By Azman Zakaria Photo
by Marina Ismail
SERDANG, Nov 1 - Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Pro Chancellor, Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh reminded graduates to continue studying as lifelong learning will lead to excellence in life.
“Securing a job does not mean that the learning process has stopped. Don’t ever think that the degree you obtained today is sufficient as it is definitely not the ticket to success and one that could see you through in your life amidst this challenging world.
“Continue with your relentless efforts to gain knowledge and skills because today’s success serves as a platform for you to make meaningful contributions for the formation of a society and human civilization that are of more quality, integrity and synergy in tandem with the environment,” he said at the fourth session of UPM’s 39th Convocation ceremony here.
He presented degrees and diplomas to 897 graduates at the ceremony which started on October 31 to November 3 whereby some 7,056 graduates are receiving their scrolls. Tan Sri Mohd Bakke said it was a reality that needed to be made known that academic qualification did not guarantee success in careers.
This is because there were many entrepreneurs and corporate leaders who succeeded in their life without having high academic background such as Bill Gates. Such people, he said, had some plus-points and advantages that differentiated them from their generational groups, including their positive attitudes, interests and views on matters they were working on.
Adding that they were open minded, positive and had confidence in themselves, these people also had a clear vision and projection in their life.
“Therefore, with this advantages in terms of academic qualification, being open minded, positive and not that choosy when it comes to work, graduates are actually capable of controlling and leading the job market to attain more accomplishments,” he said.
He added that it was inevitable for graduates to possess a good command of the English Language which formed the basis in all aspects as it is an international language.
“Even if you are working in the public sector and you are proficient in English, you will have the edge in dealing with other agencies,” he said, adding that this, however, did not mean that Bahasa Malaysia should be sidelined.
He also stated that as graduates were UPM ambassadors, it is hoped that they could play their respective roles in projecting UPM’s good image in the international arena. – UPM.
