OYAGSB GRADUATION HI-TEA 2026 CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE, PERSEVERANCE AND THE MAKING OF FUTURE LEADERS

Photo by: OYAGSB Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 November 2026. Years of dedication, perseverance and academic commitment culminated in a memorable occasion as the Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (OYAGSB), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), celebrated the achievements of 340 graduands at the OYAGSB Graduation Hi-Tea 2026, held at the Grand Millennium Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

The occasion was not merely a celebration of academic achievement, but also a recognition of the determination and sacrifices that had brought the graduands to this significant milestone. Their postgraduate journeys, undertaken alongside professional commitments and personal responsibilities, exemplified the discipline, resilience and perseverance required to pursue excellence while preparing for greater responsibilities and leadership opportunities.

The event was officiated by YBrs. Prof. Dr. Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), UUM, and brought together graduands, academic staff and administrative personnel to commemorate an important milestone in the OYAGSB academic community.

A significant highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of awards and distinctions to graduands whose accomplishments reflected OYAGSB’s commitment to academic excellence, timely completion and professional development.

Among the recognition presented were the Postgraduate Distinction for Timely Completion (Graduate-On-Time, GOT), the Academic Excellence Award for graduands who attained a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.00, and the Professional Qualification Recognition for MBA graduands who successfully obtained the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice.

In his address, Prof. Dr. Hasnizam Shaari, Dean of OYAGSB, emphasised that the true value of postgraduate education extends beyond the attainment of an academic qualification. More importantly, it lies in the discipline, resilience and leadership capabilities developed throughout the learning journey.

“Today, we are not merely celebrating the completion of an academic programme; we are celebrating perseverance, discipline and the courage to keep moving forward despite challenges. Our graduands leave OYAGSB not only with qualifications, but with the responsibility and capability to become strategic leaders who create meaningful impact wherever they serve,” he said.

He also expressed his appreciation to OYAGSB’s academic and administrative staff for their dedication and commitment in providing continuous guidance and support, which have been instrumental in nurturing the School’s postgraduate community and preparing the next generation of strategic leaders.

Sharing his personal experience, Dr. P. Kalai Chelvam J. Puspanathan, a recipient of the Graduate-On-Time (GOT) distinction, reflected on the commitment, perseverance and discipline required to complete postgraduate studies successfully.

“The postgraduate journey teaches us that success is not achieved in a single moment. It is built through consistency, sacrifice and the determination to keep going. Receiving the Graduate-On-Time distinction makes this milestone even more meaningful, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey,” he shared.

His reflection resonated with the spirit of the celebration, underscoring the importance of perseverance, continuous learning and the determination to overcome challenges. It also brought to the fore the invaluable role of academic mentorship in shaping a scholar’s journey. Under the supervision of Datuk Prof. Ts. Dr. Norazah Mohd Suki, Dr. Kalai received scholarly guidance and encouragement that contributed to his timely completion of studies further while strengthening his academic and professional development.

Indeed, the Graduation Hi-Tea represented both the culmination of an academic pursuit and the beginning of a new chapter. As the graduands prepare to join the OYAGSB alumni network, they also assume greater responsibility as ambassadors of their alma mater, carrying with them the knowledge, values and experiences acquired throughout their time at UUM.

As they embark on their respective professional and leadership journeys, their achievements will be measured not only by the qualifications they have earned, but also by how they apply their knowledge, exercise responsible leadership and contribute to the organisations and communities they serve. These are the values that underpin the OYAGSB experience and its commitment to lifelong learning, excellence and meaningful contribution to society.

The OYAGSB Graduation Hi-Tea 2026 thus served as a fitting tribute to the achievements and perseverance of its graduands, while reaffirming OYAGSB’s continuing commitment to developing future-ready strategic leaders capable of navigating an increasingly complex and dynamic business environment.

Ultimately, graduation is not simply the conclusion of an academic journey, but the beginning of a greater responsibility. For the 340 graduands, this milestone marks an opportunity to translate knowledge into action, turn aspirations into achievements and, above all, lead with purpose while making a meaningful difference to organisations, industries and society. – Datuk Prof. Ts. Dr. Norazah Mohd Suki