Heriot-Watt University Malaysia hosted its annual graduation ceremony, honouring the achievements of 300 graduates across various disciplines today at the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.
The event’s highlight was the formal installation of Datuk (Dr) Nicol Ann David as the University’s second female Pro-Chancellor in Malaysia, a role she assumed on 17 May 2024. Nicol, renowned as one of Malaysia’s most celebrated sports icons, succeeds Professor Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood in this prestigious position.
As Pro-Chancellor, Nicol will serve as the Honorary Head of the University in Malaysia, representing Heriot-Watt University Malaysia in ceremonial and ambassadorial capacities, including conferring degrees to graduates.
During her acceptance speech, Nicol expressed her gratitude, stating: “It is with great honour that I have been asked to become the Pro-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. This institution has, since its inception, fostered the ethos of inclusion and education for all, and I am deeply committed to advancing its mission of providing opportunities to learners in Malaysia, UK, Dubai, and beyond.”
Heriot-Watt University’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard A. Williams conferred degrees on graduates from the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, School of Social Sciences, and Edinburgh Business School during the morning session.
Following her installation, Nicol conferred degrees to graduates from the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at the afternoon session’s degree award ceremony.
Reflecting on the occasion, Professor Richard, said: “It’s a great privilege to be here today to recognise the exceptional dedication and resilience shown by our graduating students as they prepare to embark on exciting new careers, and with the installation of our new Pro-Chancellor Datuk (Dr) Nicol Ann David, it’s been a day of added celebration.
“As a former world number one professional squash player and one of Malaysia’s most revered sporting icons, her appointment brings a new dimension of leadership to our University community. We are confident that her invaluable contributions will help shape the future of our University and inspire the leaders of tomorrow,” added Professor Richard.
Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and Chief Executive Officer of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, added: “The graduation ceremony symbolises the culmination of our students’ hard work and the beginning of their journey. We are proud to see them emerge as purpose-driven leaders in their respective fields, ready to make meaningful and positive contributions and impacts to the society. At the same time, we are delighted to witness Pro-Chancellor Datuk (Dr) Nicol Ann David’s installation, highlighting Heriot- Watt University Malaysia’s commitment to fostering exemplary leadership and educational excellence.”
Ms. Pearlyn Tee, President of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Student Association (HWUMSA), shared her thoughts on the ceremony and Pro-Chancellor installation, stating, “The graduation ceremony was a poignant reminder of our collective achievements and the transformative impact of education. We are honoured to welcome Datuk (Dr) Nicol Ann David as our Pro-Chancellor, and we look forward to her leadership in inspiring future generations of students.”
For more information on Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and its world-class programmes, please visit https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/