UUM Honours the Perseverance of PACE Graduates — A Degree Earned Through a Thousand Sacrifices

ALOR SETAR, 13 November 2025 — Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has expressed deep appreciation and pride for the graduands of its Professional and Continuing Education Centre (PACE), who will receive their degrees at the 38th Convocation Ceremony this afternoon.

In his meaningful address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, emphasised that the success of these graduands did not come easily, but was instead intertwined with numerous challenges and sacrifices.

According to him, many of them are full-time employees, parents, and caregivers who remained steadfast in completing assignments and attending online classes despite the realities of their day-to-day lives.

“Some studied after long hours at work. Some completed their assignments late at night when their children were asleep. Others missed precious family moments just to keep their dream of earning a degree alive,” he said during the PACE Part-Time Programme Graduates’ Dinner held yesterday evening.

He also highlighted that what the graduands take home is far more than a degree — the testament to their discipline, perseverance, and resilience, qualities that will serve as invaluable assets in today’s world.

“I firmly believe that although your learning was conducted remotely, the value of your knowledge and the credibility of your degree are on par with those from conventional programmes,” he added.

Since 2001, PACE has produced 18,177 graduates through its Part-Time Programme, and at this convocation, 754 graduands will be honoured.

Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan also called on the graduands to continue serving as ambassadors of the university by upholding noble values, professionalism, and excellence in their respective careers, in line with UUM’s motto —Knowledge, Virtue, Service.

The convocation ceremony, scheduled to take place in the afternoon, will be a historic moment for these graduands who have undertaken a long journey filled with challenges and sacrifices in pursuit of their education.

“When you walk across the convocation stage, hold your head high. Savour the moment, for it is the reward for all your efforts and sacrifices you have made,” he concluded.

During the event, awards were also presented to outstanding PACE graduands who will be graduating at the 38th Convocation Ceremony.

Also in attendance were Dato’ Mohd Zuhri Abdullah, Chairman of the Board of Directors, UUM Holdings Sdn. Bhd.; Assoc. Prof. Dr Herman Shah Anuar, Director of PACE; Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Sobri Don @ A. Wahab, General Manager of UUM Leads Sdn. Bhd.; members of the Board of Directors of UUM Holdings Sdn. Bhd., and the University Management Committee.