PENANG: Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) conducted its e-convocation ceremony for the HCUC students graduating from the year 2020 and 2021. Held on 29th September 2021, the e-convocation ensured the experience of a graduation ceremony is virtually related to both the Diploma and Degree students. The institution finds it vital to commemorate the achievements of our students even though the circumstances of Covid-19 have hampered the possibility of a physical graduation ceremony.
The Chancellor of HCUC, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Tan Kok Ping said HCUC constantly strives to fulfil its ambition of providing an excellent learning environment where every student possesses a positive learning attitude in their pursuit of education at HCUC.
The vibrancy and celebratory tone of the ceremony were kept intact and further amplified with the presence of decorated and honourable individuals composed HCUC’s Board of Directors, Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, management staff and academics. Throughout the ceremony, moments of euphoria penetrated the virtual screen each time the graduates’ names were mentioned as their peers and family members watched.
The Chancellor of HCUC, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Tan Kok Ping in his congratulatory speech, commented on the adversity faced by educational institutions.
“Due to such unprecedented circumstances, we have had to overcome various challenges to ensure the academic continuity of our students with minimal disruption. Thanks to technological advancement, we have been able to make the switch from traditional teaching and learning methods to online teaching and learning. In spite of the challenges faced due to the transition, you have been riding on the wave of change beautifully,” the Chancellor joyfully congratulated.
Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Tan Kok Ping also took this opportunity to announce that new buildings in HCUC are in the midst of construction and shall be available in the near future.
Dato’ Seri Ooi Soo Hing, Chairman of Han Chiang Board of Directors emphasized in his speech that the institution is constantly upgrading its facilities and quality for HCUC students to receive a world class education.
“Without all of you, we would not have been able to boast of such a vibrant campus community. Your personal growth and achievement is our success,” the HCUC’s Chancellor, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Tan Kok Ping added.
Meanwhile, Dato’ Seri Ooi Soo Hing, Chairman of Han Chiang Board of Directors affirmed the significance of the graduation ceremony for the entire population of HCUC.
“This year’s graduation ceremony may be different, but no less significant. The pandemic has changed every aspect of our lives. The influx of information from different sources has impacted us significantly, as we continue to adapt to the change that has become our new “normal”. It seems like only yesterday that we were still on campus, and graduation was but a distant destination. Yet, the day has finally arrived. We are happy to celebrate the successes of HCUC graduands from 2020 and 2021, even as we also bid them farewell,” Dato’ Seri Ooi Soo Hing mentioned.
Han Chiang College was upgraded to Han Chiang University College of Communication in 2017. Dato’ Seri Ooi Soo Hing strongly commended the efforts of all teachers and students that have resulted in the full accreditation of HCUC’s bachelor degree programs by the MQA in 2020.
“To take the institution to the next level will not only require effort from the HCUC community, but also the collective effort of the alumni. I strongly believe that with your support, HCUC will steadily but surely become a prestigious higher education institution. At the same time, the board of directors has gradually upgraded teaching equipment, school building repairs, etc., and completed the development goals formulated in the first phase. You will be proud to be HCUC alumni,” the Chairman in his farewell address emphasised the role of alumni and the upgrading taking place to
the growth of the institution.
He said that HCUC’s academic curriculum is entering the second stage of development in 2021. It has opened a master's degree program in Chinese studies and established an academic research and development fund to promote academic research projects, so that the quality of teaching will be enhanced through the academic research results and at the same time looking forward to upgrading to university, further completing the education system of Han Chiang School.
He said that this series of reforms are also in line with the regulations of the Ministry of Higher Education of our country. At the same time, HCUC has also provided a number of scholarships and grants for these courses in order to allow more students to have the opportunity to continue their studies.
The Vice-Chancellor of HCUC, Dr Beh Kok Hooi congratulated the graduating students from the year 2020 and 2021 during the e convocation ceremony. His message also touched on the recuperating methods taken swiftly by all parties to overcome the adversities caused by the Covid-19 pandemic were successful in ensuring quality students are produced to the society and nation.
Addressing the e-convocation ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Beh Kok Hooi persevered to ignite the flame of hope in his speech to the graduates.
“The Chinese concept of Wu Wei may be able to provide us the courage that we might need, where we draw strength in swimming with the currents instead of active resistance or opposition to waves of adversity. As we live in the time of the pandemic, much-desired outcomes like certainty, or a sense of confidence in the future, seem elusive, and effortful striving to achieve some of our ambitions, at the moment, seem unrealistic. The current times have instead revealed with clarity, the importance of physical and mental health including the well-being of loved ones, and the meaning of sacrifices or deeds done by our front liners composed of doctors, cleaners, and many others,” Dr. Beh Kok Hooi spoke with an inspiration drawn from Chinese philosophy.
“When our country was hit by the pandemic in 2020, HCUC adapted by making our transition to online learning for the continuity of academic progress. I would like to assure you that the education you have received, and the relationships you have formed with lecturers and peers, will provide you with the intelligence required to glide your way round the vicissitudes of work and life.
As we move towards digitalisation, HCUC aims to equip our students with the abilities and skills to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0),” Dr. Beh Kok Hooi added.
The celebration mood of the e-convocation ceremony was amplified with the performances from HCUC students.
“As a community of academics and learners, we have had to adjust to the winds and the waves, with the varying versions of lockdowns, and the shifting guidelines of laws and regulations. You may be a graduate of HCUC. But I hope that you will not stop learning, or evolving, or bending with the wind,” the Vice-Chancellor expressed his aspiration towards the graduating students.
Students from four different schools:- School of Communication & Media, School of Applied Creative Arts & Design, School of Business & Management and School of Chinese Studies participated in the e-convocation ceremony. A total of 202 and 232 graduates from the year 2020 and 2021 received their scrolls, respectively.
From 202 graduates, 189 of them were diploma students while another 13 were degree students. For the year 2021, there were 166 diploma students and 66 degree students to have received their scrolls.
HCUC wishes them the best of luck and never to lose hope in spite of the uncertainties!