One for the album: (From left) Wong, Dr Yong, Hou, Yew, Liow, Chan, Tay, Ong, Dr Wee, TAR UMT president Prof Datuk Dr Lee Sze Wei, Dr Mah, Kor Mee, Chong, Soy Mok and TAR UMT vice-president Assoc Prof Dr Chook Ka Joo posing for a group photo at the convocation ceremony at TAR UMT.
KUALA LUMPUR: Graduates need to keep learning and stay resilient so that they can handle failure and succeed in today’s fast-changing and demanding world, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The TARC Education Foundation Board of Trustees chairman said education goes beyond certificates and urged graduates not to be disheartened by failure.
“A degree is not the end of your learning journey, but merely the beginning.
“The most successful people are those who view every experience as an opportunity to grow, acquire new skills and deepen their understanding,” he said during the convocation ceremony at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) yesterday.
Dr Wee said every failure is an invaluable lesson, creating opportunities to pivot, innovate and come back stronger.
“You will face setbacks. Doors will close and projects will not go as planned.
“But do not let these moments define you. Only through struggles will you discover true resilience and character,” added the MCA president.
He also urged graduates to be advocates for positive change, voices for the voiceless and leaders who give back to society.
“Remember your roots and values as a TARCian. Remember the community that supported you, parents who made sacrifices for your education and the faculty that believed in your potential.
“As you go out and make your mark on the world, carry this spirit with you,” he said, adding that graduates are now the newest ambassadors of TAR UMT.
“You carry a legacy of academic excellence, a spirit of perseverance and a strong sense of community. The skills honed are the tools you will use to build your career and shape our collective future.”
Dr Wee reminded graduates that the convocation was also a moment to recognise the sacrifices they made to reach this point.
“The late nights spent studying, early mornings preparing presentations and countless hours of working on projects have led to this very moment.
“You have earned the right to be here, wearing the mortar board and receiving the recognition you so richly deserve,” he said.
Looking ahead, Dr Wee said the journey would be equally dynamic and challenging.
“It is a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, global economies are interconnected, and pressing issues such as climate change and social inequality require innovative and compassionate leaders.
“However, your education at TAR UMT has equipped you for this. More importantly, it has instilled the spirit of wanting to learn more, resilience in overcoming setbacks and empathy to work with others,” he added.
TARC Education Foundation Board of Trustees members Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, Datuk Seri Yew Teong Look and Datuk Roger Tan Kor Mee were among those who attended the event.
Also present were former Cabinet minister Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting, Public Bank Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Tan Sri Tay Ah Lek, TAR UMT Board of Governors chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy and deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Hou Kok Chung, as well as members Datuk Chong Sin Woon, Datuk Dr Pamela Yong, Wong Cheng Siung and Tan Soy Mok.
