THE 65th University of Malaya Convocation Ceremony, comprising 22 sessions, begins this morning and will conclude on 10 December 2025. A total of 11,356 graduates have fulfilled the academic requirements and are eligible to be awarded degrees and diplomas. Of these, 686 will receive Doctor of Philosophy degrees, 5,171 will be conferred master’s degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas in Education, 4,127 will graduate with bachelor’s degrees, and 1,372 will be awarded advanced diplomas, executive diplomas, and diplomas.
This 65th Convocation will also confer an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, an esteemed alumna of the University of Malaya who has made history in her career and in the nation’s judiciary as the first woman entrusted with the responsibility of serving as Chief Justice of Malaysia. In addition, this Convocation will confer the title of Professor Emeritus upon Datuk Professor Ts Dr Rohana binti Yusof, Datuk Professor Dr Awg Bulgiba Awg Mahmud, Professor Dr Phrabhakaran Nambiar, Professor Dr Khoo Ee Ming, Dato’ Professor Dr Mohd. Zambri Zainuddin, and Dato’ Professor Dr Ahmad Hidayat Buang.
For the 686 doctoral graduates, today signifies far more than the receipt of another scroll. You stand among a rare circle, defined by resilience and intellectual curiosity, who have chosen to journey deeper into the desert of knowledge and to plunge further into its ocean. May the path ahead be one of contribution, where your scholarship becomes a gift that enriches the world and serves humankind.
Each of you has walked through your academic years with patience and discipline, weaving them together like threads of fabric until they form a complete whole. Success, by God’s grace, belongs to those who persevere without yielding, who strive with all their heart, pray with sincerity, and place their trust in Him. This embodies the spirit of verse 5 from Surah Ad-Duha:
“And surely your Lord will bless you abundantly until you are well pleased.”
(Al Quran, Surah Ad-Duha, 93:5)
By God’s will, it is your diligence, prayers, and perseverance that have brought you to this day. You have climbed yet another rung on the ladder of success, and this moment is joyfully shared with your parents, relatives, academic mentors, and the wider university community. Perhaps this achievement has lifted you beyond the milestones reached by family members, childhood friends, or neighbours. Success often brings recognition, respect, and visibility. Yet it must always be remembered: attaining success is one thing, but managing success with wisdom is quite another.
Your next chapter will unfold in the real world of work. You may soon assume important positions, attain new professional standing, rise in rank, enjoy higher income, or benefit from wealth and opportunity. Some among you may step into public life or politics or receive prestigious offers and recognition. Yet managing success, especially when it arrives unexpectedly, is critical. Those who steward their success with maturity will transform it into a stepping stone toward greater excellence. Those who fail to manage it wisely may see their achievements unravel as swiftly as they were gained.
How you navigate each success will determine whether you ultimately stand at its summit as a person of excellence, distinction, and honour. Conversely, with a single misstep, you may slip while climbing the mountain of success or drown in its vast and unpredictable sea. When that occurs, the brilliance of past achievements may fade, leaving you with regret that endures without end—as reflected in verse 36 of Surah Ar-Rum:
“When WE bestow mercy upon humankind, they rejoice and lose themselves. But when hardship strikes because of their own actions, they fall into despair.”
(Al Quran, Surah Ar-Rum, 30:33)
Recognise that success is not a destination, but a journey. To sustain it, one must set clear goals, work with steady discipline, and cultivate meaningful relationships, always remembering to honour those who walked beside us and lifted us when we needed it most. Success calls for humility over pride, a grounded spirit over self-importance, and the courage to continue learning, rising stronger after every setback. It also requires integrity and self-mastery, the discipline to care for one’s physical health, the clarity to protect one’s peace of mind, and the strength to navigate challenges with wisdom. Above all, success must be accompanied by gratitude: appreciating, acknowledging, and celebrating the individuals who contributed to our progress, and giving thanks for every blessing bestowed by the Almighty.
You are about to encounter real tests and challenges in fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to you. Do not be ungrateful, nor forget your roots. Strive to embody the humility of the rice stalk: the fuller it grows, the lower it bows. The values you uphold will serve as your moral compass, guiding whether you stand as an asset or a liability to your nation.
This convocation ceremony stands as a scholarly tradition that honours your dedication and celebrates your achievements. Cherish this milestone with gratitude and grace. Uphold noble character, and carry yourself with courtesy, honesty, sincerity, integrity, and accountability. Guard against actions that may tarnish your name or bring dishonour to your family. Let knowledge be the light upon your path, and let wisdom shape a world that is just, peaceful, prosperous, and compassionate. We extend Our heartfelt congratulations, together with a reminder to always honour the sacrifices of your parents and loved ones. May Allah guide you along the straight and true path, granting happiness in this life and the hereafter.
As Chancellor, it is with deep appreciation that We extend Our congratulations and heartfelt thanks to every member of the university community for your commitment and dedication in elevating the University of Malaya to 58th place in the QS World University Rankings, thereby positioning it among the world’s finest institutions. Continue to nurture exceptional minds. Continue to be fertile ground for thinkers with bold ideas who contribute meaningfully to society and the nation. Through community engagement, social innovation, and global partnerships, may the University of Malaya continue to lead progress and create value for a brighter future.
Our appreciation is also extended to the Pro-Chancellors, whose unwavering support reflects the spirit of shared responsibility; and to the Chairman and Board of Directors, the Vice-Chancellor and academic faculty, and the management and staff who have worked tirelessly to uphold the university’s global excellence. May these efforts be rewarded in this world and in the hereafter. - November 29, 2025
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