UCSI University’s first batch of Medicine graduates proudly showing off their certificates

UCSI University’s Valedictorian, Sahadeva Prem Kumar delivering his speech during the University’s 23rd Convocation Ceremony

Jubilant: Graduates from the Faculty of Applied Sciences ecstatic after receiving their scrolls

Kuala Lumpur, 24 July 2010 - Saturday marked many firsts for UCSI University during its 23^rd Convocation. This year’s ceremony saw the graduation of UCSI’s first batch of medical students, as well as its first students graduating with degrees in mobile computing and mechatronic engineering.

With 1,655 graduands – UCSI’s largest class yet – this year’s convocation was also the first time the ceremony had to be divided into two sessions, with nearly 700 students graduating in the morning and the approximate 900 remaining graduating in the afternoon. It was also the first ceremony with the university’s new vice chancellor, Dr. Robert Bong. Dr. Bong encouraged students to continue learning even after graduation during his convocation speech.

“We are now living in an era of unprecedented technological advancement and globalisation, and simply getting a degree is no longer good enough,” he said. “Continuous learning can take many forms, and I encourage you to do anything and everything to keep yourselves relevant”.

In his speech, UCSI University Chancellor Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Abdul Rahman Arshad echoed the Dr. Bong’s advice and encouraged students to take steps to distinguish themselves.

“Graduates are becoming common, and thus no longer a rare breed,” he said. “All of you need to treat today as simply a starting point where you will acquire more knowledge and skills to truly stand out among the crowd”.

Convocation 2010 also marked UCSI University’s first male valedictorian, Sahadeva Prem Kumar. In his speech, Kumar advised his classmates to set goals and love life.

“To be successful, I always hold on to three basic principles,” he said. “Firstly, to always begin with the end in mind, secondly to always have realistic and achievable goals, and finally, to love and accept everything in life graciously and with equanimity.”