Speech By Dr Eric Kuan, MDIS - Teesside UniversitySpeeches
Good Morning,
Guest-of-Honour, Professor Lui Pao Chuen, Senate Member of MDIS, Adviser, National Research Foundation, Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore;
Mr Roger Tham, Honorary Assistant Treasurer, MDIS Governing Council;
Professor Paul Croney, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University;
Professor Mark Simpson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), Teesside University;
Dr David Bell, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), Teesside University;
Distinguished Guests;
Graduands;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1 I extend a very warm welcome to all of you at MDIS-Teesside University’s inaugural graduation ceremony. This is a special event as it marks the celebration of our first cohort of graduands from the MDIS and Teesside University’s partnership.
Congratulations
2 Graduands, today’s ceremony is also a celebration of the fruition of your academic journey. I commend you on your hard work, perseverance and determination in achieving your academic success and extend my heartiest congratulations.
3 We have a total of 124 graduands graduating from this cohort with Bachelor of Science (Hons) Cybersecurity and Networks, Bachelor of Science (Hons) Information Technology and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Broadcast Media Production degree qualifications. Amongst them, 41 have attained First Class Honours and this is indeed a significant achievement for MDIS and Teesside University’s inaugural graduation, and we are very proud of you. Your academic success also reflects the quality of our programmes and excellent teaching standards upheld in partnership by both institutions.
4 In keeping with our tradition of academic excellence, MDIS is honoured to have played a significant role in your achievements and in preparing all of you for a competitve and promising career ahead.
Support and encouragement
5 While we celebrate your graduation today, we must not forget the support from your family, loved ones and friends who have helped you achieve your academic success. Graduands, in appreciation of the support and encouragement you have received from them throughout your academic journey, please give your loved ones and lecturers a big round of applause. Thank you!
MDIS-Teesside Partnership
6 The holistic university education that you have received from MDIS and Teesside University’s partnership has provided you with a strong foundation for career success. Your degree from Teesside University is of international repute and good academic standing.
7 MDIS is Singapore’s oldest not-for-profit professional institute for lifelong learning. As a heritage brand of more than 60 years, MDIS continues to make its mark in the private education industry. Our strategy to constantly expand our education capacity and capabilities has fostered our collective teaching efficacy, and allowed us to withstand the test of time, and stay relevant in the industry.
8 MDIS has also gone global with its “Singapore Brand” of education. Our two overseas campuses, MDIS Tashkent in Uzbekistan and Kolej MDIS Malaysia, are currently operating at full student capacity. We have also embarked on expansion plans to open the doors to more students in both countries.
Industry 4.0
9 In Singapore, the fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0, is creating exciting opportunities and challenges to the Singapore’s industrial landscape. It paves the move away from automated factory processes to intelligent and integrated digital systems, that transforms the way we work, live and play.
10 Together with Teesside University, we have prepared you well for a strong start in your career, and the challenges ahead. Continue to embrace lifelong, upgrade your knowledge and skills, be resilient and adapt to the evolving new economy which is underpinned by Industry 4.0.
Conclusion
11 As you embark into the world that is filled with opportunities, you will face numerous challenges. Do not be deterred by them. Instead, commit yourself fully to your work, with grit and determination that you have shown during your period of study, and you will be able to overcome your challenges with ease.
12 Once again, my heartiest congratulations to all of you! May today’s happy celebrations be a great start to your future. I wish you all a fulfilling life and success in your future endeavours. Thank you.