The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, marked another meaningful milestone as students gathered for the 2025 Convocation Ceremony. The ceremony was held on the 5th November 2025. The atmosphere across Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Hall (DeTAR PUTRA) was filled with joy, pride, and a strong sense of accomplishment as graduates celebrated the completion of their academic journeys.
This year’s convocation highlighted the resilience and adaptability of FSSH students. Their learning experiences over the past few years were shaped by dynamic teaching approaches, extensive fieldwork, community engagement projects, and the rich diversity of Sarawak’s social and cultural landscape. These elements have long defined FSSH’s approach to nurturing well-rounded graduates who understand society from the lens of both theory and real-world practice.
Awards and special recognitions were presented to students who excelled academically and demonstrated outstanding leadership, creativity, and service. Many FSSH graduates also participated in impactful community outreach programmes, SDG-based education activities, and research collaborations that strengthened links between UNIMAS and local communities.
A Moment of Honour: FSSH’s Anugerah Canselor Recipient
This year’s convocation was especially meaningful for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities as FSSH proudly celebrated one of our own, Nur Farhanah Rashdan, as the recipient of the prestigious Chancellor’s Award. It is one of the highest university honours awarded to a graduate who exemplifies exceptional academic excellence, leadership, and service.
Nur Farhanah Rashdan, a graduate of the Bachelor of Social Science (Social Work) with Honours, attributed her success to her family’s upbringing that shaped who she is today. She thanked her mother for always being her backbone and greatest supporter.
Nur Farhanah binti Rashdan (right – recipient of Anugerah Canselor) together with other award recipients at UNIMAS’ 29th Convocation Ceremony
Solemn Moment: Anumerta Award in Honour of a Beloved Student
This year’s convocation also carried a deeply emotional moment for the FSSH community. A degree was awardedanumerta to Nur Fateen Syazwani Ahmad Chula, 27, who had bravely battled ovarian cancer before her passing. Her mother,Halipah Si’ee, walked the stage to receive the scroll on her behalf, and the entire hall rose to its feet in a gesture of profound respect. The silence of the moment soon gave way to a heartfelt applause, honouring her strength, dedication, and the profound love of her family.
The faculty extends its deepest condolences and continues to honour her memory as part of the FSSH Class of 2025.
Dr Kiky Kirina Abdillah, Dean of FSSH, posed for a photo with the family of the late Nur Fateen Syazwani Ahmad Chula and FSSH Management after the Ceremony.
A Shared Celebration: Families, Friends, and the FSSH Community
The ceremony brought together the people who supported the graduates: parents, siblings, lecturers, supervisors, and friends. The courtyard outsideDeTAR PUTRA was filled with proud smiles, colourful bouquets, and the happy reunions that make convocation day unforgettable.
For many graduates, this moment marked not only personal achievement but also gratitude, for the guidance of educators, the companionship of classmates, and the dedicated support of family members. These friendships, built through years of shared challenges, laughter, fieldwork trips, presentations, and countless hours on campus, were as much a part of the learning journey as the lectures and tutorials themselves.
Many graduates expressed that the bonds forged during their time at FSSH have shaped them just as deeply as the knowledge gained, reminding them that university life is not only about academic success, but also about community, belonging, and the people who walk the journey with us. Fellenthia Ivynna anak Seredim, from the Development Planning and Management stated that “I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of the Development Planning and Management family throughout these three meaningful years. I’ll truly miss everyone, and all the wonderful memories we created together.”
Fellenthia Ivynna anak Seredim – one of the recipients for the Anugerah Akademik FSSK.Putri Izzati Aiyani Binti Rujissmany @ Kinon with her proud parents after the CeremonyAP Dr Mohamad Suhaidi Salleh sharing moments with the students before the CeremonyProud family moments: Annasia Emylda Sangkan with her proud parents, Endawie anak Janting and Messie Anak Nyegang. She was from the Anthropology & Sociology Programme
Meanwhile, Noreen Ezra anak Remang arrived at her graduation surrounded by her large, loving family, each one a constant source of encouragement throughout her academic journey. Noreen stated that throughout her studies at UNIMAS, her family’s support became an invaluable pillar of strength. They were the inspiration behind every step of her success, the source of encouragement in moments of exhaustion, and the main reason she continued moving forward with confidence.
Noreen Ezra posed with her big family, who came all the way from Belaga to support her. Their presence filled the day with warmth and pride, reflecting the role they had played as her pillar of strength from the very beginning.
For Muhammad Syahaidil Fahmy Bin Helmi, from the Politics and Government Programme, studying at FSSH has truly been one of the best experiences of his life. He stated that the convocation feels surreal, carrying an even deeper meaning as he reflects on three unforgettable years filled with growth, learning, and cherished memories. He attributed this experience to being part of the vibrant POLGOV community, where friendships, collaboration, and support shaped not only his academic experience but also his personal growth.
Muhammad Syahaidil Fahmy Bin Helmi: studying at FSSH has truly been one of the best experiences of his life, and I couldn’t have asked for more.
Also graduating together with pride were the twins, Maximilian Majoi Anak Marcus Linggie and Maximiller Jawa Anak Marcus Linggi. Maximilian said that the pursuit of knowledge is not merely about earning a degree, but also a process of shaping one’s character, resilience, and sincerity in facing challenges. He expresses their appreciation to their beloved parents and sister for their prayers, guidance, encouragement, and support, which made every challenge easier to overcome, as well as all the lecturers who have guided them throughout their journey.
Graduating together with pride: Maximilian Majoi Anak Marcus Linggie (left) with his twin brother, Maximiller Jawa, celebrated their achievements with their mother.
The lecturers and staff of FSSH shared in the joy of this year’s achievements, expressing how proud they were of the graduates’ hard work and growth. Despite the busy months leading up to the convocation, they felt deeply fulfilled seeing their students succeed. The support staff were especially busy on the day of the ceremony, ensuring every detail, from registration to logistics, ran smoothly. Their hard work behind the scenes helped create a seamless and memorable experience for all graduates and their families.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter Begins …
As the graduates embark on diverse paths, further studies, new careers, community initiatives, they carry with them the values nurtured through their time at FSSH: empathy, cultural understanding, analytical thinking, and a commitment to social progress.
Class of 2025: Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours (Politics and Government Studies) / Politics and Government Studies
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities extends its warmest congratulations to the graduating class of 2025. Our graduates are not just leaving with a degree, they are leaving as thinkers, problem-solvers, and storytellers who will contribute meaningfully to Sarawak, Malaysia, and the region.
Your achievements inspire us. Your stories remind us of the power of knowledge, resilience, and community. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
