By: Azman Zakaria

Photo by: Marina Ismail and Nor Sabri Omar

SERDANG, 27 Oct- “The success and greatness of a graduate are not solely based on academic excellence. Instead, academic excellence should be interwoven with holistic excellence,” said Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek who is the Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

He added that subsequently, graduates should pay attention to holistic development and excellence and also use the knowledge and expertise gained from UPM to help society and develop the country.

“Members of UPM alumni should also be the best role models. Thus, graduates should proof to the public that members of the UPM alumni are exceptional not only in the university but also outside of the university.”

“Always make positive impressions and memories of UPM alumni on the public,” he said during his speech at the 2nd Session of the 42nd UPM Convocation Ceremony at the Convocation Hall of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Cultural and Arts Centre in UPM.”

The Pro-Chancellor also indicated that he wanted graduates to continue their commitment towards self-development all the time and wherever they were such as establishing good behaviour, personality and manners for the purpose of being a civilised, intellectual, honourable and progressive individuals.

Tan Sri Lim also remarked that graduates should equip themselves with adequate knowledge and skills so that they are able to compete with the rest and to grab job opportunities in this challenging time.

He claimed that nowadays, the 1st indicater used by the employers during recruitment is based on the employee’s soft skills such as communication, leadership, critical thinking and moral ethics.

According to the Pro-Chancellor, the technology growth in line with the 4.0 Industrial Revolution will put pressure on job markets not only in Malaysia but also in the entire world, and this scenario will be vastly different from the situations of 10 or even 20 years ago when getting a job was not difficult for graduates.

He further commented that graduates should be bold when trying for jobs that are outside their area of expertise or creating field of work via entrepreneurship.

Tan Sri Lim also reminded graduates to always appreciate the good deeds and sacrifices made by their parents because the latter have indeed sacrificed greatly for their success.

“Parents have always supported graduates during their tough times and good times. Their goods deeds and devotion have also been considerable in making graduates successful today,” he concluded. - UPM

Date of Input: 28/10/2018 | Updated: 28/10/2018 | hairul_nizam