YBhg Engr. Prof. Dato' Dr. Chuah Hean Teik, UTAR President congratulated graduands on the occasion of the Eighth UTAR Convocation, on 14-15 March 2009 At San Choon Hall, Wisma MCA, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

There were 1313 graduands from 34 programmes in this group of March 2009 convocation. Pioneer graduands from 8 programmes: Master of Science, Master of Computer Science (by research), and Bachelor (Hons) in Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Mechanical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Actuarial Science, and Communications and Networking.

Here are extracts from Prof Chuah's speech:
UTAR believes in giving its students a strong foundation to prepare them for their future. In doing our best for our students, UTAR is guided by six educational philosophies that are represented in our UTAR emblem:
o Virtue and Morality
o Knowledge and Intellect
o Physical and Mental Health
o Sociality and Humanitarianism
o Aesthetics and Harmony
o Creativity and Innovation

UTAR, guided by its vision and mission, is progressing steadily to become a centre of excellence with emphasis on academic and research excellence. Since its humble beginnings in 2002, UTAR has witnessed significant growth and expansion. UTAR began with 411 students, eight Honours degree programmes, three faculties and one campus location. Fast forward, UTAR now, entering its eighth year of operation, has over 17,200 students pursuing 63 programmes spread over seven faculties in four campus locations. In addition, our Centre for Extension Education, since its inception in 2003, has trained more than 60,000 participants through more than 1000 seminars, talks, and training programmes, ranging from appreciation courses to professional development courses and part-time degree programmes.

The UTAR Perak Campus is also gaining momentum in its student enrolment. Since its first intake of 500 foundation students in June 2007, the number of students has increased ten-fold to more than 5,900 in less than two years.

The outstanding performance of UTAR graduates have significantly contributed to UTAR's strong reputation over the years. Some notable achievements of UTAR graduates: One of our pioneer MBA graduates was awarded a prestigious Monbukagakusho Scholarship by the Japanese government to further his PhD study at Kyoto University. Another pioneer graduate in Public Relations who was a recipient of the Erasmus Mundus Master's scholarship has completed her Master in Euroculture in Poland and currently working as a consultant for a market research company in Poland.

A number of graduates have been offered scholarships to further their postgraduate studies at world renowned universities such as the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, National Taiwan University, to name a few. Also from the latest alumni survey in Feb 2009, 98.5% of our 2008 graduates were in employment or pursuing postgraduate studies within the first 6 months after graduation.

UTAR recognises that both teaching and research are central to its mission. UTAR encourages all academic staff to be actively engaged in research, teaching and learning activities.

With the recent setting up of UTAR Global Research Network, the research platform is networked extensively with both local and foreign institutions and organisations. In addition, UTAR plans to set up Endowment Chairs sponsored by corporates to boost our research funding and activities.

Another related area of priority being pursued vigorously by UTAR is greater linkage and collaboration between the University and industry. For example, UTAR established relationship with industry players such as MIMOS, CISCO, Intel, Agilent, Altera, Eu Yan Sang, and Microsoft by way of joint research and consultancy, R&D funding, industry attachment and technology transfer.

Equally important is the effort in building the portfolio of an all-round student. The newly introduced UTAR Soft-Skills Development Certification has received very good response from students since its launch in Jan 2009. UTAR students have made their presence strongly felt in the educational landscape. UTAR students won several awards and demonstrated their success and talent in various competitions.

UTAR will not rest on its laurels and slow down in its progress. Several initiatives and new developments are in the pipeline. To respond to the changing needs of the nation and the world, UTAR has identified a number of relevant new programmes to be launched soon, UTAR also plan to increase the number of Master's and PhD programmes to strengthen our postgraduate and research education. UTAR also hopes to intensify the recruitment of international students.

Prof Chuah advised the graduates:
- Stay motivated as they enter the employment market during these trying times.
- Work hard and adapt to new environment.
- Uphold the good name of UTAR and contribute actively to bring UTAR to the next level of excellence.