By Balqis Jazimah Zahari Photo: PUO
IPOH: The halls of Ungku Omar Polytechnic (PUO) reverberated with applause and pride as the 51st Convocation Ceremony unfolded, commemorating the accomplishments of 2,062 graduates who successfully concluded their academic journey in Session 2 2021/2022 and Session 1 2022/2023.
Taking place from August 14 to August 18, this grand occasion played host to 1,981 diploma awardees and 81 recipients of Bachelor’s Degrees. Each graduate, an emblem of hard work and dedication, stood tall as they stepped onto the stage to receive their well-deserved accolades.
The 51st PUO Convocation Ceremony is not only a tribute to the graduates but a testament to their unwavering determination, fortified by the unwavering support of parents, family, friends, and lecturers. Their combined efforts, a symphony of encouragement and perseverance, paved the path to this triumphant juncture.
Among the poignant moments of the event were the felicitations extended to exceptional graduates. The prestigious awards included the esteemed Ungku Omar Award, the Academic and Co-Curricular Excellence Award, the distinguished Best Project Award (Research and Innovation), the lauded Special Industry Award, and the inaugural Entrepreneurship Icon Award.
Of particular note, the Entrepreneurship Icon Award made its debut this year, recognizing PUO graduates who have excelled in the entrepreneurial realm, a testament to their innovative spirit.
Amidst the celebrations, a heartfelt touch was added with the posthumous awarding of a Diploma. The tribute was bestowed upon the family of Gemulah Abdul Razak Saibi, a Mechatronics Engineering Diploma graduate who tragically passed away on March 25, 2023, following a road accident. A poignant reminder that achievement is often intertwined with life’s unpredictability.
PUO extended gratitude to the 28 industries that contributed to the Special Industry Award, acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between academia and industry.
The PUO Convocation Party, scheduled from today until August 18, 2023, invites not only the graduates but also the public, especially those in the vicinity of Ipoh. The event promises a blend of activities, including an entrepreneurial fair, exhibitions by government and private agencies, convocation and national month quizzes, e-sports competitions, and the thrill of lucky draws.
The inaugural session of the 51st PUO Convocation Ceremony was inaugurated by Datuk Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, alongside the presence of Mohd Zahari Ismail, the Director General of Polytechnic and Community College Education.
