RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
FOLLOWING its Chamber Choir’s success, UiTM vice chancellor Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Hassan Said feels it is time for the university to step into the global scene.
“At national level, we’re already leading the pack. We have one of the best music faculties in the country. Now we have to show the world what we can do. This (Prague International Choir competition) success isn’t just to make UiTM proud, it’s for Malaysia too,” he says.
UiTM Faculty of Music dean associate professor Dr Ramona Mohd Tahir says the faculty also sends its students overseas for practical training.
Besides the Chamber Choir, it has a plethora of ensembles, including for jazz, gamelan and keroncong and an orchestra.
“We have won many competitions prior but this is our first major competition for choir.”
After the Prague International Choir competition, the UCC performed at the Malaysian Embassy in Prague and the United Nations Office in Vienna.
“Although we encourage our students’ international exposure, our biggest concern is budget,” says Hassan.
“We need sponsors to support our students and facilities to elevate our status and skills.”
Despite aiming to head in the global direction, Hassan says UiTM will continue to prioritise excellence in academics.
“We have to ensure that 90 per cent of our graduates will have jobs after completing their studies,” he says.
“Some think highly of ranking among universities, but I feel that the result that we get is more important.”
He adds that visibility is vital in creating positive perception among the public.
“Our strategy to attain that is by producing quality graduates who can give back to the community, and to our country,” he adds.