KOTA KINABALU, June 25 — A total of 4,319 Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students who completed their studies last year received their scrolls at the university’s 23rd Convocation ceremony, starting today.
UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin said of the total, 3,664 people received Bachelor’s Degrees; Master’s Degrees (357); Diploma (134); Postgraduate Diploma (87) and Doctor of Philosophy (77). Of the total, 60 per cent were from Sabah while the rest were from other states, as well as international students.
He said that during the three days ceremony, six sessions will be held. The first day will see the Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, who is also UMS chancellor, presenting scrolls to graduates, while UMS pro-chancellor Tan Sri Azman Hashim will present the scrolls on the following session.
“The first session comprising postgraduates along with 27 graduates of the first batch of Bachelor of Islamic Studies (Studies) from the newly established (last year) Faculty of Islamic Studies who will receive their respective scrolls,” he said in an interview with Bernama.
Throughout the event, the ‘tamu gadang’ activities, namely exhibitions, sales and performances, displaying the diversity of the Sabahans, are held at the university, which is now almost 28 years old.
Taufiq said UMS also still required all graduates, parents and staff involved to wear face masks when attending the convocation ceremony.
He also expressed his gratitude and pride when the marketability of UMS graduates increased from 90 per cent in 2019 to 96.2 per cent last year, exceeding the target of 94 per cent.
He said this was the result of the Career and Students Entrepreneurship Development Centre for organising various programmes for UMS graduates including upskilling, reskilling and job placement through Penjana KPT CAP, KPT @state and KPT PACE, last year.
He added that earlier this year, the Student Career and Entrepreneurship Development Centre received Khazanah Nasional MySTEP Sabah fund from Britay Asia (M) Sdn Bhd amounting to RM1.4 million, as well as RM750,340 from the Penjana KPT, bringing the total funds raised by the centre to RM4.7 million.
“These funds will help the centre a lot, especially in financing various activities and programmes related to entrepreneurship, training to generate income for students and graduates, especially those who are looking for employment,” he said.
Taufiq also expressed his hope that UMS graduates would be responsible individuals, with integrity, and contribute to the community while not forgetting their parents and family members who have given them support throughout their studies at the UMS.
