KOTA SAMARAHAN: A total of 4,103 graduates at the doctorate, masters and degree levels will receive their scrolls during Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (Unimas’) 22nd Convocation Ceremony which began yesterday and ends on Oct 31. The ceremony is being held at Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra (DeTAR PUTRA)in the university.
The convocation ceremony yesterday was graced by the Head of State and Unimas Chancellor, Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud. Out of the 590 graduates who received their scrolls on the first day of the convocation ceremony yesterday, 250 were from Sarawak and 340 from Peninsular Malaysia. 83 international graduates from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, China, Indonesia, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ghana, India, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, United State of America and Vietnam also received their scrolls.
Yesterday, the Head of State also conferred the Honorary Doctorate in Economic Development to Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg. In his speech, Taib said: “Congratulations to graduates on your graduation! After all your efforts and sacrifices, today is a remarkable moment in your life before entering the working field.
“Not to forget also, appreciation and congratulations to parents, academicians and Unimas staff for their commitment and enthusiasm in providing for and preparing the students with knowledge and skills throughout their courses. “I also urge Unimas to be more aggressive in developing a new curriculum to meet the needs of the industries.”
The Head of State reminded the graduates to utilise their knowledge and the experiences gained during their time in Unimas for the benefit of the society. “I believe that the university has carried out its responsibility of developing ethical, skilful, responsible and committed human capital.
“After this, the graduates will determine their own careers and I pray that the journey will culminate in a happy ending for yourselves, your families and society,” he added.
Taib also presented academic awards, namely, “Anugerah Pelajaran Di Raja (Pingat Jaya Cemerlang)”, Chancellor Award and Pro Chancellor Awards to graduates who excelled in academics and in the co-curricular activities. The recipients of “Anugerah Pelajaran Diraja (Pingat Jaya Cemerlang)” were Fahizan Mahmud and Kong En Yie. Meanwhile, the recipient of the Chancellor Award was Jonathan Peteroswin Dason while Aqilah Yusoff received the Pro-Chancellor Award.
