Arshad (left) presents the scroll to a graduate during UiTM’s 84th convocation ceremony. — Photos by Chimon Upon
A graduate (second left) shares her joy with her lecturer and Public and International Relations coordinator Ardiana Mazwa Raudah Amir Abdullah (right).
KUCHING: The number of professional Bumiputera graduates is still inadequate to meet the needs of industries.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) pro chancellor Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Dr Arshad Ayub highlighted this when he said academic programmes must take into consideration the needs of global industries in this age of professionalism.
“UiTM graduates have no choice but to strive to become the best and successful because that is the demand of the country and the industries,” he said when addressing the university’s 84th convocation at its Sarawak campus Jubilee Hall yesterday.
A total of 377 graduating students received their bachelor degrees, with 20 of them receiving the Vice Chancellor Award, during the convocation ceremony.
According to Arshad, some of the professional bodies that lacked professionals in accounting, town planning, quantity surveying and engineering were the ACCA, CIMA, CPA, MICPA, CIM, CII, CIT and ICSA.
“It is very important for UiTM graduates to make a difference in their profession and workplace and must strive to be the best in their class,” he said.
To meet this objective, he advised that faculty members of UiTM must be equally exposed to the professional demands and the needs of the industries.
He urged for greater collaboration with the respective professional bodies to be enhanced.
“Let’s work smart to enhance the standing of the university in every aspect. Ensure that UiTM continues to be capable, honoured and respected as the generator of world class Bumiputera professionals,” he said.
In view of that, Arshad stressed that UiTM must put more effort to enhance research and in gathering and preserving of knowledge in science and technology, social science as well as management and business.
“UiTM must work to ensure that graduates have opportunities to find good employment as well as create entrepreneurship opportunity where graduates can become employers who in turn will contribute to the growth of the country’s socio-economic status both in urban and rural areas,” he added.
Those present included UiTM University Board of Directors chairman Tan Sri Dato Ir Dr Ahmad Zaidee Laidin, deputy vice chancellor (Student Affairs) Prof Dato Dr Abdullah Mohamad Said, UiTM Sarawak rector Prof Dato Dr Jamil Hamali, deputy rector (Academic Affairs) Prof Madya Dr Rosita Suhaimi and UiTM Sarawak Mukah campus assistant rector Khalik Ibrahim.