Prof Ki-Chan (right) receiving the HELP University Distinguished Humane Entrepreneurship Award from Prof Chan at the HELP University convocation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.
KUALA LUMPUR: Academic, industry and government leaders from 15 countries gathered at the 35th HELP University convocation ceremony and the 24th Strategy Symposium, held at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur on April 26–27, where two visionary leaders were honoured in meaningful ways.
International Council for Small Business chairman Prof Dr Ki-Chan Kim received the HELP University Distinguished Humane Entrepreneurship Award for his global contributions to promoting humane entrepreneurship.
Koon Swan was conferred a Doctorate in Business Administration (APEL.Q) at the age of 82, exemplifying the spirit of lifelong learning.
Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan, a renowned entrepreneur and community leader, was conferred a Doctorate in Business Administration (APEL.Q) at the age of 82, exemplifying the spirit of lifelong learning.
In his valedictorian address, Koon Swan reflected on the deeply personal fulfilment of his academic journey and expressed heartfelt gratitude to his wife and family for their unwavering support in his lifelong experiential learning through the APEL.Q DBA programme.
A total of 1,600 graduates were awarded Doctorates, Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees at the convocation.
Among them were highly accomplished entrepreneurs, including former Logistics Association president Datuk Tony Chia and SME Association of Malaysia president Dr Chin Chee Seong, both of whom received postgraduate degrees in recognition of their achievements in business and leadership.
Chew Kay Ling, the 2025 HELP Chancellor’s Award recipient, made history as the first Malaysian to win the prestigious Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants Best Accounting Student Award.
Also awarded HELP University First Class Honours were Chancellor’s Awards winners Lee Jun Hao, Tang Cheok Hong, Chung Shu Yi and Lee Xin Yi (Psychology); Yeoh Jia Xin (Economics); Wong Shannen (Business Psychology); Chew Kay Ling (Business -Accounting); Isaiah Melchizedec Henry in Business (Hospitality Management); Mah Xin Ci (Communication - Media Studies); Wong Lee Yun (Education -TESL); Natasha Chan Mun Yi (Information Technology -Data Analytics) and Chee Joe Yee (Law).
At the Strategy Symposium, themed "The Transition Nexus: Experiential Learning, AI and the Circular Economy," HELP University chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Paul Chan reminded the participants of the urgency to revamp traditional approaches to teaching and learning.
He advocated for experiential and experimental learning through the collective participation of the government, industry and academia.
“We must have the prepared mind to be future-fit. This requires a growth mind-set that is always dissatisfied with the present.”
Vice-chancellor Prof Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi urged the graduating Class of 2025 to lead with courage and compassion.
“You carry the spirit of HELP. You rise today as learners and walk forward as leaders.”
Prof Mohammad emphasised that “a university is not a factory that produces degrees — it’s a place where knowledge is shaped, skills are sharpened and minds are awakened.”
Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran witnessed the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) signing of three strategic partnerships that would facilitate HELP’s global expansion. The first was with Hunan University of Technology in China to establish the Institute of Future Technology and Design, dedicated to advancing AI-driven entrepreneurship. The second was with the Global Education Advancement Group, a former NASDAQ-listed company, to provide technical and vocational education and training (TVET)-driven upskilling programmes that support workforce development. The third partnership was with the Australian Institute of Public Accountants to offer competency-based training tailored to the demands of the evolving financial ecology.
In his address on “Reimagining Quality Assurance for Experiential, AI-Driven and Sustainable Learning”, Prof Mohammad emphasised that “a university is not a factory that produces degrees — it’s a place where knowledge is shaped, skills are sharpened and minds are awakened.”
He also reminded of the innovative opportunities that MQA is creating to change the landscape of education in Malaysia.
The two-day celebration concluded with HELP University’s traditional convocation dinner, attended by 350 distinguished guests.
To learn more about the university, visit https://university.help.edu.my.
