Graduands of the upcoming March 2018 Convocation had the opportunity to attend a tea session with the UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato' Dr Chuah Hean Teik to receive some words of wisdom as they prepare to journey towards their graduation. The "Tea Meeting with UTAR President" was organised by the Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP) at Sungai Long Campus on 11 July 2017 and Kampar Campus on 12 July 2017.

Also present at the tea meetings were UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Dean Prof Ir Dr Goi Bok Min, Faculty of Creative Industries Dean Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, Faculty of Accountancy Management (FAM) Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Dr Hen Kai Wah representing FAM Dean Dr Sia Bee Chuan, and DARP Head Foo Wai Wai at Sungai Long Campus, while at the Kampar Campus were Prof Choong, Faculty of Science Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Dean Assoc Prof Dr Yap Vooi Voon, Faculty of Arts and Social Science Dean Dr Alia Azalea, Faculty of Business and Finance Dean Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Prof Dr Leung Kar Hang representing FICT Dean Assoc Prof Dr Liew Soung Yue, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Ling Liong Ngo representing ICS Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei and Foo.

"Convocation is not only a celebration of your own success but it is also a proud moment for your parents, siblings and families as well. Make sure you share your success and joy with your parents, siblings and other family members and treat them well," advised Prof Chuah. He reminded the soon graduating students to appreciate all the sacrifices made by their parents. He also advised the students to be polite and be respectful of their parents and families during the ceremony.

Prof Chuah then provided advice regarding students' careers and future undertakings after their graduation. He said, "From now onwards, you have to make decisions for yourselves. Make sound judgments when you are deciding on your career paths. Choose a profession that suits your interest and passion. Also, be flexible and adaptable to your profession. Passions, abilities and performances are the secrets of success for your careers."  Prof Chuah also shared with the students about the subjects of interview skills and reminded them to be well-prepared before attending an interview and to always view opportunities with an open mind.

Prof Chuah further explained to the students on what basis young professionals are selected and hired. "Among the basics are personalities, scholastic record and potential development, communication skills, experience, the ability to cooperate, recommendations, standing of the University and last but not least the salary expectation." 

He further offered his advice by saying that, "You must continually seek to learn new insights and keep yourself well-informed. Besides that, when you are starting a career as a professional, remember to be a good subordinate and team worker. Learn to constantly improve yourself, prioritise the organisation's goals and be virtuous."

"If there is a need for you to exit the company, then do it gracefully without straining your relationship with your employer," he said, as he spoke of the advantages of human network to build one's career prospect. He reminded that the world is small and that one should look after the interest of others to develop a good network for future progress.

With the competitions being very keen these days, Prof Chuah reassured the students that it is all right to go global and international. He said, "Go! Wherever, anywhere, when the opportunity arises. Don't confine yourselves and don?t limit your own opportunity. Everything these days are global and borderless."

Prof Chuah then highlighted the roles of alumni and said, "Your roles as alumni are to improve the University and its ranking continuously, always carry UTAR flag in the industry, increase your productivity, compete in the global market and keep abreast with technology. Successful alumni indicate the success of UTAR. That is the form of feedback you can give back to the University."

Before concluding his speech, Prof Chuah shared the top 10 qualities a graduate should have in 2020. Among the qualities are complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management, coordination with others, emotional intelligence, judgement and decision making, service orientation, negotiation and cognitive flexibility.

The tea meeting ended with a short briefing by DARP and Department of Student Affairs.