PENANG, 22 September 2013 - Graduates were urged to love Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and appreciate the impact of it achievements since it became a Research University (RU) and undergoing the Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX) since 2008.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman, said that graduates should be aware and understand the significance of both achievements of the programmes in the development of human capital and the future needs of the country.

USM started to produce the first high degree graduate in 1973 and until today the number of graduates has increased to 23,000. The most significant increase was seen after the introduction of RU and APEX.

He said that the achievement should be felt and shared in line with efforts to contribute together in the development process and to provide expertise as well as trained human capital.

“It is important for us to join the academic community in the global k-society to seize the opportunity in competing in the global economy and wealth that could help in achieving the nation's aspirations.

“It can be achieved by sharing common values as the core of overall society development. Producing knowledgeable society groups, including you, should be viewed in a wider context for the country to face an increasingly competitive global challenge and rapid changes,” he said.

Omar said this in his speech during the last session of the USM 48th Convocation ceremony held at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra recently.

He urged the graduates to be part of the success achieved, hence, they will be able to contribute to the development of the University and strengthen the country’s achievement.

He said that as people armed with knowledge, the graduates should be sensitive about the role and trust in issues pertaining to the environment, humans, and life as a whole.

“Hopefully, the values that we share in the university will contribute to the creativity and innovation in producing new products and discoveries that can improve the quality of the community and the world at large in the context of knowledge.

“With the values that we hold onto, the graduates are expected to generate wealth equitably, respecting human rights and knowing how to develop new opportunities to be explored further,'' he said.

He added that a USM alumnus is also demanded to continue the tradition made by scholars who see the world in a wider frame of mind just like someone who graduated from a university.

“You have to talk basing on data and facts, not only from your own perspective but in a large context, ideas that are not bound by your own values.

“We must be ready to agree, respect diversity, be part of society and actively participating as agents of change on an on-going basis,'' he said in the presence of about 800 graduates. - Translation: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photos: Mohd Fairus Md Isa