UCSI University’s 27th Convocation Ceremony

KUALA LUMPUR: UCSI University’s 27th Convocation Ceremony honoured 23-year-old Tiew Kee Yee, a wheelchair-bound graduate, with its inaugural Chancellor’s Gold Medal Award. 

Born with spinal muscular atrophy disease that causes the weakening of the muscles in his body, Tiew overcame tremendous challenges in his pursuit of an education. His excellent academic results and outstanding personal attributes made him the clear choice to win the award. 

In his speech, he shared that his time at UCSI gave him not only an education but also the confidence to reach his full potential. From being a person with low self-esteem who could not even hand in his homework on time nor speak English, he is now able to speak confidently to anyone about his favourite topic – tax. 

Due to his physical limitations, he knew that knowledge was his only choice to ensure he had a competitive advantage.

“My family and friends supported me all the way, but the breakthrough happened when I realised that I had to change my negative attitude to a positive one,” he said adding that this was his first ‘lesson’ at the university.

This saw him enroll in UCSI and pursue the BA (Hons) Accounting degree due to his interest in numbers. This decision to follow his passion is something he encouraged his fellow graduates to do.

“At the end of the day, I realised that this was my second lesson at UCSI – to always choose the pathway you have passion for.”

His passion for accounting saw his years at UCSI from foundation to degree marked with achievement after achievement. In 2009, he was awarded the Tan Sri Ahmad Razali Merit Scholarship, and he was on the Dean’s List for two years in a row for 2011 and 2012.

Having been shy and withdrawn during his schooling years, Tiew made a conscious effort to participate in co-curricular activities during his university days. 

This saw him setting up the Accounting and Finance Student Association as the founding president and participating in various competitions and forums organised by the Faculty. 

He recalled his time at UCSI with much pride and fondness.

“I’m glad for my time at UCSI. It showed me that my presence means something.”

Kee Yee’s success is matched by that of the valedictorian, Thaalitha Naidu A/P Suranthiran Naidu who graduated with the Doctor of Medicine degree. Hailing from Sungai Petani, Thaalitha is the daughter of retired school teachers who went to great lengths in order to realise her dreams of being a doctor.

With her feet firmly planted on the ground, she is quick to acknowledge that the hard work and sacrifice of all 1508 graduates were equally noteworthy and was only made possible with the support of their parents and lecturers.

In her speech, she encouraged her fellow graduates to constantly learn new skills and knowledge to remain relevant and competitive. 

“Whether it is medicine, business or in the public service, we cannot just stick to old methods. Someone needs to come up with new ideas, and that someone could be you.”

The capabilities of UCSI graduates are something that has been noticed by employers. 

In a survey conducted among last year’s Co-operative placement employers, 99.74% indicated that they were satisfied with their students’ (interns) performance and 93.34% indicated that they would rehire the same student(s).

This is acknowledged by the Vice-Chancellor and President, Senior Prof Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff, a renowned cardiologist in Malaysia.

Pointing out that youths today, at 1.8 billion, are the largest generation in history, he called on the graduates to make their presence felt in the world. 

“In every action you take in the future, remember that your actions impact yourselves, your family, your friends, your colleagues, your community and the world.”