Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and a very good evening.

Prof Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP),

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Alhamdulillah, let me express utmost gratitude to Allah SWT, for it is with His Blessing, and with His Grace, that all of us are gathered here this evening for the UTP Employee Recognition Dinner. When Prof Ibrahim invited me to this event when we met at ALAM in April, I immediately accepted it because I truly believe that UTP is what it is today because of its greatest asset – the people. Therefore, it is my distinct pleasure to be a part of this celebration, to recognise our staff’s contributions, dedication and unwavering commitments towards the University. To recognise their long service awards tonight. In today’s ever evolving workforce trend, 20, 15 and even 10 years is certainly a true accomplishment!

2. I hope it’s not too late to wish everyone Selamat Hari Raya and Maaf Zahir Batin. For this Eid, let us embrace the spirit of fitrah by going back to our Shared Values to ensure that we collectively stay true and steadfast towards the cause of PETRONAS and UTP. I hope that we will usher in this post-raya celebration with enthusiasm, determination and perseverance.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

3. Today, I have been privileged to spend a whole day at UTP. This morning I benefited from an interactive session on ‘Integrity: A Virtue for Organisational Success and Sustainability’. Integrity to me is beyond just corruption. In fact, Integrity to me is fulfilling our highest potential by simply being the best. Being the best in whatever that we do.

4. In the afternoon, I partook in UTP’s annual staff event, UTP Quality Day 2018, in celebrating various achievements of our staff throughout the year. As Pro Chancellor, I take great pride in the things we do and is definitely proud of all of you who enabled UTP’s achievements throughout the last 21 years, which we would like to showcase to the world, and in our aspiration towards global prominence.

5. I would like to congratulate the University once again for all the achievements attained in 2017. I am excited to see that UTP advanced 80 places in the recent QS World University Rankings into the 521 to 530 rank range. I believe these were made possible through the inculcation of the PETRONAS Five Quality Principles in our work. Due to the quality and high standards set by UTP, I trust that the drive for success prevail in each and every one in UTP. The 6 Stars in the 2017 achievement under the Malaysia Research Assessment Rating System or MyRA and the 2018 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Rating, and 2018 Times High Education (THE) Ranking respectively, are testaments to UTP’s global reputation among academic partners and employers, our world-class facilities, our renowned research and our achievements in internationalisation. Well done! We must continuously benchmark the best. And, we must strive to be benchmarked by the best.

6. The key ingredient to function well, and more importantly to succeed in our goals and endeavours, is teamwork. Here at UTP, I am glad to see that this has been one of the key factors behind the success in becoming Malaysia’s top private university. The entire community within the university, staff as well as students, are well aware of the goals and targets of UTP. And in knowing this, work together for the common goal. I want to emphasise that Culture remains an ongoing effort from all of us to ensure the success of the University’s transformation. I hope you will continue to create positive experiences in your daily interactions at work and even at home. I hope you are with me when I say that the DNA of the PETRONAS workforce is unique and resilient, and will be able to overcome any challenges. It is the effort, commitment and the integrity of our human capital that enable us to achieve our strategic mandate.

7. On the same note, I am equally proud when Prof Ibrahim was announced as the Vice Chancellor just a month ago. I am happy because it has demonstrated UTP’s ability to grow its own timber. And this we must continue. To develop and nurture our internal talent to ensure when time comes, we have ready and able talent to helm the Organisation. Congratulations Prof and I wish you all the best in pushing UTP to greater heights.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

8. Tonight, we have a total of 88 award recipients, which consists of those who have served the University for 10 (33 recipients), 15 (31 recipients) and 20 (24 recipients) years. All of you, including your spouses and family members have made great sacrifices for the University, especially the long hours and the challenging tasks that you have undertaken for the sake of this Organisation. Beyond UTP and PETRONAS, I believe we all do it because we believe it is the right thing to do. We want to nurture our students to actualise to their full potential, to be successful in being good contributors to society, in line with the University’s mission to produce well-rounded graduates who are creative and innovative, with the potential to become leaders of industry and the Nation. Not just “job seekers” but also “job makers”.

9. The future continues to be challenging for UTP more so in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 era. Therefore, we must be ahead of the curve. We must bring the 27th century mindset forward to today. We want to be the disruptor, not the disrupted! UTP must spearhead this. The key to UTP’s future successes lies within you, the resilient women and men behind this winning organisation. We could not have done it without each and every one of you. I hope that when you reflect upon your career over the years, you will do so with pride and contentment that you have done your best to fulfil the ‘Amanah’ entrusted upon you.

10. It is my sincere hope that tonight’s event which is a tribute to the hard work and sacrifices of all the award recipients who have fuelled the engine of progress, will continue to serve as encouragement to raise the bar higher in terms of the University’s performance and delivery. The journey must continue and I am confident that with our Cultural Beliefs, we have the right foundation to continue growing PETRONAS and UTP to greater height!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

11. I would like to congratulate the organising committee for an event well done. Congratulations once again to all the long service award recipients. Surely you will continue to inspire and spur everyone else in our enduring quest for excellence.

Again, thank you all for your invaluable contributions.
Wabillahi taufik walhidayah, wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Thank you.

Bismillahirrahmannirahim,

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Salam Sejahtera dan Salam 1Malaysia,

Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin,
Pro Canselor, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS,

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Raiha Azni Abdul Rahman,
Pengerusi Lembaga Pengarah, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS,

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Ir Dr Abdul Rahim Haji Hashim,
Naib Canselor, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS,

Ahli-ahli Lembaga Pengarah UTP,
Wakil-wakil Universiti,
Rakan-rakan Industri,
Ahli-ahli Senat,
Ahli-ahli Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Universiti,
Dif-dif Kehormat,
Wargakerja Universiti,
Dan yang diraikan, para Graduan UTP serta ibubapa dan keluarga yang dikasihi sekalian.

Alhamdulillah, marilah kita memanjatkan kesyukuran ke hadrat Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala kerana di atas limpah kurnia serta izinNya jua, kita dapat bersama-sama hadir di Majlis Konvokesyen Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS kali ke – 17 pada hari ini. Tahniah kepada semua para graduan yang menerima ijazah masing-masing pada hari ini. Hari yang tentunya amat bermakna dalam hidup anda.

2. Hari ini anda semua akan memulakan fasa baru dalam kehidupan. Setelah bertahun-tahun bertungkus lumus menimba ilmu, kini seorang graduan. Dari salah sebuah universiti terbaik di Malaysia. Sudah pasti, segala kenangan pahit manis yang dilalui sebagai seorang pelajar di kampus ini telah menjadikan anda lebih bersedia untuk menempuhi kehidupan yang lebih mencabar.

3. Harapan kami untuk setiap graduan UTP amatlah tinggi. Harapan agar setiap graduan UTP menggalas tanggungjawab untuk meneruskan legasi yang gemilang, dan menjadi kebanggaan kepada keluarga, UTP dan negara yang kita cintai. Sesungguhnya, erti sebenar sebuah kehidupan hanya akan dicapai dengan memberi lebih dari apa yang diterima.

CHARTING YOUR CAREER

Graduating Class, Ladies and Gentlemen,

4. Fifteen days ago, Sunday, 1 October was the final edition of the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix held at the Sepang International Circuit. Although that was the ultimate race day, the buildup and excitement could be felt days, and even weeks before the race. The spectators were eager, excitedly cheering for their favourite team. But the drivers were focused on only one thing – winning the race. Ultimately, Max Verstappen who turned 20 the day before, from the Red Bull team won the title. He, like all the other drivers, went through a series of practice and qualifying sessions prior to the final race.

5. Until the race was over, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Bottas, Vettel and the others, were not sure at what position each of them would be at the finish line, or even if one could finish the race at all. But all of them focused and persevered.

6. This F1 metaphor holds true and applies to our lives. With the right attitude and focus, we too, can attain success.

7. Most of you graduating today, are in your mid-twenties. You would be working for the next thirty to forty years of your life. It may sound very long to you now, but believe me – it is short; and will disappear without you even noticing it. So, my advice to you is take charge and plan your career carefully.

8. Developing your career is like running a 42-kilometre marathon, not a 100-metre sprint. There are 3 things that you need to remember.

9. First, it is important to have a long-term outlook. In a marathon, your ultimate goal is to complete. So, in your career, determine what your ultimate goal is. Second: pace the journey comfortably. If you sprint too early in a marathon, you might not be able to complete. In your career, pace yourself and grow naturally. Third: be open to adjustments from the many lessons that you will learn along your journey. In a marathon, you would need to adjust your pace according to your surrounding. Similarly, in your career, be adaptable and adjust to the dynamics accordingly. The steps you take today, and in the near future will chart the direction and the pace of that journey.

THE IMPORTANCE OF VALUES AND CHARACTER

Graduating Class, Ladies and Gentlemen,

10. As Malaysia gears itself towards being a high income and fully developed nation status, we must not forget that the fundamental to our success is through the building of sound character in our citizens. Character, is a project with no end. But character is the engine that defines it all. Where there is strength in character, you will have integrity, accountability, responsibility. Where there is soundness in character you will see truth and humility.

11. A society that predicates its success on character development will see sustainable success. It won’t be led by the impermanent illusion of position, money, fame and status. Those are fickle and elusive. What always stays behind with us is our core, our character. A life based on the pursuit of good character brings about true purpose and meaning in all that we do in our lives, from the seemingly minuscule to the most significant.

12. So graduates, my advice is: always remember and practise the positive values that you have been inculcated with at this University. Integrity and accountability are key. These two elements should be the fundamental belief that guide your actions. You must always remember that. In the work place there will be many choices, to do what is right, and doing what is wrong. Remember that we are accountable for our actions. As ambassadors of UTP, you carry with you our name and our reputation. Make us proud. Make your family proud. Make the country proud.

ALWAYS GIVE YOUR BEST

Graduating Class, Ladies and Gentlemen,

13. I would like to relate to you a short story. Some of you may have heard or read this before. It is about an excellent construction worker who was a role model for others. He has had enough with work and wanted to retire. He told his employer of his plans, and his employer asked him for a favour. The favour was that before he retires, he has to build just one last house. The worker reluctantly agreed, and, he built the house half-heartedly. His workmanship was substandard. He even used inferior materials and did not pay attention to quality. His aim was to get the job over and done with.

14. The worker eventually completed the job but was he in for a surprise when he handed over the keys to his employer! The house he built, was actually for him! It was a gift from his employer after being such an excellent employee.

15. There is one important lesson I want you to remember. In whatever you do in life, in whichever step you take along the way, in any decision you make – you must always give your best. It is an amanah, a responsibility that is entrusted on you. Be the best person that you could be. Make every single day in your life count. You have years ahead of you!

16. Our life journey will be full of challenges. Take these challenges and persevere. Pursue your dreams. Whatever your career choice may be. UTP has equipped you with the necessary skills and knowledge. You have an obligation to push yourselves forward. To give nothing less than your best. In whatever you do.

17. In this context do not wait until you become the CEO to behave like the CEO. I believe if you have the mindset of a CEO from day one of joining the Company you will, Insya Allah, be CEO.

Graduating Class,

18. Having said all those, let me also say this. Indeed I would fail my responsibility and my own amanah if I do not remind you all of this. As you strive towards the goals in your life, it is important for you to always remember the people who enabled you to be where you are today. To be who you are today. Your parents. Guardians. Family. Teachers. UTP. Your Sponsors. Always remember where you come from. Your roots! As I now remind you, I am reminding myself to always remember Cherok Paloh, the place I came from. And the people who made me. I remember the Government which gave me the scholarship since I was 10 to enable me, a kampong boy from Cherok Paloh to now become the Chairman of PETRONAS and Pro Chancellor of this University. You must remember your own Cherok Paloh!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

19. As always, my deepest appreciation to my colleagues at UTP for their commitment and dedication to see through the growth of our graduating students throughout their time here. We have come a long way, and as UTP celebrates our 20th anniversary this year, we are proud to say that we have made significant achievement. Locally and globally. Though this may be construed as self-glorification, I salute UTP for the achievements of the past, and continuous improvements in the future, Insya Allah.

20. Before I end, let me go back to F1. Our Team, Mercedes AMG PETRONAS, champion for the last 3 years is on 540 points, 145 points clear of Ferrari in second place. Lewis Hamilton, our driver is 59 points ahead of Ferrari’s Vettel with 4 races to go. For most of us, we must pace our marathon. However, World Champions like Hamilton, Schumacher, Vettel: they “sprint the marathon”.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

21. Let me end by congratulating the graduates once again. We are indeed very proud of you. Your future is in your hands. You may not want to sprint the marathon. But as graduates of UTP and the PETRONAS family, you must commit to excellence! All the very best.

Wabillahi taufik wal-hidayah, Wassalamu’alaikum, Warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Bismillahirrahmannirrahim,

Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,

Salam Sejahtera dan Salam 1Malaysia,

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Raiha Azni Abdul Rahman, Pengerusi Lembaga Pengarah, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS,

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Ir Dr Abdul Rahim Haji Hashim, Naib Canselor, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS,

Ahli-ahli Lembaga Pengarah UTP,

Wakil-wakil Universiti,

Rakan-rakan Industri,

Ahli-ahli Senat,

Ahli-ahli Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Universiti,

Dif-dif Kehormat,

Wargakerja Universiti,

Dan yang diraikan – para Graduan serta ibubapa dan keluarga yang dikasihi sekalian.

Alhamdulillah, marilah kita sama sama merafakkan setinggi-tinggi kesyukuran kehadrat Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala kerana di atas limpah kurnia serta dengan izinNya jua, dapat kita bersama-sama di Majlis Konvokesyen Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS kali ke – 16 pada hari ini. Saya ingin merakamkan ucapan setinggi-tinggi tahniah kepada para graduan yang telah menerima ijazah masing-masing pada hari yang sungguh bermakna ini.

2. Bak kata pepatah Melayu, tempat jatuh lagi dikenang, inikan pula tempat bermain. Pastinya, kampus UTP ini telah diwarnai seribu satu kenangan pahit-manis, suka-duka kehidupan sebagai seorang pelajar. Tanggal hari ini, anda akan meninggalkan gedung ilmu UTP ini. Tanggal hari ini jugalah, bermulanya satu fasa kehidupan baru sebagai seorang graduan.

3. Harapan kita untuk setiap anak didik yang melangkah keluar dari Majlis ini amatlah tinggi. Harapan UTP adalah kejayaan semua anak didiknya. Demi membina legasi yang bermanfaat. Yang gemilang dan berterusan. Yang menjadi kebanggaan bukan sahaja diri sendiri, keluarga dan UTP, malah untuk Negara. Graduan yang mengingati asal usul mereka, yang akan memberi balik lebih dari yang diterima. Baik kepada ibu bapa, UTP atau Negara.

Graduating Class, Ladies and Gentlemen,

4. I just came back early yesterday morning from an immersion trip to Silicon Valley, California together with a group of mostly young Malaysian high tech entrepreneurs. All of us, without exception, took away almost similar observation. The Silicon Valley MINDSET. The mindset that we can benefit from – whether as young graduates, as a University or even as a Company, going forward.

5. First, Silicon Valley empowers and it practices collaboration. A networked and connected society. Openness to networking – of ideas, services and products. The companies there do not try to do everything themselves. They optimise their resources efficiently. Collaborating and partnering with others.

6. We visited GE, General Electric, the company founded by Thomas Edison, one of the 12 original companies listed on the Dow Jones Industrial Average when it was formed in 1896. After 120 years, it is the only one still listed on the Index. It is now ranked 26th on the Global Fortune 500. I believe that this multinational conglomerate still exists because it continuously innovate and move ahead of time. Jeff Immelt, GE Chairman and CEO who pushed for the transformation and digitalisation of GE stated that “if you went to bed last night as an industrial company, you’re going to wake up this morning as a software and digital company”.

7. Bill Ruh, CEO of GE Digital shared with us that the first step GE had to do in order to be successful in their transformation into digitalisation was to shed away the arrogance of their industrial success. To embrace the ethos that: they do not know everything. With this mindset up front, they have allowed themselves to collaborate with and learn from others. Including with competitors. Others who have better ideas, knowledge and experience. If a cup is full, how can you pour into it, right? I thought this is a powerful lesson which we must take on board. The days that we know everything and we know best is over. It is the spirit of continuous learning, openness, collaboration and partnership that matters today! That must be our Organisation’s way.

8. The second learning I picked up from Silicon Valley is the speed that they operate. With the mental make up of pushing for faster, better and newer ways of solving problem, the entrepreneurs of Silicon Valley are constantly disrupting, putting traditional businesses to shambles. Serial technology investor, and founder and CEO of Plug and Play, Saeed Amidi shared his story of opening a bank account in Germany that took him 2 months in spite of his long relationship with the bank in the US. He contrasted that with N26 which created a new way of banking where one can open a bank account in less than 8 minutes! Can you imagine? If we continuously and collectively have the Business As Usual mindset and not have any sense of urgency, we would not even realise when the disruptive trains hit us!

9. So as you chart your future, remember to always challenge the status quo. Always try to find better solutions. You must dream big. Think big. But never be big-headed. And while you dream big, it is better to start small. But act fast. The faster you move, the faster you get to fail and more importantly, learn and rebound from it. It is an iterative process to greatness. A progressive and continuously learning mind. And, never wait to be perfect to do anything. As the saying goes “if you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done”.

10. While the Silicon Valley is home to so many global high tech successes, such as Apple, AMD, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, Google, Facebook, Tesla Motors, it will continue to witness even larger number, much larger number of setbacks. But those innovators would not allow the setbacks to turn them into failures.

11. It is in that context that I encourage you – not only you, but all of us – to voice out ideas and opinions. A healthy debate can only push the organisation to greater heights. Such behavior and culture will allow us, our company to constantly re-invent especially in today’s age where disruptive innovation is the norm.

12. And, innovation can only flourish if we actively encourage curiosities, questions, debates and conversations. Not merely hierarchy of positions; but more on hierarchy of ideas. The Silicon Valley Mindset need not physically be in Silicon Valley. It can thrive in Tronoh, Cyberjaya and The Twin Towers! Any Where!

Graduands,

13. You have more than 30 to 40 years horizon ahead of you to pursue your dreams. Be it as Entrepreneurs, Innovators, Digital Makers or even as salaried executives. I can assure you that that journey will be full of pitfalls. Of challenges. However, do not be discouraged by those trials and tribulations. You have many years to improve. To be the best person you could be. Guided by integrity, and for the Greater Common Good.

14. This brings me to a quote by a man I truly admire, greatly respect and have the privilege to know personally. When he was appointed Chief Justice of Malaysia just a few months short of the Constitutionally-mandated retirement age, Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Abdul Hamid Mohamad stated and I quote:

“I am aware that even if with the grace of God Almighty I were to live long enough, my term of office as Chief Justice will be a very brief one. But, even if, by the will of God Almighty I were to occupy the office for only one day, during that one day, I am determined to do what I honestly believe to be right, as best I can. Whether my best is good enough is for the public to judge”.

15. So, whenever you stumble in pursuing your dreams, it would be wise to remember Tun Hamid’s powerful message. His high spirit of wanting to strive for the best possible, the best he could be – notwithstanding the brevity of his tenure.

16. You have years ahead of you. Always strive to be the best – every single day of your lives. UTP has equipped you with the necessary skills and knowledge. You have an obligation to push yourselves forward, to give nothing less than your best, in whatever you do. To be the best you could be.

Graduating Class,

17. Having said all those, let me also say this. Indeed I would shirk my responsibility and my amanah if I fail to remind you all of this:

As you strive towards the goals in your life, it is important for you to always remember the people who enabled you to be where you are today. To be who you are today. Your parents. Guardians. Family. Teachers, UTP. Your Sponsors. Your roots. Your Cherok Paloh! Do not be Malin Kundang!!

18. I cannot stress enough the responsibility to return their deeds; although I can safely say that no amount of money can ever repay them. More so when they are no longer around. Indeed all are temporal. Remember their love, sacrifices and blessings that has eventually lead to this momentous day. We owe that to all those heroes of our lives. So never ever forget our roots.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

19. As always, my deepest appreciation to my colleagues at UTP for their commitment and dedication to see through the growth of our graduating students throughout their time here.

20. Before I end, I am very proud to highlight this. Only 19 years of age, UTP made its debut in the 2016/17 QS World University Rankings, entering the 601-650 band. The only Malaysian private university to make it into the rankings. As well as other accolades. Amazing achievements! Congratulations to YBhg Datuk Dr Rahim and everyone in the UTP team. Though this maybe construed as self-glorification, I salute UTP for the achievements of the past, and continuous improvements in the future.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

21. Let me end by registering my congratulations and best wishes once again to all graduates. We are very proud of you. Your future is in your hands. It is time for you to deliver!

Wabillahi taufik wal-hidayah, Wassalamu’alaikum, Warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.