HRH Speech Session 1

ADDRESS BY HER ROYAL HIGHNESS RAJA ZARITH SOFIAH BT ALMARHUM SULTAN IDRIS SHAH, PERMAISURI OF JOHOR THE CHANCELLOR OF UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 58th CONVOCATION CEREMONY UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

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‫بسم هللا الرمحن الرحمي‬ ‫السالم عليمك ورمحة هللا وبراكته‬ ‫‪and greetings‬‬

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GRATITUDE TO ALLAH SWT

My gratitude to Allah Subhanahu Wataala for it is with his grace and blessings that we are gathered here at this 58th Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s historic convocation ceremony.

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HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS

This convocation ceremony is indeed a glorious and much awaited event, celebrating the success of both UTM’s local and international graduates. Thus, I would like to express my heartiest congratulations to all graduates being conferred today.

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CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

On this occasion, I would like to congratulate Dr. Mohd Amin Alias and also Dr. Md Nor Musa for being conferred the Emeritus Professor title. This award is one of the highest academic recognition given by the university to a person for distinguished service to the University.

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CONGRATULATORY REMARKS

Congratulations also to Emeritus Professor Dr. Takeshi Matsuura for being conferred an Honorary Doctoral Degree.

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HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO UTM INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

To all foreign graduates, I would like to wish you my heartiest congratulations. You have come from afar in search of knowledge and this ceremony is a very special moment not only for you, but for your families too. My best wishes to all of you and I wish you success and happiness in the future. I hope UTM will always have a special place in your hearts, no matter where you are. May Allah bless you and protect you.

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BECOMING COMPETITIVE GLOBAL PLAYERS

In such a challenging era, we need to prepare ourselves to become competitive global players. Merely having a degree is not sufficient in ensuring that we succeed in life. Indeed, the acquisition of a substantial amount of knowledge and experience could give an individual a competitive edge.

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FOSTERING A CULTURE OF READING

One of the means to achieve this is through reading. I believe that reading a variety of scholarly articles can make a person become more mature, open minded, and not easily swayed by unjustified news and information. On this occasion, I would like to take the opportunity to urge UTM to publish general interest books that could foster a culture of reading among the young generation.

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IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Apart from reading, I also believe mastery of the English language to be very important, particularly for graduates. For graduates to stand out and be more competitive at the workplace, they will not only be judged by their academic achievements, but also by their English language communicative ability, particularly their speaking and writing skills.

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UTM CHANCELLOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLUB

I commend UTM for establishing the UTM Chancellor English Language Club that has acted as another platform for UTM students to enhance their English Language proficiency level.

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HEART-BREAKING INCIDENT

Recently, we were all shocked by the heart-breaking incident where eight teenage boys who were cycling, were rammed by a car along the Jalan Lingkaran Dalam near the Mahmoodiah Muslim Cemetary, Johor Bahru. His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor and I, were saddened over such an incident which should not have occurred in our country.

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SHARED RESPONSIBILITY IN GUIDING THE YOUNG

I thus beseech all parties to be more concerned with the behaviour of the young, regardless of race and religion, as this is a shared responsibility.

Children are our legacy who steer the future of our nation. Rebuke them if they are in the wrong, and guide them toward righteousness.

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MESSAGE TO THE YOUNG

As the Malay saying goes ‘Bend a bamboo when it is still a shoot’ (we must develop good habits at an early age). To the young, my advice is for you to fill your time with beneficial activities, and avoid any activities that could harm you, your family and the society at large.

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BENEFICIAL UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES

The participation of UTM students in beneficial University activities and programs like the Generasi Mahasiswa Proaktif 2017 (2017 Proactive Student Generation) in Gelang Patah and Sungai Sebulong Kampung Melayu Majidee is an example of the testament that University students, as the younger generation, are capable of contributing to the future development of Malaysia.

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HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO UTM COMMUNITY

I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my heartiest congratulations and commendation to all UTM researchers and the entire UTM community for receiving multiple national and global accolades.

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SIGNIFICANT UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

UTM researchers have indeed made significant contributions to the community, amongst which include the Molluscure Identification System - a system that removes toxic metals from a species of mussels at the Ayer Baloi River, Pontian; Zero Waste Day with residents of Ulu Tebrau; and the Exposure to Isolated Solar System and Maintenance Techniques Program for the Orang Asli or indigenous community in Kluang. Such programs are greatly appreciated and would indeed benefit the targeted community.

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UTM CONTINUES TO BE THE NATION’S LEADING HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION

I am mindful of the budget constraints faced by the university management, which to a certain extent would affect the running of the University. I pray that UTM will continue to progress in the future. I would like to commend all UTM staff who continue to devote their knowledge and skills to UTM in ensuring that UTM continues to be the nation’s leading higher education institution. UTM, a university revered by the nation.

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UTM FOR COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT

Additionally, I hope that UTM, as a renowned centre of education and research would play a more impactful role in helping to tackle social problems faced by the community, through community service programs and activities benefiting local communities. Social studies aimed at identifying actual problems faced by the community should be conducted, following which, constructive suggestions for helping the less fortunate should be made.

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IMPORTANCE OF ASSISTING THE LESS FORTUNATE

UTM graduates and staff should approach and assist those less fortunate. Put yourselves in the shoes of those who struggle in meeting the needs of their daily lives in the face of an increasingly globalized world. We should assist those in need of help, particularly when it comes to Bangsa Johor. Indeed, Muafakat itu Berkat (Consensus leads to Barakah)

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MAKE TIME FOR FAMILY

Allow me to take this opportunity to beseech everyone to make time for your respective families, despite your hectic work schedule. Family is an institution that plays a major role in shaping an individual’s personality, character and attitude. Indeed, a closely knitted and harmonious community is underpinned by the family upbringing of each community member.

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RESPONSIBILITY TO THE NATION

The scroll that you will receive today is indeed highly significant. The knowledge gained will act as a thrust for the future development of our beloved country, continuing the legacy of our forefathers. Do fulfil the responsibilities entrusted upon you in your respective employment capacities, and aspire towards achieving the 2050 National Transformation agenda (TN50).

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HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL FUNDS I believe that facilities and educational assistance provided, such as the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), "Because We Care" Chancellor’s Fund, MSI Welfare Fund, HEMA’s Welfare Fund, Admission Assistance Scheme to public universities by the State Government of Johor including the 2017 Darul Ta'zim Graduate Education Capital Fund comanaged by the Raja Zarith Sofiah Foundation of the State of Johor and the Johor Education Foundation, in addition to other funds, could widen the opportunities for everyone to pursue higher education.

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EXPRESSION OF APPRECIATION

Here, I would also like to express my appreciation to all ProChancellors, Chairman and Members of the University Board of Directors, UTM Vice-Chancellor, Senate Members, Academics, Professional and Administrative Staff, for shouldering and fulfilling their duties par excellence.

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BEST WISHES TO UTM

I pray to Allah Subhana Wa Taala to bestow tawfik and guidance to the entire community of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. May this university continue to advance and be blessed with barakah and remain in His mercy.

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CLOSING

By virtue of the authority vested in me as the Chancellor of UTM, I hereby present the recipients their respective degrees as cited in the convocation listing. ‫اوِبهلل التوفيقُ والهداية‬ ‫والسالم عليمك ورمحةهللا وبراكته‬

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