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Kuala Lumpur, Dec 01 2018 - International University of Malaya-Wales (IUMW) recently held its 4th Convocation Ceremony at the MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre. The convocation ceremony also saw the proclamation of Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes as Chancellor of IUMW.
257 graduates received their degrees across a range of disciplines, including professional communication, business administration, accounting, psychology, project management, internet engineering, computer science, and biotechnology. IUMW has produced nearly 531 graduates since it started its operations in 2014.
As a leader of various globally and locally recognised organisations, Fernandes has been an inspiration to many people. As Chancellor, he will inspire IUMW's students, leaders, and the future generation with his spirit of entrepreneurship.
In his speech to the convocation, Fernandes said that education in the 21st century is about embracing digital technology. The Government's aspiration for the future generation is for them to be tech-savvy. Technology is moving rapidly and educators are required to keep up with the fast pace and endure it as part of their teaching and learning. It is imperative that students are equipped with ICT and collaborative skills and be interested in lifelong learning.
They also need to have critical, creative thinking, and communication skills, to survive in this ever-challenging world. This allows IUMW to offer programmes that are truly multi-mode, and blended. Moving forward, IUMW will be offering many new specialisations to catalyse Industry Revolution 4.0 that are addressed in relation to the Malaysia Education Blueprint for Higher Education 2015-2025.
Fernandes urged, "Whether you are already in the public, private, or teaching sectors, or intend to be your own boss, I wish to share with you my famous quote: Believe the unbelievable, dream the impossible and never take no for an answer".
"Whatever your dream or aspirations may be, IUMW will always be proud of you and when you have made your mark, remember that it is not just about utilising the technical skills we have taught you but more of the soft skills such as personal qualities, habits, leadership, teamwork and attitude, which are necessary for the job market today".
Doctor of Philosophy (Project Management) graduate Jeffrey Yap Boon Hui was recognised as IUMW Valedictorian in the convocation, while Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) in Marketing Michelle Foong Ern Cher was recognised as IUMW Best University Student. The best students from various faculties were Wan Adib Bin Azaman (Faculty of Business and Law), Sarah Alia Binti Ahmad Affendy (Faculty of Arts and Humanities), Lim Yen Theng (Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Lim Yen Theng), and Nur Syafiqa Balkis Binti Md Din (Faculty of Health and Social Science).
Yap said, "Life is a series of passageways, and we are leaving one and moving on to the next. We will meet new people, make new friends, and learn new things. We will grow older, more responsible, and independent. Hereafter, our lives will hold many surprises for us, but I'm sure that we will approach challenges with the same boldness and equanimity with which we tackle problems currently. The unknown of our future may seem frightening now, looming over us like a dark thundercloud, but we might find that it is just a light, spring rain that brings the tidings of a rainbow".
"So, rather than a young student, who at times failed in exams, I see the next Einstein, making revolutionary discoveries. The next Tony Fernandes, a man who made impossible dreams to be possible. I know that this amphitheatre holds the next decade's great business leaders, social scientists, and stars, and that all of these graduates will contribute to the fabric of the future in some way by bringing IUMW's name to soar high above", Yap added.
The event was attended by IUMW board of directors chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Annuar Zaini, IUMW board of governors chairman Datuk Ir Abdul Rahim Hashim, University of Wales Trinity Saint David chair of council The Venerable Randolph Thomas, IUMW vice chancellor Tay Kay Luan, and University of Wales Trinity Saint David vice chancellor Medwin Hughes.