Cyberjaya, 26th March 2022 – University of Cyberjaya (UoC) celebrated the Class of 2020 and 2021 with 1,426 graduates at its 11th Convocation Ceremony on 26th to 28th March 2022. The celebrated event also saw 51 of its best graduates receiving a total of 7 awards for their high scholastic achievements.
The convocation ceremony also celebrated 2 renowned individuals – Professor Dato’ Seri Dr. Mohd Azhari bin Yakub and Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Megat Burhainuddin bin Megat Abdul Rahman – for their exceptional accomplishments in the field of science and education.
Professor Dato’ Seri Dr. Mohd Azhari bin Yakub is a Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon of Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) whose achievements include providing cost-effective and advanced heart treatment to all segments of society. Professor Dato’ Seri Dr. Mohd Azhari’s significant contribution to the advancement of cardiac surgery earned him the university’s Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Sciences award.
Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr. Megat Burhainuddin bin Megat Abdul Rahman serves as the Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of Nilai University. With his expertise in public health medicine, he was awarded the Pearson award from the Canadian government, Kesatria Mangku Negara (KMN), Dato Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP), Johan Setia Mahkota (J.S.M.) and Panglima Jasa Negara (P.J.N). Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Megat Burhainuddin received the Honorary Professor of Medicine award from the university.
The convocation ceremony was officiated by the Chancellor of University of Cyberjaya, Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Anuwar Ali who congratulated and commended graduates for their adaptability in persevering through their studies through difficult times.
He added, “The University was created to have a transformational impact on our region, economy, and our communities, making the best use of technology to ensure the most impactful delivery and experience in distance and online learning. I think we can be proud of the impact we’ve had. As graduates, you will play a vital role in supporting this mission, across our region and beyond.”
At the lead of the graduating award list is Voon Jia Haw from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Class of 2020 who was awarded the Chancellor Award, the highest academic award in the university. This award recognises students who possesses leadership qualities, embody service and commitment and acknowledges a student’s unique personal traits and skills.
Voon who also received the Pharmaniaga Book Prize Award for 4 consecutive years hails from a family of 5 all the way from Kuching, Sarawak; his father a retiree and his mother a hawker. The 27-year-old currently serves as a Provisionally Registered Pharmacist (PRP) at the Sarawak General Hospital.
He said, “I am honoured to be receiving this award and I couldn’t have done it without my lecturers and friends. When it comes to my studies, it’s very important to me that I read and understand my lecture notes well. I am also privileged to have classmates that are there for me to explain anything that I am unsure of. I am looking at becoming a clinical pharmacist in the future and I hope to do so once I have gained enough experience and knowledge in the field. If I have the chance, I would also like to continue my masters at University of Cyberjaya.”
Class of 2021, Bachelor of Homeopathy and Medical Science Chancellor Awardee, Esther Chai Ji Cheng shared similar remarks, “I’m glad to be receiving this award as my hard work has finally paid off. I am diligent about my studies and work best when I use diagrams and mind mapping to learn. My goal has always been to become a certified homeopath and I’m giving myself 5 years to set up my very own clinic.”
Esther who is the eldest of two children has received multiple recognitions in past years including receiving the dean’s list award, excellence academic awards and also being awarded the student of the year in 2021.
She also received the MPHM Gold Medal Award, an external award sponsored by Majlis Perubatan Homeopathy Malaysia (MPHM) for UoC’s Bachelor of Homeopathic Medical Science students. This award is given to students who portray a professional image, has good academic achievements, shown leadership skills and has good rapport with university staff and students.
“University of Cyberjaya not only encourages me to be a better student but also to be a better person in life. I was able to build my confidence and communication skills by handling projects as a project manager, giving presentations in front of the class, and discussing group assignments. All these soft skills are transferable and essential for me to become a lifelong learner beyond my tertiary education”, she adds.
Other awardees at the convocation were awarded with the Alumni Excellence Award, Vice Chancellor Award, Dean’s Award, Industrial Award, and Pharmaniaga Pharmacy Excellence Award.