UMPSA celebrates 94 Doctor of Philosophy graduates in meaningful Hooding Ceremony

KUANTAN, 7 November 2025 – A total of 94 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates were celebrated in conjunction with the Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Hooding Ceremony for PhD Graduands 2025 held at Swiss-Belhotel, Kuantan.

The ceremony also brought together 83 supervisors who served as the backbone behind the graduates’ success in completing their studies at the highest academic level.

The event, held in conjunction with the 20th UMPSA Convocation Ceremony, was officiated by UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, and attended by members of the university management, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, and Senior Director of Strategic and Academic Development, Professor Ts. Dr. Che Ku Mohammad Faizal Che Ku Yahya.

In her speech, Professor Dr. Yatimah expressed her pride in the PhD graduates who had demonstrated exceptional perseverance throughout their studies.

“Today is not merely a ceremony, but a celebration of realised dreams, challenges overcome, and new beginnings that await.

“Each of you has your own story of struggle, yet what matters most is that you never gave up,” she said.

She also emphasised that such achievements would not have been possible without the dedicated guidance of supervisors who continuously supported students in their research and knowledge development.

“To all supervisors, thank you for your patience, guidance, and commitment in shaping not only capable scholars but also individuals with noble character and dedication to society,” she added.

This year, UMPSA produced a total of 243 postgraduate graduates comprising 94 PhD graduates, 84 research master’s graduates, 56 coursework master’s graduates, and nine mixed-mode master’s graduates.

The ceremony also gave special recognition to the Faculty of Computing PhD graduate, Dr. Siti Hawa Apandi, who symbolised extraordinary perseverance and courage.

Dr. Siti Hawa, a person with physical disability, began her academic journey at UMPSA in 2007 at the Diploma in Computer Science level, but was unable to attend the ceremony due to health reasons.

As a mark of respect, her parents, Zaidah Tamjis and Apandi Abdul Aziz, went on stage to receive her hooding certificate and a special contribution worth RM500, presented by the Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Dr. Yatimah added that Dr. Siti Hawa, a person with physical disability who started her academic journey at UMPSA in 2007 at the diploma level, could not attend due to health reasons and was represented by her mother, Zaidah Tamjis.

“Dr. Siti Hawa’s story reminds us that true strength does not lie in what is visible, but in the spirit and determination within,” she said.

The Hooding Ceremony for PhD Graduands 2025 also served as a symbol of respect for the graduates’ long journey and relentless effort, while strengthening the bond between supervisors and students in nurturing scholars with a research spirit who can contribute to national and global progress.

The Vice-Chancellor reminded the graduates to carry their knowledge with humility, to become leaders of integrity, and to use their success to open pathways for others.

“You are not merely UMPSA graduates but heirs to a legacy of excellence and bearers of hope for the future,” she said.

By: Nur Hartini Mohd Hatta, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press