By: Azman Zakaria
Photo by: Sabri Omar
SERDANG, 28 Oct - Graduates were reminded that they must demonstrate adequate level of English language proficiency as it is a basic requirement to advance and succeed in their careers.
Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh said that many graduates today have to wait for a long time before getting a suitable job because they lack the ability to communicate in the English language.
“In the corporate world, it is impossible to avoid the English Language as it is an international language,” he added.
“Even if you worked in the public sector, being proficient in the English language will give you an added advantage especially when dealing with external agencies,” he said when he delivered his address at the 3rd Session of the 42nd UPM Convocation Ceremony at the Creat Hall of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Cultural and Arts Centre in UPM.
However, he asserted that, this did not mean that graduates can neglect the Malay language because it is the national language and each citizen should have a good grasp of the language which is in line with the government policy, ‘Upholding the Malay language and Strengthening the English language’.
He also mentioned that graduates should be able to contribute on the first day of work because employers expected them to perform well on the first day itself and not after further training.
“Thus, graduates should be fast learners and grab every opportunity available to improve their existing skills and abilities” he added.
Tan Sri Mohd Bakke also announced that graduates should be ready to face and move in line with the concept and technology of Industry 4.0 which is widely adopted by industries and is growing rapidly around the globe.
He declared, “We do not want Malaysia to be left out from Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” He also urged graduates to prepare themselves by being equipped with knowledge and to keep on learning to ensure that they are in line with the development of the industrial concept.
Graduates should also be a good leader in their respective organisations and demonstrate leadership qualities such as decisiveness, integrity and trustworthiness.
He also reminded the graduates not to forget the sacrifices made by their parents and family who provided the foundation and strength in their road to success. – UPM
