ADDRESS BY YANG BERBAHAGIA TAN SRI DR. SALLEH BIN MOHD. NOR PRO-CHANCELLOR OF UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 60th CONVOCATION CEREMONY UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA
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بسم هللا الرمحن الرحمي السالم عليمك ورمحة هللا وبراكته and greetings WWW.UTM.MY
SALUTATION
Yang Berbahagia Prof. Datuk Ir. Dr. Wahid bin Omar, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia,
Senate Members, Senior Officials, Distinguished Guests, Parents and Graduates. WWW.UTM.MY
GRATITUDE TO ALLAH SWT
First and foremost, let us extend our gratitude to Allah SWT as his grace and benevolence have enabled us to convene at the 60th convocation of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia on this auspicious day. I believe this event is of utmost significance to both graduates and parents. Indeed, this convocation has been convened in recognition of the success of graduates in completing their studies.
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HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS
My commendations to all graduates for successfully completing your studies at UTM in your quest for knowledge. Congratulations also to all parents and family members who have made innumerable sacrifices in ensuring the success of the respective graduates. My appreciation also goes to the entire UTM community for the successful implementation of various strategic initiatives and innovations that have developed and advanced students throughout their studies at UTM. WWW.UTM.MY
HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO UTM
Indeed, your success today is a testimony to the initiative of the Advancement of a University. And this is also evident from UTM's achievement in its attainment of rank 53 in the QS World University Rankings by Faculty Engineering and Technology in 2018. Congratulations UTM! WWW.UTM.MY
INITIATIVES TOWARDS A CONDUCIVE CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT
I also congratulate the University for being committed to various initiatives in ensuring the sustainability of nature in UTM. One example is the Car Free Day initiative implemented on a monthly basis, and planting trees around campus. UTM also bans the use of polystyrene in campus and provide other alternatives. These initiatives are in fact significant contributions towards a conducive campus environment.
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HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO RECIPIENTS OF HONORARY DOCTORAL DEGREE AND EMERITUS PROFESSOR
I would also like to commend the recipient of UTM’s Honorary Doctoral Degree, Professor Kyosuke Nagata, President of the University of Tsukuba. Congratulations Sir! Heartiest congratulations also to two exemplary UTM Alumni, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Ahmad bin Darus and Professor Emeritus Sr. Omar bin Munir.
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ADVICE TO GRADUATES
I believe that upon completing your studies in various fields at this university, you are excited to gain employment, and position yourselves as young professionals. Thus, I would like to advise you to shoulder all entrusted responsibilities to the best of your ability, and to exercise patience, integrity and honesty.
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UTM GRADUATES EQUIPPED WITH TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE, ETHICAL VALUES AND SOFT SKILLS Throughout your studies in UTM, you have not only been equipped with technical knowledge, but you have also been inculcated with ethical values and soft skills that should be practised in life.
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GRADUATES AS COMPETITIVE AND OUTSTANDING WORLD CITIZENS
I would also like to remind you that as newly conferred graduates, this is the start of your life’s journey in becoming a more competitive and outstanding world citizen, as envisioned by the National Education Philosophy.
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IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE THINKING IN SEEKING EMPLOYMENT
To those graduates facing challenges in attaining your desired employment niche, my advice is to be patient, and to always think positive. This is because job opportunities for science and technology based graduates are abound, particularly with various transformation initiatives implemented by the government.
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UTM GRADUATES IMBUED WITH UTM DNA
As UTM graduates, not only do you have your own uniqueness and specialty, but you have also inherited UTM’s distinguished DNA. You have been instilled with a first-class working culture. Remain steadfast as any difficulties encountered contribute towards more mature thinking.
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CHALLENGES FACED BY THE WORLD
The world is facing numerous problems including climate change and loss of biological diversity. Climate change is an ongoing phenomenon and its impact on the ecosystems and economy needs to be investigated. Decline of biodiversity is also an opportunity for scientists to study ways to overcome the problem through the use of various means such as through the science of biotechnology. WWW.UTM.MY
CHALLENGES FACED BY THE WORLD
The current economic standing of our country is very challenging. For instance, the cost of living and the inflation rate continue to be on the rise. Unemployment among graduates has increased to more than 25% of the total unemployment rate in the country. More than 50% of graduates receive pay of less than RM2000.00 per month. These are among the challenges that you will have to face. WWW.UTM.MY
BE POSITIVE AND INNOVATIVE
However, as graduates of UTM, the best Technological University in Malaysia, I am confident that you will be able to face adversities in life, but you need to INNOVATE and be positive and innovative. GRAB is an example of innovative thinking. Make use of technology that has been learned and innovate.
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BE ENTREPRENEURIAL
Nanotechnology, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and Bitcoin should be used for commercialization. Be Entrepreneurial! Collaborate with friends and join the business world. The government has in fact provided numerous grants in assisting small and medium business enterprises.
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NEVER GIVE UP
There are two words that I would like you to remove from your dictionary. That is “I can’t”. There was a Youtube video of a lady who was involved in a car accident at 10 years old and lived a life in a wheel chair. But she persevered and pageants, gained a degree in engineering and a Doctorate honours in law. She is an actor and a dancer. She refused to believe in “I can’t”. She volunteered in numerous organizations and moved to India to work in slums and dedicated her life to helping others. WWW.UTM.MY
NEVER GIVE UP
Thomas Edison failed 900 times before he invented the light bulb, Mother Teresa in India, Martin Luther Jr in USA, Michael Jordon was rejected from his high school basketball team and Oprah Winfrey was told she would never have a career in television. There are many other challenging examples in the world that was successfully overcome. So do not ever say "I can’t“.
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STRIVE TOWARDS EXCELLENCE
I believe that with commitment, dedication, as well as creative and positive insights, you will be able to go far.
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CLOSING
I end my speech by once again congratulating all graduating students who are now officially UTM Alumni. All the Best and May God Bless You All! اوِبهلل التوفيقُ والهداية والسالم عليمك ورمحةهللا وبراكته
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