Students share their heartfelt stories
OVER 2,000 Unitar International University (Unitar) students from its 11 campuses graduated at the university’s seventh convocation at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Nov 16.
Several students reflected on their journeys:
Rahul Thomas is a prime example of Unitar’s key principles – CARE – which stands for “Collaborative, Adaptive, Reflective, and Entrepreneurial”.
The university’s goal is to develop graduates who can critically analyse situations in a holistic manner to discover new experiences, using available resources to change their challenges into opportunities that benefit not only themselves but also their community.
Rahul initially enrolled in multimedia studies, but eventually chose to venture into cyber security and enrolled in the Bachelor of Technology (Computer Security) degree at Unitar.
“One of the reasons I took this course was due to the high demand for security experts,” he said.
It was no smooth ride, but Rahul adapted and pulled through with the help of his family. He shared that he was initially worried he would not get an internship or job as easily but was instantly assured upon learning Unitar has secured partnership with over 110 key players in the marketplace.
After completing his course and while waiting for the graduation ceremony, Rahul was allowed the opportunity to enrol in a twomonth certification course by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) to upskill himself.
The Cheras-born graduate further encapsulates the university’s CARE principles with an entrepreneurial streak, having been running an event management company since his second year of studies.
He is confident of securing a job soon through industry partners like SQL and Mimos, and with the university’s employability rate higher than 80%, it’s certain he can look forward to a bright future.
Owengelo Rosalia, from the Philippines, underwent many personal struggles before finally earning his Bachelor of Business Administration. However, he found solace and encouragement in his siblings and extended family, which gave him the strength to continue his studies.
He credits them for his enrolment at the university – his older sister and many cousins are also Unitar graduates.
Rosalia also exhibits the best parts of Unitar’s CARE principles – his unrelenting spirit in the face of adversity and willingness to respond positively to change perfectly embodies the principle.
Melinda Chelsea Mickey from Sabah graduated with a second class upper in a Bachelor of Guidance and Counselling. Melinda had a fantastic student life, “Unitar’s main campus felt just like home. I was surprised to find so many fellow East Malaysians. We, of course, became close friends very quickly and that made being far from home a little easier.”
Syed Fairul Syed Yahya al-Mashoor thanked Unitar for providing him a career progression pathway through the Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning (APEL), crediting it for enabling him to graduate with a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
“I started my career years ago with only a diploma,” said Syed Fairul.
“Now, I am celebrating a new milestone. All of my experiences have been crystallised into a pathway through which I earned my MBA,” he added.
He also pointed out that with the various financial incentives offered by the university, any student would be confident to pursue their higher education, and to realise their dreams.
He also favoured the opportunities inherent in the industry immersion sessions built into the MBA course with head honchos of MNCs and GLCs.
Unitar houses students from all walks of life and family backgrounds.
One can achieve great things with the right support, motivation and CARE.
Vice-chancellor Prof Dr Noor Raihan Ab Hamid expressed her passion for the graduates in her opening address at the convocation, “All of you have earned your way into Unitar and many of you did it while working and dealing with everything that life throws at you. This convocation is our way of thanking you for inspiring all of the Unitar community with your dedication, perseverance and faith.”
■ For details, call 03-7627 7200, email enquiries@Unitar.my or visit https://Unitar.my/