309 receive scrolls at Swinburne S’wak graduation ceremony
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak celebrated a momentous occasion yesterday as 309 graduates received their scrolls during a graduation ceremony at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), marking the crowning achievement of their higher education endeavours.
The ceremony, presided over by Swinburne Sarawak Council member William Lye, recognised graduates for their outstanding academic and research accomplishments.
In his opening speech, Lye emphasised the ceremony’s significance as a pivotal moment in the graduates’ lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
“This ceremony represents a significant moment in the graduates’ lifelong learning journey. It is the culmination of many years of study, hard work, and of course personal growth, development and achievement.
“For parents, family members and friends of our graduates, this ceremony is also an important recognition of all the support that you have provided – each and every day – along the way,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Swinburne Council, Board of Directors and staff, Lye extended heartfelt congratulations to all the graduating students for their hard-earned achievements.
“You are graduating from an institution that is proud to be the sort of university the future not only expects – but demands us to be. We are proud to be the prototype of a new and different university, one that is truly of technology, of innovation and of entrepreneurship.
“Swinburne may be a young university, but we have a rich history and depth of expertise demonstrated by our successes in prestigious rankings,” he said.
He further underlined Swinburne’s global recognition, with the university recently entering the Top 250 universities in the Times Higher Education rankings and being ranked in the Top 50 universities worldwide under 50 years old.
These achievements affirm Swinburne’s global standing in pioneering research and providing students with top credentials for success in a tech-driven world, said Lye.
Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities ahead, Lye challenged the graduates to consider their role in shaping the future.
“As citizens of this world but more importantly, as citizens of this country and this state, you have the opportunity to help lead Sarawak into a new society where the gains of the technology age are harnessed and unleashed to solve the challenges we face.
“Today, you join a special community of thousands of Swinburne alumni all over the world, innovators and creators who are helping to build a better world. Swinburne graduates are the kind of game changers that propel us forward and leave their mark on the world,” he added.
Out of the 309 graduates, 275 completed undergraduate degrees, with 123 specialising in business, 79 in engineering, 47 in computing, 18 in design, four in science, and three in media and communication.
One student achieved a double degree, mastering both engineering and computer science disciplines.
Additionally, 12 graduates received their scrolls for completing the Diploma of Business Management programme.
Among the 19 students who attained Master’s degrees, eight were conferred the Master of Business Administration (International), four obtained the Master of Science (Research), three earned the Master of Arts (TESOL), and one acquired the Master of Engineering (Research).
Notably, three graduates belonged to the first cohort of the Master of Information Technology programme.
Furthermore, three recipients were honoured with Doctor of Philosophy degrees, specialising in engineering, information systems as well as humanities, and arts and social sciences.
During the ceremony, emotional moments unfolded, notably the presentation of a bouquet of flowers and a scroll to Hadinah Yusof, mother of the late Fatin Syafiqah Yazi, a Master of Science (Research) graduate who had recently passed away.
The ceremony drew attendees not only from Malaysia but also from various countries worldwide, including Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sweden, China, India, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Zimbabwe and the Philippines.