Pro Chancellor Address on UTM 59th Convocation

ADDRESS BY YANG BERBAHAGIA TAN SRI DR. SALLEH BIN MOHD. NOR PRO-CHANCELLOR OF UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 59TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

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‫بسم ا الرح ن الرحي‬ ‫السل م عليك ورح ة ا وبركهته‬ ‫‪and greetings‬‬

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SALUTATION

Yang Berbahagia Prof. Dr. Zainuddin bin Abdul Manan, Timbalan Naib Canselor (Academic & International), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Senate Members, Senior Officials, Distinguished Guests, Parents and Graduates WWW.UTM.MY

GRATITUDE TO ALLAH S.W.T

First and foremost, let us extend our gratitude to Allah S.W.T as his grace and benevolence have enabled us to convene at the 59 th convocation of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia on this auspicious day.

I believe this event is of utmost significance to both graduates and parents. Indeed, this convocation has been convened in recognition of the success of graduates in completing their studies.

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HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS

My commendations to all graduates for successfully completing your studies at UTM in your quest for knowledge. Congratulations also to all parents and family members who have made innumerable sacrifices in ensuring the success of the respective graduates.

My appreciation also goes to the entire UTM community for the successful implementation of various strategic initiatives and innovations that have developed and advanced students throughout their studies at UTM.

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QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS

Indeed, your success today is a testimony to the initiative of the Advancement of a University. And this is also evident from UTM's achievement in its attainment of the 5 Stars Overall Rating for QS Star Rating 2017.

Congratulations once again to UTM! WWW.UTM.MY

GRADUATES AS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

I believe that upon completing your studies in various fields at this university, you are excited to gain employment, and position yourselves as young professionals.

Thus, I would like to advise you to shoulder all entrusted responsibilities to the best of your ability, and to exercise patience, integrity and honesty. You have not only been equipped with technical knowledge, but you have also been inculcated with ethical values and soft skills that should be practised in life.

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GRADUATES AS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

I would also like to remind you that as newly conferred graduates, this is the start of your life’s journey in becoming a more competitive and outstanding world citizen, as envisioned by the National Education Philosophy.

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ENHANCE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

As I see it, there are four major problems faced by the world today: viz. Population growth, desertification, climate change and loss of biodiversity. While fortunately, desertification that is spreading in countries in Northern Africa and some parts of dry Asia, fortunately, Malaysia is not affected.

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SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC GROWTH However, the other three problems are as much of concern to us as to the world at large. Population growth in Malaysia is further enhanced by immigration, many of whom are illegal immigrants. They bring with them other social and economic problems.

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IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is indeed a real problem. While there are many skeptics to the issue, we are definitely about to feel the impact of climate change. As someone who has been to Antarctica four times, I have seen the changes impacting the Antarctica icebergs and the landscape. What is the impact of climate change in Malaysia, to our agriculture, to our fruits? These need to be monitored and studied.

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SEEKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES

Finally there is the loss of biodiversity which is akin to “burning our library books before we have read them�. As a forester, I believe that the tropical forests hold the key for the cure for cancer. More research should be undertaken and in this regard, I feel sad that R&D funds have been reduced. While Malaysia aspires to be a developed country by 2020, the Government must invest more funds for research within the Universities and Research Institutions. R&D funds can offer more opportunities for fellowships and post graduate studies for new graduates.

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SEEKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES

Thus there are so many problems being faced by the country and as fresh graduates, you must be positive and look at these problems as opportunities. The economic situation in the country is not at its best at the moment. Cost of living has gone up and so has inflation although official statistics seem to indicate otherwise. However, as someone who goes shopping for daily household needs, I feel the crunch of the downtrend of the Malaysian Ringgit and rise in cost of living. Jobs are hard to come by.

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SEEKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES

However, these are again opportunities to innovate. GRAB and UBER for example is an excellent examples. The service industry including tourism, especially eco-tourism, offers great opportunities for the adventurous young entrepreneur. Home stays are increasing in the country and can be an area of opportunity for the young entrepreneur as well. On the technical aspects, Block chain and Artificial Intelligence are technologies of opportunities.

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GRAB THE OPPORTUNITIES

Bitcoin is the future. Learn about them and grab the opportunities offered. You are all graduates from the top technology university in the country. So use technology to guide your future. On the other hand one must not be choosy in the job market. Grab what you can get to gain experience and look for greener pastures later.

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES

I am told that graduate unemployment accounts for nearly one-quarter of total unemployed youth. For those with a degree, the rate of unemployment is much higher at 15.3%; that’s also much higher than those unemployed with less education, at 10%. More than one-half of newly working graduates earn less than RM2,000 a month. That’s insufficient for a decent life in Kuala Lumpur.

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES

The recently announced budget 2018 by the Yang Amat Berhormat (YAB) Prime Minister offers supportfor Small and Medium Scale Entreprises. Join forces with your colleagues and see what those incentives offer. Be brave, be not afraid and be adventurous. You are still young.

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DEVELOPING SOFT SKILLS

These are the facts of life that you have to face with and I hope that the UTM education had prepared you to face this challenging future. You must be competent in English besides Chinese or Mandarin. Finally, you must have self- confidence and have the ability to communicate well.

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DEVELOPING SOFT SKILLS

Dengan kejayaan ini, anda telah menyiapkan diri anda, untuk berbakti kepada masyarakat dan negara.

Saya percaya, dengan sikap komitmen, berdedikasi, dan wawasan kreatif serta positif, saudara-saudari, mampu melangkah jauh.

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DO NOT PUT THE BOUNDARIES

The world is your oyster. Do not limit your dreams and boundaries.

Explore all possible opportunities, including the ones abroad.

Challenge yourselves to your full potential, making the world your stage for your personal performance in measuring and striving for excellence.

This forward thinking is reflected in a quote from a Johor-Riau Malay scholar, Raja Ali Haji; WWW.UTM.MY

WORD OF WISDOM

“Jika hendak mengenal orang berilmu, bertanya dan belajar janganlah jemu.”

(A knowledgeable person could be discerned through his/her tireless effort in the quest for knowledge) “Jika hendak mengenal orang berbangsa, lihat kepada budi bahasa.”

(A person of stature could be discerned from his/her decorum) WWW.UTM.MY

TOWARDS KNOWLEDGEABLE HUMAN CAPITAL To graduates intending to pursue further studies, I applaud your intention and aspirations. Our nation needs more knowledgeable and talented human capital to drive the country. Do continue with this noble effort. As etched on UTM’s main archway, "A person’s standing is judged in accordance with his/her efforts” Al-an'am: 132 WWW.UTM.MY

CLOSING

I end my speech by once again congratulating all graduating students who are now officially UTM Alumni. Well done!

Thank you, Wabillahi taufik walhidayah wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

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