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Pursue excellence, UPM grads told

SERDANG:  Graduates of Universiti Putra Malaysia are urged to pursue higher studies  to improve the status of their parents and families, as well as the country.

UPM Chancellor Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah reminded  graduates to uphold the Constitution and law to avoid wrongdoings that could tarnish their family, race and nation, and instead become responsible citizens with  integrity.

"Congratulations to parents on the success of the graduates. Thank you for the trust given to UPM as the preferred education destination. 

"Not to forget the community and industry, which worked with the university as a knowledge centre to provide a rich educational space to the graduates. 

"Graduates must be grateful for the benefits  gained as UPM students," he said at the university's 45th convocation here yesterday. 

The ruler urged the graduates to continue the good relationship with their alma mater as a token of gratitude to the university for helping them to attain success. 

Apart from contributing to students' development, he said, the graduates could help the university to ensure that it was on track to build a knowledgeable and insightful generation. 

"Instil the slogan of 'From Alumni for UPM' in graduates to drive UPM to success."

A total of 6,142 graduates will receive their scrolls this year, comprising 484 doctoral, 1,611 master's, 3,564 bachelor's and 483 diploma students. 

This is the second convocation to be held physically  since the Covid-19 pandemic with the first event held two months ago.

This convocation, which started yesterday and will end on March 24, is held at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Cultural and Arts Centre here.

Covid-19 standard operating procedures are  observed — including allowing only those fully vaccinated with low risk or casual contacts with low risk, as well as asymptomatic graduates — to enter the hall. 

Iskandar Zulkarnain Adamulhasza, 26, won the top Chancellor's Gold Medal award. He earned a degree in Bachelor in Civil Engineering with Honours.

 The eldest of three siblings said his father inculcated in him since young the goal to become a responsible person.  He said he had not set any target and that he would give his best in any field he was involved in. 

"I am inspired by prominent figures such as political leaders as I want to be like them one day. 

"I am like any other human.  We will face hurdles and failures but what sets us apart is how we manage and motivate ourselves to become better."

Two students with special needs received their doctoral and master's degrees yesterday.

Dr Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman, 25, who has hearing difficulties, completed his doctorate studies in Veterinary Medicine. 

He was diagnosed with hearing problems when he was 7.

He said he began wearing a hearing aid in school, and was bullied and isolated. 

"That was when I found solace in cats. They were my first friends. 

"I realised that one does not need to hear words to understand animals as their behaviour is enough.  This was when I began taking an interest in becoming a veterinarian."

Wheelchair-bound Hussain Said graduated with a Master's in Bahasa Melayu and Communication. 

The 27-year-old said he faced many challenges during his studies but he persevered and was able to graduate. By Mohamed Basyir

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