Graduates must be ambitious in applying the global knowledge they acquire while remaining firmly grounded in the importance of giving back to the community, says Raja Muda of Kedah, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin.
Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah reminded graduates to work hard to acquire new skills, embrace lifelong learning, explore and discover their potential.
“My advice to all graduates is to not give up on your quest for knowledge despite what you have achieved today.
“Maintain a consistently clear focus, high tolerance, and strong determination when confronting challenges,” he said at the 37th Management and Science University (MSU) convocation ceremony on May 17.
He also reminded graduates that stepping out of university and into the working world would require resilience, adaptability and a willingness to continuously improve themselves, adding that with the right mindset and a commitment to continuous learning and upskilling, they could turn challenges into stepping stones to success.
He said the transition from campus life to the realities of employment was a critical phase that came with both opportunities and challenges, especially as many technical tasks are now being reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI).
As such, he stressed that soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, adaptability and empathy would become increasingly valuable.
Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah also encouraged graduates to explore emerging sectors such as the digital economy, the green economy and the creative industry, noting that areas linked to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), including data analytics, digital marketing and AI, continue to see strong demand.
He also urged graduates interested in entrepreneurship to seek hands-on experience and leverage digital platforms such as e-commerce to generate income and build businesses.
Beyond career success, he emphasised the importance of nurturing a culture of integrity that reflects honesty and accountability, describing integrity as a graduate’s most precious asset.
“Be a person who upholds the principle of doing the right thing even when no one is watching, and be the colleague whom others look to for fairness and honesty,” he said.
