PENANG, November 2014 - The graduands were reminded to leverage on knowledge and technology attained in the university to help improve the society and the development of the country.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Chancellor, the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail said this during the first session of the USM’s 50^th Convocation Ceremony held here recently.

The Chancellor also reminded the graduands to strengthen the existing core values and build the country within its existing mould, respecting the existing diversity and not to take our freedom for granted.

“Many of us are facing challenges now including how to perpetuate the good values that binds the diverse society together in a spirit of brotherhood that was fostered long ago.

“The university has already fulfilled its responsibility of imparting knowledge, it is now the task of the graduands to leverage and use it for the good of others,” said the Chancellor.

The Raja Perempuan of Perlis, Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Tengku Abdul Rashid also attended the ceremony.

Others present were the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Pulau Pinang, Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr) Hj. Abdul Rahman Abbas and his consort Toh Puan Majimor Shariff; Second Education Minister, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh; and Perlis Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Azlan Man.

At the same Convocation ceremony, the Sultan of Brunei, His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien was bestowed an honorary Doctor of Law degree.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin presented the Sultan of Brunei his scroll.

The convocation also saw the daughter-in-law of Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil obtaining her Master of Public Administration degree.

The Chancellor deemed the conferment of the honorary degree to the Sultan of Brunei as an acknowledgment and in appreciation of His Majesty’s outstanding contribution in raising the education standards of its citizens at all levels in an effort to improve the quality of their lives and to ensure the prosperity of future generations.

“The award was also a sign of strengthening the close relationship between Malaysia and Brunei as seen in the co-operation between the two countries in various fields especially education.

“I hope that the educational cooperation between the two countries will be further strengthened through the efforts of research, student and academic development in various fields of knowledge,” he said.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman was also present.

The Golden Jubilee convocation ceremony was held over nine sessions where 5,474 graduates received their scrolls in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon & Tan Ewe Hoe /Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias/Photo: Mohd. Fairus Md. Isa