Sudanese Students Graduate At 7th UTP Convocation Ceremony In Khartoum (19 Dec 2010)
Graduation is not the end but only the beginning. For 15 Sudanese students of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), 19 December was the beginning of a journey that could help them make a difference in the continued development of Sudan.
The nine post-graduates and six under-graduates received their degrees from Puan Juniwati Rahmat Hussin, Chairman of the ITPSB Board, at the 7th UTP Convocation held at the PETRONAS headquarters in Khartoum, Sudan.
Realising that not all international students are able to receive their degrees in Malaysia, UTP holds mini convocations in countries where many international students come from and one of those countries is Sudan.
The 7th Convocation Ceremony held in Sudan marks PETRONAS continuous commitment to contribute to the development of technical and professional human resource for the oil and gas industry in Sudan, Puan Juniwati said when addressing the graduates and their families at the Convocation.
This year, 36 Sudanese students have graduated from UTP, comprising 13 with a Bachelors degree, 15 with a Masters degree and 8 students who received the Doctor of Philosophy qualification.
Of the 13 Bachelors degree students, one graduated with 1st Class Honours, seven with a 2nd Class Upper (Hons), one with a 2nd Class Lower (Hons), and four with a 3rd Class. Not all the graduating students were present at the ceremony in Khartoum to receive their degrees.
"This Convocation Ceremony is a significant occasion which recognises your success as well as acknowledges the contribution and sacrifices of your families in ensuring that you succeed in your studies," Puan Juniwati said.
Also present at the Convocation were Dr Omar Mohamad Osman Almagli, Secretary General of Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Tuan Haji Zainal Bin Hamzah, Malaysian Ambassador to Sudan, and officials from Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum, Joint Operating Companies, representatives from universities in Sudan and PETRONAS Group of Companies.
Puan Juniwati announced that in total, 121 Sudanese students have graduated from UTP to-date. Currently there are 65 undergraduate students and 78 postgraduate students from Sudan still studying at UTP.
En Nusral Danir, Chairman of PETRONAS Sudan said in his speech at the Convocation that PETRONAS’ belief of giving back to the community in the country that we operate in, through education, firmly demonstrates the Company’s philosophy of lifelong learning and people development.
“This people development is one area in which PETRONAS and Sudan can work together to develop the natural resources and the people," En Nusral added.
In its earlier years, UTP had focused on developing the foundation and enhancing the method of teaching and learning of the University’s programmes and this has been proven by the quality of its graduates.
However, to be recognised and accepted as a world-class university, UTP is aware of the need to be engaged in research and development activities, Puan Juniwati said. “For this purpose, UTP has initiated and is currently implementing its Transformation Plan which goes beyond 2020. The UTP Transformation Plan encompasses detailed and comprehensive strategies in renowned and new research areas to achieve the target of achieving Research University status by the year 2013.”
These research areas include Enhanced Oil Recovery, CO2 Management, Deep Water Technology, Nano Technology, Green Technology, Energy, Health, Mega City and Sustainability Science.
In line with its objectives to upgrade its research and innovation activities, UTP has also forged several new strategic alliances with foreign universities such as Lehigh University in the US, University of Bergen and University of Stavanger in Norway, Griffith University in Australia and Cambridge University in the UK.
Advising the graduates to continue supporting their alma mater, Puan Juniwati said: “Do remember that giving back is a way to live meaningful lives, hence, spread the joy of giving as you encourage others on their own journey of generosity. I also urge all of you to join the UTP Alumni and contribute back to the University in whatever forms. We would also like to welcome you back to pursue your postgraduate degrees.”
To promote and further the cause of education in Malaysia and globally, UTP launched the UTP Foundation or Yayasan UTP on 3 August this year. Contributions to the UTP Foundation will provide much needed funds for the granting of scholarships, supporting research and innovation, the development of activities related to the arts, sports and culture within the campus and supporting the administration of UTP.
“The University certainly welcomes any contributions from our graduates towards this worthy cause,” Puan Juniwati added.
Before the Convocation concluded with a luncheon hosted by Puan Juniwati and PETRONAS Sudan, two graduating students addressed the rest of their fellow graduates, encouraging them to remain steadfast in pursuing their careers and their dreams.
