SIBU: The University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) celebrated its 10th Convocation Ceremony with a strong message of global readiness grounded in local values, reflecting this year’s theme, “Global Impact, Local Identity.”
The ceremony, held yesterday (Nov 8) at the Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud in Sibu, honoured 408 graduates from 21 academic programmes, including 44 postgraduates and 364 bachelor’s degree recipients.
The convocation also saw Head of State and UTS Chancellor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, confer the title of Emeritus Professor on Datuk Dr Ahmad Hakim Juri, the university’s founding Vice-Chancellor, in recognition of his pioneering role in establishing UTS and his significant contributions to Sarawak’s higher education landscape.
Tun Wan Junaidi also presented degrees to 42 recipients of Master’s degrees, 107 recipients of Bachelor’s degrees, and conferred a posthumous Bachelor’s degree to a late student who had completed his studies with distinction during the first session of the ceremony.
The ceremony reached a heartfelt moment when the university honoured the late John Jerel Joseph, a final-year Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) student who passed away on February 26, 2025, with his mother, Jenny Then, receiving the award on his behalf.
Academic excellence was further recognised with the Academic Award, presented to two top-performing students from the School of Business and Management, Esther Tiong Ying Ying and Darrell Simbas Anak Ritchie, for their exceptional academic performance and outstanding personal character.
However, the prestigious Chancellor’s Award, recognising the overall best graduate based on academic achievement, leadership, and co-curricular excellence, was presented to Bernard Kieu Boon Chee from the School of Engineering and Technology.
In his address, Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Khairruddin Ab Hamid said the convocation theme, Global Impact, Local Identity, symbolises UTS’s core mission to empower graduates who possess world-class knowledge while remaining deeply rooted in the values and spirit of Sarawak’s communities.
“UTS stands for resilience, innovation, and inclusivity. Our graduates today carry the confidence to make an impact globally while honouring their local identity,” he said.
He highlighted UTS’s new academic offerings, including Marine Engineering Technology and Occupational Safety and Health, as well as its groundbreaking Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Pilot and Specialist Certification, the first of its kind in Malaysia and recognised by the International Marine Contractors Association.
He also emphasised UTS’s expanding international presence, with collaborations with COMSTECH on renewable-energy workshops, the University of Bremen on a cross-graduate TVET programme inspired by the German model, and Tallinn University on STEM and AI education, including a joint PhD in Information Society Technologies.
“Global partnerships, local purpose, that’s what defines UTS.
“Our students and faculty continue to push boundaries through research, innovation, and community engagement,” he said.
Dr Khairruddin concluded by reminding graduates that their degrees are not the finish line, but a beginning.
“Your degree is your passport to serve with purpose and integrity, to make a difference wherever you go,” he said.
