LEARNING does not end with a graduation scroll.
Nur Shalina Badarul Sham, who recently graduated from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Chinese Studies, is taking her learning beyond Malaysia by pursuing further studies in Chinese language at National Dong Hwa University in Taiwan.
“This is my first time studying overseas, and it’s a decision I made after careful consideration.
“I’m looking forward to the people I’ll meet, the books I’ll read and the places I’ll walk through – all of which I believe will broaden my perspective and enrich what I might soon call my ‘second life’,” she said.
Nur Shalina’s affinity for the Chinese language and culture began at a young age. After attending a Chinese primary school, she took additional Chinese classes in secondary school before pursuing her interest further at university.
“It’s like a quiet love that kept growing,” she said.
Among her most cherished memories as an undergraduate was serving as organising chairperson of UTAR Chinese Literature Week 2025.
Navigating changes, limited resources and the challenges of organising the event taught her not only practical skills, but also the value of learning and growing alongside others, she said.
Nur Shalina was among 1,396 graduands at UTAR’s 43rd convocation, held at its Kampar Campus in Perak on Aug 14 and 15.
The three-session convocation at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik saw graduates from 107 programmes – comprising 78 bachelor’s, 21 master’s and eight PhD programmes – receive their scrolls.
Of the graduates, 29 received PhDs, 69 received master’s degrees and 137 received bachelor’s degrees with honours and distinction. The remainder received bachelor’s degrees with honours and merit or bachelor’s degrees with honours.
Like Nur Shalina, Moh Ridwan, a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Banking and Finance graduate, is keen to keep learning. He has challenged himself to learn Mandarin.
“Knowing another language is not just about communication; it gives us a different way of understanding a culture and seeing the world,” he said in a press release.
Inspired by the Mandarin proverb that a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, Moh believes that meaningful progress begins with the willingness to take that first step and keep moving forward.
Reflecting on his university years, he said some of his most valuable lessons came from experiences beyond the classroom.
His involvement in the UTAR Toastmasters Club gave him opportunities to develop his communication and leadership skills through speaking activities, event hosting and contest organisation.
His community volunteering experiences further shaped his understanding that meaningful contribution is ultimately about people, he added.
For Dr Tan Jing Jie, a Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) graduate, it is a time to give back.
Looking back on his student journey, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received, including a full scholarship for his bachelor’s degree at UTAR, a fully funded PhD and grants that supported his international research visits.
These opportunities, he said, are not simply achievements to be celebrated but also reminders of the importance of giving back.
Currently on a research fellowship at the National University of Singapore, he hopes to create meaningful impact through his research.
“While I may not be able to contribute financially at this stage, I want to continue developing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that genuinely help people,” he said.
He has already taken steps towards that aspiration, having developed an AI application to help visually impaired individuals recognise people and use social media more independently.
The three graduates exemplify the spirit of lifelong learning espoused by UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat.
“Continue to pursue excellence, embrace lifelong learning, and use your knowledge and abilities to make a meaningful impact on society,” he told the congregation.
He also called on graduates to carry forward not only the knowledge they have gained, but also the resilience and values shaped throughout their university journey.
“Face uncertainty with courage, adaptability and an open mind, viewing change not merely as disruption but as an opportunity to grow, contribute and create impact,” he said, adding that success is most meaningful when guided by integrity and purpose.
The 43rd convocation was declared open by UTAR pro-chancellor Tan Sri Wong See Wah. Also present were UTAR Education Foundation board of trustees chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum and UTAR Council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh, along with UTAR Council members Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn, Tan Sri Chor Chee Heung, Tan Sri Ong Ka Chuan, Datuk Lim Si Cheng, Datuk Ng Wan Peng, Hew Fen Yee and Loh Lee Soon; UTAR Education Foundation board of trustees member-cum-UTAR Council member Datuk Lee Leck Cheng; and UTAR International Advisory Council member Prof Ovid Jyh-Lang Tzeng.
With the latest cohort, UTAR’s alumni community has grown to more than 94,000 graduates since the varsity’s inaugural convocation in 2005.
Words of advice from industry leaders
Embrace the three ‘H’ attributes: being hungry for success, committed to hard work and remaining humble.
Ambition should never come at the expense of integrity. A person’s reputation is built through the promises they make and keep.
Be simple. Be real. Stay true to who you are.
Datuk Chua Tia Guan, Asia Business Centre founder and 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Berhad board of directors chairman
The next chapter begins with a willingness to continue learning. Today, your education does not end; it begins. Stay curious, remain humble and continue growing.
Trust is earned rather than awarded, and meaningful success extends beyond personal achievement. Leadership is not measured by how many people work for you. It is measured by how many people become better because of you.
Jacob Lee Chor Kok, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing president and Asli Mechanical Sdn Bhd founder
Lasting success is built on trust. We do not only build houses; we build trust.
While contracts may protect business transactions, integrity is what builds lasting relationships.
Datuk Looi Hei Tyng, Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia deputy president and North Elegance Property Sdn Bhd chairman
*Chua, Lee and Looi were guests of honour at the convocation.
