Graduates make their mark
More than 2,000 graduates received their scrolls at Management & Science University’s 20th convocation ceremony.
MUHAMMAD Muqaffa Muhammad Jizan learnt that it is never too late to turn over a new leaf.
The Chancellor’s Gold Medal Award recipient was once on the verge of expulsion due to his low grades.
“Since then, I left behind all the negative influences in my life and made new friends with people from all walks of life,” he said, crediting his lecturers and dean for their support.
He was part of the 2,105 students who graduated at Management & Science University’s (MSU) 20th convocation ceremony last weekend.
A visibly emotional Muhammad Muqaffa, 25, who did not expect to win the award, said he advises his juniors to always ask questions during their lessons if they do not understand what is being taught.
“I refer to my friends (as well) because in my opinion, when we share information with each other, we remember what we’ve studied effectively.
“I also advise my juniors to be active in extracurricular activities because it indirectly teaches us how to handle stress and enhances our mental strength,” he said, adding that this is especially so during exams.
The Bachelor of Accountancy graduate said it also improves students’ leadership and communication skills.
Sisters Muhambigai Perumalsamy, 28 and Vigneswary Perumalsamy, 26, were over the moon as both were recipients of the Industry Award.
From being a vice-secretary of the varsity’s Pharmacy Club and taking part in national quizzes, Muhambigai would give her undivided attention during her lessons and subsequently revise with her sister at night.
“We would also meet our lecturers immediately if we didn’t understand a certain topic,” she said, urging students to not delay meeting with their lecturers if they don’t understand their lessons.
After going through a rough patch in life, the Bachelor of Pharmacy graduates are now looking forward to what lies ahead.
“At one time, my mother fell ill and it was a terrible time in the family.
“It was hard to concentrate in class during our lessons but we did not allow the hardships faced to stop us from continuing our studies. It motivated us to keep going,” she said, advising students to not give up.
Love what you do and you will find a way to achieve suc- cess, she added.
President Award recipient Alea Nur Insyirah Alias, 18, urged her peers to not be afraid of stepping out of their comfort zones.
“Join the activities MSU offers because that is what will help you become well-rounded individuals,” said the Diploma in Education (Teaching English as a Second Language) student.
Despite her busy schedule as a freelance model and television host, President Award recipient Vanessa Cruez’s, 23, never neglected her studies.
Being a fast learner, catching up with her studies was not an issue with Cruez.
“(However) balancing work and studies is not easy but if you put your heart into it, you will be able to manage them,” she said.
Education isnot just about g rades. Gradesare important but students must build character.That, to me, is very important. If you have the rig ht character, wherever you are, you will be successful. Prof Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid
The third year Bachelor in Food Service Technology student added that for her, notes played an important role in her revision.
“I also got additional information from the internet and discussed with my lecturers.”
MSU president Prof Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid said education is not just about grades.
“Grades are important but students must build character. That, to me, is very important.
“If you have the right character, wherever you are, you will be successful,” he said in his speech.
The university also conferred an honorary Doctorate in Medicine to Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah during the convocation ceremony.
Dr Noor Hisham thanked MSU’s board members and senate for conferring him with the doctorate.
MSU chancellor Sultanah of Kedah Tuanku Hajah Haminah was also present at the event.