The air was thick with anticipation as families filled every seat in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, their cameras ready to capture a moment years in the making. You could feel the collective pride radiating from 1,637 graduates as they prepared to walk across the stage, transforming from students into alumni. This was more than ceremony—it was the culmination of dreams, sacrifice, and unwavering determination.
# UTAR’s 41st Convocation Celebrates Academic Excellence and Future Leadership
## Catalyst
The journey began with a vision shared across the UTAR community—to celebrate not only individual accomplishments but also the collective success that defines academic excellence. Held from 22 to 23 August 2025 at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in UTAR Kampar Campus, the UTAR’s 41st Convocation marked a momentous occasion that would transform the lives of graduating students forever.
The ceremony unfolded across three carefully orchestrated sessions, with 573 graduates in the first session, 526 in the second session, and 538 in the third session. Meanwhile, this convocation held special significance as it celebrated the graduation of pioneering students from three groundbreaking programmes: the first batch from the M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences completing Master of Medical Science in Public Health, graduates from the Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance with Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Tourism Destination Marketing, and students from the Faculty of Accountancy and Management completing the Bachelor of Finance (Financial Technology) with Honours programme.
## Rising Action
As the graduates took their positions, the magnitude of their collective achievement became evident. They represented 107 programmes, comprising 75 Bachelor’s (Honours) degrees, 23 Master’s degrees and nine PhD programmes. Of the 1,637 graduates, 24 received their PhDs, 54 received their Master’s degrees and 172 received their Honours degrees with Distinction, while the rest received their Bachelor Honours with Merit and Bachelor’s Honours degrees.
The ceremony gained momentum as distinguished leaders took the stage. Session One and Two were declared open by UTAR Council Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh, while Session Three was declared open by UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Sak Cheng Lum. The guests of honour brought their wealth of experience: Dato’ Fam Lee Ee, President of AirAsia China and Chairman of AirAsia X Bhd; Datuk Koong Lin Loong, Managing Partner of Reanda LLKG International PLT; and Dato’ Frank Choo Chuo Siong, Managing Director of Xiao En Group.
Also present were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees Members Datuk Lee Leck Cheng, and various council members including Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Chor Chee Heung, and others who witnessed this historic moment in higher education.
## Turning Point
The real transformation began when the speakers shared their wisdom with the graduating class.
Prof Dato’ Ewe delivered powerful words of guidance, advising the graduates: “As you begin this new chapter, remember that success is not always a straight path. It is often shaped by detours, challenges, and moments of growth. Stay true to your values, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path, even when it differs from the expectations around you.”
“Let your setbacks become lessons, and let your progress be guided by purpose, not pressure. In moments of doubt, lean on the strength of those who believe in you; your family, mentors, and friends. Stay grounded, keep your curiosity alive, and never stop learning. This is your journey, walk it with courage, compassion, and confidence. The world is waiting for your contribution.”
Dato’ Fam shared his inspiring journey, reflecting on humble beginnings: “I come from a humble background and was only able to pursue my studies because of my late mother’s sacrifices, and I know many of you have your own versions of that story.” He emphasized three essential principles: “be useful, be brave, and be kind,” drawing from his experience with AirAsia where “belief, resilience, and reinvention turned two old aircraft and a mountain of debt into a story of possibilities.”
Datuk Koong reminded graduates that “convocation is not just a celebration of your hard work and perseverance, but also a reminder that this is only a checkpoint in your lifelong journey.” He stressed the importance of adaptability in an era where artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping industries, emphasizing that “true success is not measured only by personal gain, but by the impact you make on others.”
## Resolution
Dato’ Frank Choo concluded the inspirational messages by sharing his personal transformation story. Nearly 40 years ago, he was “a young graduate just like you—full of ambition and bold dreams, yet life had other plans.” His father’s words about working “for the good of humanity” guided him through struggles and setbacks, ultimately creating a movement that “redefined an industry to be more human, more compassionate, and more relevant for the future.”
His final message resonated deeply: “Life is impermanent, but it is infinitely beautiful if you allow it to be. As you step forward, may you build a legacy that is not only successful, but meaningful. Congratulations, Class of 2025.”
The ceremony concluded with a clear understanding of what these graduates represented. They left UTAR equipped not only with academic credentials but also with the critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience required for leadership roles in an ever-evolving global landscape.
As these 1,637 graduates join the ranks of over 90,000 UTAR alumni contributing across diverse sectors, they carry with them the university’s commitment to nurturing holistic individuals who are resilient, future-focused, and prepared to contribute to a better tomorrow. Their journey from students to leaders exemplifies the transformative power of education and the endless possibilities that await those who dare to dream big.
