It was a memorable weekend for 1,600 students who graduated from HELP University in Kuala Lumpur recently.
During the ceremony, the graduates received doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees.
The occasion held particular importance as it coincided with the celebration of the university’s 39th anniversary during the convocation ceremony.
The HELP University chancellor and co-founder, Prof Datuk Dr Paul Chan, highlighted that these two significant accomplishments celebrate not only the success of the students but also acknowledge the dedication and backing provided by the institution’s employees.
During his address, Professor Chan advised the graduates to stay flexible and strong amidst the changing employment landscape and financial instabilities.
“The diploma you obtained is not just a piece of paper; it is your key to a multitude of opportunities ahead,” he stated.
He similarly motivated the graduates to arm themselves with abilities required to tackle upcoming worldwide issues, such as artificial intelligence and climate change, both of which he mentioned would mold the future job landscape.
“Besides having technical skills, future leaders should also juggle responsibilities with ethical considerations,” he said additionally.
Professor Chan highlighted that education is an ongoing journey throughout life and encouraged the alumni to utilize their networking abilities to guide them through their career paths.
The HELP University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi expressed comparable views in an official statement, stating that the commencement signifies the students’ perseverance and fortitude.
Some of you had to juggle full-time work along with part-time studies, while others handled family duties — but nonetheless, here you are.
He likewise showed positivity regarding the forthcoming Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint from 2025 to 2035.
He further stated that this is an ambitious national objective aimed at fostering digital empowerment, ensuring equitable access, and nurturing high-quality graduates.
The graduates from the class of 2025 received an extensive array of credentials ranging from a Doctorate in Business Administration and various Master’s degrees in fields such as business, education, and criminology, all the way to multiple Bachelor’s degrees in areas like business, economics, tourism, and management.
Together with their international collaborators like the University of Derby and the University of London, students finished their bachelor’s degrees in areas including accounting, finance, business management, banking, and economics.
Special mention was made for 21 graduates who obtained their degrees via the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL.Q) route, recognizing professional experience as a basis for an academic credential.
Included among them was the well-known entrepreneur and business leader Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan, who was awarded an APEL.Q Doctorate in Business Administration.
Prof Dr Ki Chan Kim was also recognized with the Distinguished Humane Entrepreneur Award from HELP University for his role as the chairperson of ICSB and his significant contributions to the field of humane entrepreneurship.