USM, PENANG, 26 October 2016 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) graduands should be independent especially in creating new job opportunities and not just rely on others.

Its Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail said, all graduands are encouraged to apply the knowledge obtained to become “job creators” who would be able to offer jobs rather than those who would only be seeking for jobs.

“With advances in policies relating to the digital economy, graduands could enter the job market and be involved in strategic sectors not only locally, but also throughout the ASEAN countries and the rest of the world,” said Asma.

She added that USM equips its graduands with the necessary knowledge for them to be critical thinkers and problem-solvers, but at the same time they also need to be more flexible and adaptable to cope with the demands of the future.

“Challenges for the university in the 21st century too would be more demanding, especially in preparing the students to meet and suit the global requirements of today and also in the future,” stressed Asma.    

Addressing some 832 graduands of Economics, Social Work, Accounting and Management who received their degrees in the Fifth Session, USM 54th Convocation Ceremony, she hoped that they are readily equipped with the relevant skills needed to succeed in the working world, such as communication skills, problem-solving skills and also maturity that can be achieved and improved when one is exposed to serving the community/society and being involved actively in the various volunteerism projects and other activities undertaken during their studies.

“USM has always strive to produce students who are holistic and balanced, integrating the unique values of science in the arts and arts in the science in its various programmes and activities alongside without differentiating the significance of both in developing the scholarly spirit,” she said.

Asma added, at USM, the process of integrating the knowledge in science and literature, arts, culture and also social work has progressed very well, going beyond differences and allowing everyone the chance to explore in facing the more challenging future.

The degrees were presented to the graduands by the USM Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Dr. M. Jegathesan.  

Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe