Celebrating high achievers
The conferment of honorary doctorate to Prof Anuwar (right) was conducted by HELP University chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Paul Chan (left) during its 34th convocation ceremony held at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
KUALA LUMPUR: HELP University has bestowed the Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education to Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali in recognition of his exemplary leadership and contributions to academia.
Prof Anuwar’s expertise in industrial planning, human resource development, and technology innovation has had a profound impact on national and international research projects.
The conferment of the honorary doctorate to Prof Anuwar was conducted by HELP University chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Paul Chan during its 34th convocation ceremony held at Shangri-La Hotel here.
In his acceptance speech, Prof Anuwar said that it was a memorable moment for him to receive the prestigious award.
He also shared that the relevant minister and policymakers could consult those with experience in the academic world for their knowledge.
“We can do our best given the right signal and right incentive,” he elaborated.
He also said that the higher education and universities play a critical role in shaping and molding the younger generation.
He emphasised that the teaching and learning environment in any university has to be at an excellent level to produce quality graduates.
He added that the ecosystem for any university has to be “student-centred”.
Prof Anuwar said that society has high expectations for those graduates to be well rounded with social skills, integrity, and values for the development of the country.
In his address, Prof Chan lauded Prof Anuwar, saying that “he is an exemplary model of learning.”
“He represents all the qualities of success of a human being.”
To those graduates, Prof Chan said “Your success is our success, our success is your success.”
Prof Chan reminded everyone on the importance of “willingness to learn, driven by enthusiasm to learn” and “what we want to achieve” in life.
He shared that the importance of “lifelong experiential learning” for their progress in life.
In his address, HELP University vice chancellor Prof Dr Andy Liew Teik Kooi hoped that Prof Anuwar’s journey would inspire all to reach greater heights.
Prof Liew also shared that the varsity had on April 2 this year, launched new brand campaign #WhyNot? that breaks boundaries and redefines education.
At the event, the varsity celebrated the successful graduation of their students and honoured the achievements of graduates from various disciplines, such as from the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Communication, Media and Creative Studies, Faculty of Computing and Digital Technology, Faculty of Education and Languages, as well as Faculty of Law and Government.
The highlight of the event was the investiture of Prof Chan as the second Chancellor of HELP University, marking a significant moment in the institution’s history.
Prof Chan, in his current role, expressed his commitment to furthering the university’s mission of academic excellence and innovation.
“HELP University adheres to the principles of ‘Sapere Aude,’ which means ‘dare to know.”
“This principle constructs an educational philosophy that advocates a relentless pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.”
He also explained that this principle inspires the university to embrace change and expansion as avenues of transformation to overcome future challenges.
Additionally, the ceremony celebrated the appointment of Prof Liew as the new vice-chancellor of HELP University, reinforcing the institution’s dedication to nurturing future leaders in academia.
“Our mission remains unchanged as we help people to succeed in life and live a life of significance through education,” he said.
“Education goes beyond acquiring knowledge; it empowers to create meaningful changes in the world.”
Acknowledging the outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, HELP University also conferred the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award to GD Holdings Sdn Bhd executive chairman and founder Datuk Seri Yeat Sew Chuong.
Yeat’s unwavering commitment to fostering free enterprise both locally and globally has left an indelible mark on the business landscape. His emphasis on dialogue and collaboration as tools for problem-solving has been instrumental in his success over the years.
During the ceremony, the university also celebrated the achievements of two valedictorians, Adam Wee Kah Jjin, who completed his Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) with excellent results, and Natalie Ng Seow Yi who graduated with a First Class for the Bachelor of Business (Finance) (Hons) degree. She is also a recipient of two awards today, the Tan Sri Datuk Paduka Dr Hajjah Saleha Outstanding Achievement Award, and the Chancellor’s Award.