December 26, 2024

KOTA SAMARAHAN, 1 November 2024  –  Another history was sculptured for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), UNIMAS, as they held their first-ever inaugural postgraduate hooding ceremony. Initiated this year, the event celebrated the achievements of graduate students who had completed masters and doctoral degrees. Unlike larger commencement events, this ceremony allowed for a close-knit and deeply intimate gathering, where especially the bonds between academic advisors and the students were on full display.

During the ceremony, the achievement of each graduate was commemorated in a symbolic act as an academic advisor or program coordinator proudly placed a graduation robe on the student, along with a bonnet or mortarboard, signalling the official accomplishment of their postgraduate degree. In UNIMAS tradition, the robe colours carry significant meaning, in which pink represents a master’s degree, while light blue represents those who have attained a doctorate.

The ceremony was officiated by Prof. Dr. Chew Keng Sheng, Deputy Dean of Graduate, Research & Commercialization of FMHS, who delivered a speech on academic journeys and further congratulated the graduates for their dedication, resilience, and contribution to the fields of medicine and health sciences.

Altogether, 19 graduates were gowned by their respective academic advisors and program coordinators, in programs consisting of Doctor of Philosophy (By Research), Master of Science (By Research), Doctor of Public Health, Master of Public Health, Master of Nursing, and Master of Orthopaedic Surgery. Each of these programs represents a distinct field of expertise, spanning from clinical to non-clinical, and from lab-based to non-lab-based research. This diversity of expertise reflects the comprehensive vision the faculty holds for advancing medical and health sciences.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rekaya Anak Vincent Balang, the Deputy Dean (Student Affairs and Alumni) of FMHS, also expressed his gratitude for the students’ achievement in finishing their studies. He also emphasised that this will pave the way for future postgraduate hooding ceremony at the faculty.

In attendance were families, friends, and members of the faculty, adding a layer of warmth to the gathering. Having to balance between responsibilities of being a postgraduate student and a spouse or parent was not easy. This ceremony was also attended by the family members of the students, which not only provided support but also strengthened the bonds of the family.

The dean, Prof. Dr. Asri Said, who had rushed from another formal event, along with the Head of Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Cheng Siang, took a picture together with the graduates.

Shaza Hassan, an international graduate, shared her heartfelt reflections: “It was a very nice experience to attend this ceremony at our faculty. As an international student, I didn’t have the opportunity to bring my family to celebrate my doctorate achievement here. But this ceremony allowed me to feel and enjoy this achievement along with my colleagues and the lecturers – I consider them my big family during my PhD journey. My heart was full of joy when I received congratulations from almost all the faculty members, which elevated my emotions. I wish this ceremony becomes a tradition at the faculty. Thank you from my heart to all those who organised this ceremony.”

For Jandy Perra Jembu, another proud graduate said: “Today was a first I’ll never forget – standing in the Atrium at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences for our very first Hooding Ceremony. Having graduated from UNIMAS once before, I’m excited to graduate again in three days during the 28th Convocation UNIMAS 2024. Surrounded by supportive faculty, family, friends, and the Postgraduate Association (PGMED), we celebrated the triumph of our hard work and dedication. I’m honoured to be part of this meaningful day and will carry the memories and spirit of this achievement with me always. Thank you, UNIMAS; thank you, FMHS; thank you, Nursing Department.”

With each robe gowned on a graduate, the ceremony marked a transformative moment—a peak of years of dedication, passion, and the inspiring guidance of the academic advisors, along with unconditional support and sacrifice from the family. The FMHS faculty and students now look forward to celebrating future hooding ceremonies, hopeful that this new tradition will inspire generations to come.

Written by Ahmad Syatir Tahar, PhD student by research mode,

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UNIMAS.