Kuala Nerus – Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has accomplished another significant achievement when it conferred degrees to 2,775 graduands at the 22^nd Convocation Ceremony held for three days from 20 – 22 October.

The event reflects UMT’s continuous effort in producing graduates who are holistic and dynamic and ready to meet the ever challenging demands of the industry.

From the total figure, 2,533 were conferred undergraduate degree and 242 postgraduate degree. Of the 242, a total of 90 graduands were conferred doctorate degree, 113 master’s degree (by research), and 39 master’s degree (by coursework). This shows UMT’s commitment towards research and expansion of knowledge that is relevant for the current industry.

As a university committed towards social improvement, it is befitting that UMT conferred degrees to 1,816 graduands from the B40 category. This reflects UMT’s seriousness in providing opportunities to receive higher education to the less privileged group. This is in line with the university’s aspiration of ensuring that education can be accessed by every segment of society.

At the ceremony, 514 excellent graduands were presented with First Class Awards, an achievement that reflects the quality of education offered by UMT. Among the awards presented were the Royal Education Award, given to Nur Izzati Yusri for the Bumiputra category and Liam Jing Zhi for the non-Bumiputra category. Both took home a gold medal, RM7,500 cash prizes, and a certificate of appreciation.  

Also taking place during the ceremony was the announcement of the appointment of Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Zuki Ali as UMT’s Pro Chancellor. Tan Sri Zuki is the former Chief Secretary to the Malaysian Government and is now holding the post of Employee Provident Fund Chairman. He is a Terengganu native, being born at Kampung Bukit Bayas, Kuala Terengganu.

In addition, UMT also successfully produced the first batch of graduates (23) from the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Technology (Shipbuilding) with Honours. The success serves a proof of UMT’s commitment in offering programmes that meet the demands of the maritime sector, which is one of the rapidly expanding sectors both nationally and globally.

The ceremony also saw the conferment of 18 graduands under the Graduate Development programme, which is an initiative introduced by the government under which free education is provided to the first member in the family that is qualified to further the study to the bachelor’s level.

UMT also presented seven special awards to graduands who achieved excellence in academic and co-curricular activities.

Among these are the Royal Education Award, Chancellor’s Gold Medal, Pro Chancellor Award, Chairman of UMT’s Board of Directors Award, Vice Chancellor Award, PTPTN Special Award, and Best Diploma Graduate Award.

In an effort to produce holistic graduates, UMT always ensures that its students are not only excellent academically but the needed skills to face the challenges of the work world. In its industry-oriented curriculum, UMT places emphasis on several important elements such as communication skills, leadership, and critical and creative thinking.  

The ceremony was not only an event for recognizing the academic achievement of the graduands, but it was also a manifestation of UMT’s success in producing human capital that is of high quality and ready to contribute to the country’s development. By continuing its effort in empowering students through relevant academic programmes and co-curricular activities, UMT will become the leading institution in producing graduates who are dynamic and competitive at the global level.

Many interesting activities were also organized during the carnival held in conjunction with the convocation ceremony. Among them were soccer matches, traditional cooking competition, Dikir Barat competition, kite flying competition, and night symphony.

The carnival running from 18 – 22 October was open to the public.

Published by:

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu