Dayang Norjihan speaks during the graduation ceremony. — Photo by Roystein Emmor
KOTA SAMARAHAN (July 7): Graduates should continue applying the knowledge and skills they have acquired by serving their communities, mentoring others and contributing to conservation efforts, said Sarawak Orchid Society (Sarorso) patron Dayang Norjihan Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
She said graduation should not mark the end of a participant’s involvement, but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to contribute to the society.
“Today is the beginning of a responsibility because, from this day onwards, you have become part of the Sarorso alumni family.
“An alumnus should not be remembered merely for having participated in a programme.
“Rather, the value of an alumnus lies in their willingness to continue contributing even after the programme has ended,” she said during her special address at the Sarorso Graduation Ceremony at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) here on Monday.
Dayang Norjihan encouraged the graduates to continue learning, share their knowledge, serve others and become a source of inspiration in their schools, workplaces and communities.
“To participants of the mentor-mentee programme, do not stop after producing one mentee.
“Guide your mentee until one day they are capable of becoming a mentor to someone else,” she said.
Dayang Norjihan noted that the graduates were among the first cohorts to complete a programme integrating scientific knowledge, applied research, community engagement and practical conservation.
“You have been given knowledge and equipped with skills, and now you carry a responsibility.
“Lead with humility and serve with sincerity.
“Share the knowledge you have learned, never stop learning and never give up in pursuing your dreams,” she said, expressing hope that their efforts would inspire more people to contribute towards a greener, healthier and more sustainable Sarawak.
Dayang Norjihan also highlighted the recent participation and achievements of Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) students at the World Orchid Conference in Dresden, Germany, as one of Sarorso’s significant accomplishments.
She said the students’ confidence in presenting their work before scientists and orchid experts on the international stage demonstrated what young people could achieve when provided with trust, guidance and opportunities.
“This achievement proves that when we invest in the development of the younger generation and give them the trust, guidance and opportunities they deserve, they are capable of standing confidently on the global stage,” she said.
Reflecting on her role as Sarorso patron, Dayang Norjihan said she regarded the responsibility entrusted to her as a trust to continue the legacy established by her late mother, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, while supporting the society move confidently into its next phase of development.