KUALA LUMPER, Malaysia — Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR College) held its 35th Convocation of Campbell University on its main campus in Kuala Lumper, Malaysia, on Oct. 16, 2015. Campbell has partnered with TAR University College since 1979 to offer a Bachelor of Science degree; the convocation marked graduation and the presentation of academic awards for those in the joint program.
Campbell University Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Mark Hammond and College of Arts & Sciences Dean Michael Wells were among the distinguished guests who attended the ceremony. Wells delivered a graduation address in which he gave three pieces of advice to the graduates.
“As you go after your goals with your degrees, remember to always step out of your comfort zones, not to be afraid to fail, and be open to serendipity,” Wells said. “Life is all about giving yourself as many chances to take, learn and succeed from.”
Since Campbell’s and TAR University College’s partnership began in 1979, more than 14,000 students have graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the program.
“Higher job opportunities and affordable education are the main reasons why I chose this program,” said Kelvin Lau E-How, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in bioscience and chemistry through Campbell’s and TAR University College’s joint program. “With a degree from Campbell University and TAR University College, it gives me the flexibility to venture into the many areas of bioscience.”
E-How was one seven graduates also recognized with academic awards Oct. 16:
- Kelvin Lau E-How, the Samuel Martin Brown Prize for Biology
- Carmen Wong, the Matthew Baillie Prize for Chemistry
- Er Soon Her, the Dwight Lamar Norwood Prize for Mathematics
- Khor Yean Pie, the Jerry M. Wallace Prize for Information Systems
- Gui Miow Fang, the Wallace Ewart Prize for Computer Science
- Soo Fatt, the Prize for Microelectronics
- Ong Yeen Yee, the Perpetual Cup for outstanding all-around achievement
As to why he chose the joint Campbell/TAR University College program, award-winner and graduate Soo Fatt said: “With a dual degree, there are tremendous career opportunities I can venture into. Besides that, studying here has given me the opportunity to attend a number of useful and practical trainings such as the TRIZ Level 1 and Administering Microsoft SQL Server trainings.”
Soo Fatt is the second person from his family to graduate from the joint program. His oldest brother, Soo Min Jung, graduated from same program in 2004 and is currently managing his own business.