240 Graduates for Sunderland

Sunderland graduates 2006.

8th October 2006 It was a special day for 240 Malaysians as they were conferred their degree from the University of Sunderland, UK, in Kuala Lumpur today. Sunderland's Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Jim Bradshaw and other faculty members of the University presided over the event. The awards ceremony saw graduates awarded with respective degrees of BA (Hons) Business Studies and BA (Hons) Business Management. Hundreds of family members and friends also gathered at the Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur to witness the ceremony amid all the pomp and pageantry appropriate to the occasion.

A highlight of the ceremony was a thank you speech from Margaret Chin who graduated with the BA (Hons) Business Management. Chin, a working adult said, that students are “fortunate to be living in a society that encourages Life long education. Age is not a barrier any more”.

It was a double celebration for Chin as her daughter too just graduated from the University of Abertay Dundee . “People like me who are in the 40s still have a chance to pursue what we aspire to do many years ago. This is made possible with the University of Sunderland programme which offers flexible study mode. The programme has given working adults the opportunity to enhance our knowledge at the same time earn our degree.”

“When I first enrolled in the course, I was wondering whether I could complete it successfully, but to my surprise and astonishment, we were lucky to have a team of dedicated mentors to guide us through the course. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of them,” Chin exclaimed.

She was amongst the many working adults who strived courageously to achieve a degree to upgrade their credentials to survive in today's competitive workplace.

Professor Peter Fidler, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland congratulated all the graduates saying: “I am delighted that so many of our Malaysian students are graduating today. Graduation days are very special events and celebrating the success of our students around the world is undoubtedly a highlight of the academic year.”

“I am proud of what we have achieved together, and hope our partnership moves from strength to strength,” said Fidler.

“Our academic programmes delivered in collaboration with local partners will give you a firm foundation for your future career. Many of our graduates have gone on to achieve great success in both here in Malaysia and in the UK and around the world and we are committed to providing the best possible educational opportunities for our students,” added Fidler.

The University of Sunderland is a dynamic, modern university with a growing reputation as the university for enterprise, employment and opportunity.

Noted as the ‘ Best New University in the UK for Research' by The Times Good University Guide 2002, and hailed as the ‘ Best New University in England ' by The Guardian University Guide 2001, Sunderland is indeed synonymous with its recognition for quality, teaching and research.