TALENT should not be narrowly defined by academic achievement alone, as universities must recognise that students succeed in different ways, said Management and Science University (MSU) president and founder Prof Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid.
Whether through academic excellence, practical skills, or industry-based learning, all these pathways are equally important in building a capable and future-ready workforce, he said.
“At MSU, both academic and skills-based education pathways are equally valued and recognised as important.
“As a Global Comprehensive Dual Sector University, MSU provides educational pathways through both academic programmes and TVET-based skills education,” he said during his speech at the 37th MSU convocation ceremony in Shah Alam on May 17.
The convocation ceremony which was held over four sessions on May 17 and 18, saw 1,879 graduates from 122 academic programmes receive their scrolls at the MSU Chancellor Hall in Shah Alam.
The graduating cohort comprised 63 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates, 79 master’s degree graduates, 966 bachelor’s degree graduates and 771 diploma graduates.
Present to officiate the ceremony was MSU chancellor, the Raja Muda of Kedah, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin.
Also in attendance were MSU pro-chancellor Emeritus Prof Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang, MSU vice-chancellor Prof Puan Sri Datuk Dr Junainah Abd Hamid, members of the university board as well as its senior management.
Prof Mohd Shukri said MSU remains committed to ensuring that every student is given equal opportunities to grow, realise their full potential, and build a successful future according to their individual strengths
“Through this holistic educational ecosystem, every student, regardless of background, is given equal access and opportunities to succeed in their chosen fields.
“This reflects MSU’s commitment to producing graduates who are competent, competitive, and prepared to face future challenges,” he said.
He also said the varsity supports the national agenda to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and contribute to the target of developing more highly skilled workers by 2030.
“Through MSU’s TVET programmes with a 100% job guarantee, graduates are provided with career opportunities and employment assurance immediately upon completing their studies,” he said, adding that the varsity recorded a graduate employability rate of 99.7%, with 99.9% of graduates successfully securing employment, according to the 2024 Graduate Tracer Study conducted by the Higher Education Ministry.
Prof Mohd Shukri also explained MSU’s approach
within broader global realities, noting that the world is currently facing economic uncertainty, technological disruption, social change and conflict.
“According to the World Economic Forum (2025), job losses, alongside rising living costs, are expected to range between two and four million globally.
“Education remains a source of hope, resilience, and progress, even in difficult times,” he said, stressing that young people today must compete globally, adapt to artificial intelligence and technological disruption, and navigate uncertainty.
This, he said, makes it essential for higher education institutions to produce graduates who are industry-relevant, future-ready and equipped with practical skills.
He added that lifelong learning has become the new norm, with MSU expanding its upskilling, reskilling and professional development pathways to meet evolving industry demands.
“MSU’s education ecosystem is strengthened through collaboration with more than 3,000 industry partners across various sectors.
“This industry network supports the development of graduates who are exposed to real working environments,” he concluded.
Behind every success are many remarkable individuals who have made sacrifices
and continuously provided encouragement and support throughout the journey. From the very beginning, parents and family members have been the backbone of the graduates, constantly providing unwavering support and encouragement to help them persevere and succeed. To all graduates, you should acknowledge and appreciate everything they have done for you.
- Prof Mohd Shukri
Top achievers
In recognition of their outstanding academic and co-curricular achievements, Prof Mohd Shukri said 60 graduates were honoured across five categories of special excellence awards. The ceremony also honoured 37 graduates with Academic Awards and 18 with Industry Awards. The recipients received plaques, cash prizes and scholarships from Yayasan MSU to pursue further studies at the university. Among them were:
Chancellor’s Gold Medal Award
> Nur Desslinna Cheah Mohd Ridzuan Cheah, Bachelor of Education (Hons) - TESL
President’s Award
> Abdul Ahad AKS Mohd Salleh, Doctor of Philosophy (Accounting/Finance)
> Choong Shuning, Bachelor in Economics and Finance (Hons)
> Adam Haris Hazatul Isman, Diploma in Computer Forensic
Mohd Shukri Yajid Outstanding Award
> Muhammad Azrai Mohd Shamsol Bahri, Bachelor in Creative Multimedia (Hons)
