SERDANG – A total of 5,965 graduates received their degrees at Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) 44th convocation ceremony this year.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the convocation was the first held physically, began on Jan 8 and ends today.
Chow Heng Yee, 26, was graduate with Bachelor of Science (Human Development) and received two awards. She was awarded the Royal Education Award yesterday, and received the Tun Abdul Razak Award on Jan 8.
Chow recalled when she received news of the awards last month.
“It has been two years since my last class, and I have forgotten how many awards I had applied for. I was shocked when the university called me and told me that I had won two awards. I broke the news to my parents. Holding the plaque feels like a dream. We were so happy.”
She dedicated her success to her mentor, Professor Dr Rumaya Juhari, and a strict study schedule.
“I was involved in co-curricular activities. But I am grateful for my support system, especially my family, friends and my mentor, which helped me a lot to win these awards.
She also feel very grateful to the university because recognising her hard work.
Meanwhile, the journey of Farah Syasya Zukrina Ahmad Nazmi, 29, inspired her classmates.
She experienced emotional and mental breakdowns following her parents’ divorce.
“When my parents decide to get divorced, I was studying civil engineering at the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom years ago. That prompted me to leave everything and come back.
“I began working, and took a break from studying. I sought help for my mental health in 2018. After some time at home, my parents, especially my mother, encouraged me to retake the courses at UPM. I did, and here I am today,” she said while holding her scroll.
Farah said while at UPM, she had thoughts about quitting again when her parents finalised their divorce.
However, she completed her studies after got support from her mother. She advice to all students that never give up and to surround themselves with good support systems.
“Support systems are crucial. You have to identify your people, and keep them close because they are the ones who will keep an eye on you and help you”.
Farah is now pursuing her Master of Civil Engineering at the university. The scrolls were presented by the university’s Chancellor, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
During the ceremony, Sultan Sharafuddin promulgated three new pro-chancellors for the university: Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Ir Muhamad Zohadie Bardaie and Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim.
Their promulgation is effective for three years, from Oct 18, 2021, to Oct 17, 2024.
Source: Farah Solhi (NST.COM.MY)
