PENANG, 26 April 2014 - Graduates today should explore employment opportunities anywhere but they should not forget to safeguard their self-identity and continue to contribute to the development of the nation.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Pro-Chancellor, Tan Sri Mustafa Mansur reminded the graduands that there are so many opportunities to be explored in the world out there. Therefore, they should not limit themselves to what they want to achieve and where to achieve it.

"Explore every opportunity and go further, do not limit yourselves within your home country. In fact, you need to challenge yourselves to explore further. You should view this world as a playground to venture forth on your life’s journey," he said to 715 graduands who attended the Second Session of USM 49^th Convocation Ceremony here.

Mustafa urged the graduands to strive for success no matter where they are by increasing knowledge, including mastering the major languages of the world, understand them and adapt themselves to different cultures, challenge themselves to compete and become a major player.

They should also focus on their strengths and their preferred areas - business, corporate, volunteer activities, helping others wherever it is needed.

He added that the graduands must seize the opportunities that come their way.

"Always hold firmly to etiquettes, religious values, ethics, integrity and accountability, tolerance, and remember our origins, remember the contributions and sacrifices made by various parties in your lives including parents and teachers as well as our beloved homeland," said Mustafa again.

Also present at the ceremony were the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman, members of USM Board of Governors and the University Senate. Overall, a total of 1,088 graduands received their respective degrees in this 49th Convocation Ceremony.

Meanwhile, there were three graduands who received posthumous degrees at the 49^th Convocation Ceremony. One graduand received a posthumous Ph.D. in the First Session, while two others received a posthumous Master of Social Science and Bachelor of Science degree respectively at the Second Session.

Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe/Text: Mohamad Abdullah/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa & Yong Check Yoon