysia and making their mark across the world,” she said, encouraging graduates to embrace lifelong learning in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid change, to uphold integrity as their greatest asset, and to view failure as an opportunity for growth.

She also called on them to give back to their alma mater and the nation, contributing to the continued development of society.

Always be grateful to your parents, guardians and mentors for their unwavering support, and move forward with confidence, adaptability and purpose in shaping a meaningful future, she concluded.

The convocation – which celebrated the graduation of the first batch of students from the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology who completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science, and from the Faculty of Science who completed the Master of Science in Biological Science – also saw the installation of UTAR pro-chancellor Tan Sri Wong See Wah; the conferment of the UTAR Honorary Doctor of Computer Science upon Goh Peng Ooi; and the conferment of the title of UTAR Emeritus Professor on Prof Dr Faidz Abd Rahman.

Also present were UTAR Education Foundation board of trustees chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum, UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh, UTAR council members Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn, Tan Sri Chor Chee Heung, Datuk Lim Si Cheng, Datuk Ng Wan Peng, Hew Fen Yee and Loh Lee Soon, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology board of governors and alumni council chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy and Malaysian Chinese Language Council president Datuk Eddie Heng Hong Chai.

My short stint in journalism gave me firsthand exposure to the realities of storytelling, the pace of the industry, and the responsibility that comes with shaping public narratives. Through that experience, I realised what intrigued me most was not just reporting stories, but understanding the deeper contexts behind them, such as how media represents communities and influences society. That curiosity led me to academia, where I could explore such questions more critically through research, while also contributing to the development of future professionals in the field. For me, studying for a PhD was never just about adding another title to my academic record. I wanted to do something meaningful that could genuinely help the community and, in a small way, contribute to the nation.

Doctor of Philosophy

(Social Science) graduate

Dr Kenneth Lee Tze Wui

With close to 20 years of teaching experience, Lee now heads the UTAR Department of Mass Communication at the Faculty of Creative Industries.

Driven by a desire to evolve beyond the technicalities of planning, I went back to university to do the Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) programme. I needed to understand the entire life cycle of land development – from real estate finance and investment to market analytics. On a personal level, I wanted to set an example for my family. Balancing a demanding career with academic study required discipline, and completing it proves my resilience. This programme has shifted my approach from being process-oriented to value-oriented. I have learnt to better anticipate market cycles and risk variables, allowing me to provide more robust recommendations in my current role.

MRED graduate

Shyeliena Adenan

With over a decade of experience in property development and land planning, Shyeliena currently serves as a manager of land planning at Sime Darby Property, where she plays a key role in shaping sustainable and future-ready developments.