Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) celebrated its 43rd convocation on August 14 and 15 at its Kampar Campus in Perak, conferring degrees to 1,396 graduates across 107 academic programmes. The ceremony, held in three sessions at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, saw recipients of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees receive their scrolls in the presence of university officials and distinguished guests.
Among the graduates were 29 PhD recipients, 69 master’s degree holders, and 137 students awarded bachelor’s degrees with honours and distinction. The remaining graduates received either bachelor’s degrees with honours and merit or honours alone. With this cohort, UTAR’s alumni network expanded to over 94,000 since the university’s first convocation in 2005.
The event featured addresses emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and resilience amid change. UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat urged graduates to pursue excellence and use their knowledge to contribute positively to society. “Face uncertainty with courage, adaptability and an open mind, viewing change not merely as disruption but as an opportunity to grow, contribute and create impact,” he said.
Among the graduates was Nur Shalina Badarul Sham, who earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Chinese Studies. She plans to further her education in Taiwan at National Dong Hwa University, focusing on Chinese language studies. Reflecting on her academic journey, Nur Shalina cited her early exposure to Chinese language education and her role as organising chairperson of the UTAR Chinese Literature Week 2025 as formative experiences that deepened her cultural affinity and practical skills.
Another graduate, Moh Ridwan, received a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) in Banking and Finance. He expressed a strong desire to continue learning Mandarin, underscoring the value of language in understanding different cultures and perspectives. His involvement with the UTAR Toastmasters Club and community volunteering during his studies contributed to his development in communication, leadership, and social awareness.
PhD graduate Dr Tan Jing Jie, who completed his doctorate in Engineering, emphasized the significance of giving back. Supported by a full scholarship for his undergraduate studies and funding for his doctoral research, he currently holds a research fellowship at the National University of Singapore. Dr Tan aims to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to make tangible improvements in society, having already developed an AI application that assists visually impaired individuals in recognising people and navigating social media platforms independently.
The convocation was officially opened by UTAR pro-chancellor Tan Sri Wong See Wah and attended by several key figures, including Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum, chairman of the UTAR Education Foundation board of trustees, and Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh, UTAR Council chairman. Other council members and advisors were also present to witness the milestone event.
Overall, the ceremony highlighted the university’s commitment to nurturing graduates who are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the values and resilience necessary to adapt and contribute proactively in a rapidly shifting global landscape.