Second student cohort graduate from University of Reading Malaysia

Monday, 23 July 2018

Students, special guests and university colleagues joined in celebration this weekend following the graduation of the second cohort of University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM) students. 

The ceremony took place on Saturday 21 July at the Thistle Hotel, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, with formal proceedings led by UoRM Provost, Professor Wing Lam, and University of Reading Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell.  

Amongst those celebrating included the first UoRM students to graduate from new programmes; Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Real Estate delivered by Henley Business School, BSc in Quantity Surveying delivered by the School of the Built Environment, and BSc in Psychology delivered by the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences. The ceremony also recognised the achievements of seven Malaysia citizens who have completed a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the UK at the University of Reading.

 As part of the proceedings, an honorary degree was awarded to influential businesswomen Tan Sri Datin Paduka Siti Sa'diah Sheikh Bakir, who in 2009, was named Malaysia’s first female CEO of The Year by the New Straits Times Press and American Express. Tan Sri Siti Sa'diah has a personal connection with the University of Reading, having completed a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) at Henley Business School.

The ceremony also marked the first graduation presided by Professor Wing Lam, who was appointed Provost of UoRM earlier this year. In a humorous address to graduating students, Professor Lam used his own personal journey as a means of explaining the many new (and often unexpected) opportunities higher education can lead to: 

“Even with the best plans, we don’t really know what life has in store for us. But I’m sure of one thing. I’m sure that getting a good education was the starting point for everything else. Had I not gone to university, I’m sure my life would have turned out quite different. Education is like a passport… It provides opportunities that you might not otherwise have access to.” 

“Graduation is not an end-point but a starting point. How far you climb in your ambitions is up to you, and how well, you make use of your talents.”

The ceremony came to a close with final remarks from vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell, who thanked graduating students, their families and University colleagues for their hard work and support over the years. 

Echoing the sentiment of Professor Wing Lam, Sir David spoke of how education can help strengthen resolve during times of uncertainty: 

“Not everything will go to plan in the coming months and years. But remember, life is not about what happens to you. It’s about what you do with what happens to you. And in the months and years ahead, I hope that you will always carry with you fond memories of your time here at the University of Reading Malaysia.”

Please join us in congratulating our UoRM students on graduating this year!