Around 70 students from the Taylor’s University American Degree Transfer Program (ADP) are on their way to the United States of America, Canada and Australia to complete the remainder of their degree in time for the fall intake. The Fall 2017 cohort have been accepted into higher education institutions in the United States like Purdue University, Bentley University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Ryerson University and York University in Canada, and University of Queensland in Australia.
Through a Certificate Presentation held at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, this high-performing batch of students included 5 ‘Summa Cum Laude’ (with highest honor) achievers, 5 ‘Magna Cum Laude’ (with great honor) and 10 ‘Cum Laude’ (with praise).
This year, the academics and students welcomed guest speaker Y. Bhg. Datuk K. Rajagobal, chief coach of the PKNS Football Club and former head coach of the Malaysian Football Team. “Change and progression is a never ending process in life. As you prepare on the next chapter of your lives, you will be faced with challenges like adapting to different types of food, people, and culture.”
A group photo welcoming Y. Bhg. Datuk K. Rajagobal (middle), chief coach of the PKNS Football Club at the Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus for the Fall 2017 Certificate Presentation ceremony
“One should not fear when taking a big challenge – face it with pride and confidence that you will be able to overcome it. You will succeed,” he said, recalling his encounter with coach legend Sir Alex Ferguson.
He encouraged students to make good memories, always keep to their goals and never forget their teachers. “It is important to stay focused and not allow anyone or anything discourage you. All of us understand that life does not always go as planned, therefore, it is equally important to regroup, create a new plan and move on,” he advised.
Y. Bhg. Datuk K. Rajagobal, chief coach of the PKNS Football Club sharing pearls of wisdom to 70 students in the American Degree Transfer Program at Taylor’s University recently
Associate Professor Dr. Anindita Dasgupta, Head of School for the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, added that, “In an increasingly connected world, we have become intellectually borderless. The American Degree Transfer Program at Taylor’s University has prepared the graduating students with skills which are applicable to new and changing contexts.”
“Remember, you can be what you want to be – but do not forget the hard work you have to put in,” she said.
The Fall 2017 cohort’s 5 ‘Summa Cum Laude’ (with highest honor) achievers share a moment in a cake cutting session during the Certificate Presentation ceremony at Taylor’s University
Valedictorian Leong Xin Li, who will continue her studies in Purdue University, said the event acts as a checkpoint on their future, “We must have a heart eager to learn, explore and develop ourselves. At this point in time, we have been equipped with important life skills to bring with us – the challenge is to determine how we are going to use the knowledge imparted to our advantage.”
Xin Li then posed two questions to her peers to consider: “What kind of experiences do we want to remember? What kind of person do we imagine ourselves to be?” She concluded her speech with a quote by Michael Dell, “As you start your journey, throw away your store-bought map and begin to draw your own.”
A group snapshot of the students from the American Degree Transfer Program with Y. Bhg. Datuk K. Rajagobal, chief coach of the PKNS Football Club at the end of the Taylor’s University American Degree Transfer Program Fall 2017 Certificate Presentation
