Written and Translated by:  Nur Fazrini Alia Abd Majid

Edited by:  Suziana Che Wil 

NOT JUST A DEGREE SCROLL: A JOURNEY OF LOVE AT THE 49TH UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA CONVOCATION, SESSION 2

The 49th Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Convocation Ceremony, Session 2, held over seven days from 29 November to 5 December 2025 at the Grand Hall of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Cultural and Arts Centre, UPM Serdang, was far more than a degree conferment ceremony. It was a deeply meaningful journey encompassing stories of struggle, sacrifice, and love celebrated together in an atmosphere filled with emotion and pride.

As one of the convocation officers, the writer had the opportunity to witness firsthand the vibrancy and beauty of these historic moments. Each day of the ceremony carried a different story, yet all were united by the same core value: success born of perseverance, patience, and an unyielding fighting spirit. From early morning, parents and family members filled the surroundings of the hall, arriving from all corners of the country including Sarawak, Sabah, the East Coast, and beyond to celebrate the achievements of their loved ones. The most touching moments came when graduates emerged from the hall after the ceremony. Outside, parents and families waited faithfully with bouquets of flowers, proud smiles, and warm embraces. There were tears of joy and excited cheers, reflecting relief and happiness as a long journey finally reached its moment of triumph.

Even more moving were the elderly parents who attended despite frailty, determined to witness their children’s success. The writer spoke with a graduate’s mother who shared an extraordinary story of sacrifice. She and her husband had nearly been unable to attend because her husband had suffered a leg injury in a road accident. Yet, for the sake of their beloved daughter, they made the journey with the father in a wheelchair clear proof that a parent’s love knows neither exhaustion nor obstacles.

Behind the graduates’ gowns and smiles lie countless untold stories of struggle. Some graduates were compelled to work part-time, run small businesses, and earn their own income to support their studies when life did not always favour them. All those hardships were ultimately repaid when they finally held a degree scroll in their hands—a testament to their resilience and determination.

The convocation also showcased the rich cultural diversity that is a strength of Universiti Putra Malaysia. Graduates and their families attended in ethnic attire, including those from Sabah and the Indian community, and some families even dressed in coordinated outfits as a symbol of unity and unwavering support for their children’s success. This diversity not only enlivened the atmosphere, but also reflected the harmony in celebrating achievement together.

Equally touching was the presence of graduates who had lost a parent, as well as those who endured the loss of loved ones during their years of study. Yet they stepped onto the convocation stage with remarkable strength, carrying the spirit of making both their parents those still present and those who had passed on proud.

The ceremony also stood as a symbol of inclusive success, as graduates with visual impairments successfully completed their studies and are now proudly UPM alumni. Their achievements prove that physical limitations are not barriers to excellence, but rather sources of motivation to move forward with determination and confidence.

Ultimately, the 49th UPM Convocation Ceremony, Session 2, was not merely the end of an academic journey, but the beginning of a new role for graduates as Alumni and Ambassadors of Universiti Putra Malaysia. It leaves behind memories rich in humanity, sacrifice, and love, and serves as a reminder that every degree celebrated today is the result of prayers, effort, and unwavering support that never ceased.

Date of Input: 17/12/2025 | Updated: 18/12/2025 | suziana.wil