Chee (right) receiving her Book Prize award from University of Plymouth senior deputy vice chancellor Prof Dafydd Moore (middle) and Peninsula Higher Education Group president Prof Dr Ian Robert Pashby (left).
LIFE is often said to be about the journey and not the destination. But what if you could have both?
Just ask the bright minds who sailed the seas of knowledge aboard Peninsula College’s iconic The Ship Campus in Batu Kawan, then hit the ground running for their next adventures.
While experiences lived and friendships made will live long in the memory, it is equally vital for one to have all the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s globalised world.
“Sometimes the destination matters, otherwise you’d be going around aimlessly.
Degree graduates, including (front row from 2nd left) Chee Kai Xin, Lim Sian Ching and Athasha Wong as well as valedictorian Phuah Chia Liang (back row, left) rejoicing together after the convocation.
“Success is the culmination of a journey. Every obstacle faced and every decision made shapes who you become,” opined Phuah Chia Liang, class of 2022’s Valedictorian.
Besides being the campus’ first graduates, the 80-strong cohort were among the millions of youths worldwide who had to navigate the uncharted waters of a global pandemic.
With classrooms shuttered for much of 2020 and 2021, they had to turn to online learning and overcome previously unheard of challenges. But they came through with flying colours.
Parents and family members beamed with pride as they received their scrolls in the campus’ Inaugural Graduation Ceremony held last Sunday (Nov 20).
These included the BSc (Hons) Maritime and Business Logistics, BA (Hons) Business, and BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance awarded by the UK’s University of Plymouth (UOP).
UoP Academic Partnership Award and President’s Award winner Lim now works for the college.
Also awarded were Diplomas in Business Studies, Accountancy or Logistics, as well as the Foundation in Arts. Notably, many of Peninsula’s graduates secure employment before graduation.
The Ship Campus’ location in the Batu Kawan Industrial Park where numerous hi-tech, logistics and manufacturing companies are based, ideally places it as a provider of talent.
Coupled with its industry-relevant education incorporating hands-on experiences, graduates have a leg up on their peers. Indeed, the college boasts a 100% employment rate for graduates.
Phuah, 22, pursued the Maritime and Business Logistics degree and had the pick of job offers. He is now a buyer with Jabil.
“Studying at Peninsula opened many doors for me. Besides enhancing my skills, I was also able to expand my networks,” the high-flyer said.
Coursemate Chee Kai Xin, 22, is a logistics specialist with Dell. She graduated with First Class Honours and also received a Book Prize and the UoP Academic Partnership Award.
Maritime Business and Logistics graduate Vimal (third right) with his proud family members, including dad Murugiah Ramasamy (middle).
“Lecturers here are really invested in students’ academic progress and career prospects. They are always ready to help with anything,” Chee pointed out.
Vimal Murugaiah, 22, opted for the same programme after learning of the demand for talent in this sector through his dad Murugiah Ramasamy, 58, a logistics director.
“It’s a very marketable area as most businesses are looking for supply chains. The college’s industry partnerships add value to our children’s education,” the proud father said.
Business degree graduate Lim Sian Ching, 22, now works as an international marketing executive for the college itself. Her academic accomplishments stood out and she received multiple offers long before graduating.
“I had a fulfilling experience here and decided to come back and share with others how an education here can be the foundation for a successful career.
“But just like everything in life, there are no shortcuts and one still needs to work hard,” shared Lim, who received both the President’s Award and UoP Academic Partnership Award.
Fulfilling experiences
Lim’s coursemate Athasha Wong also spoke glowingly of her time in Peninsula. Besides academic excellence, students also have ample avenues for personal growth.
“Lecturers and staff are always there to help you, even with personal challenges. Sometimes it can be hard for people to emphatise but they really do.
“I lost my part-time job due to Covid-19. The college offered students like us financial literacy advise to help us through the tough period. I’m glad I overcame those challenges and made my mum proud,” said Wong.
Book Prize winner and First Class Honours graduate Wong posing for a selfie with her family members.
She graduated with First-Class Honours, received a Book Prize and now works as a marketing executive with ViTrox.
Her mother Litharia Sofiana Girsang, 49, an F&B supervisor, said she felt her daughter’s burden during the Covid-19 period and reminded her to persevere and just take it one day at a time.
“Athasha’s always been resilient since young and I’m really proud with what she has accomplished today,” she added.
An equally integral component of the overall student experience here are the leisure facilities. From a cafe to a karaoke room and entertainment area, it allows for a healthier study-life balance.
Lim shared, “As I’m from Perak, I stayed in the student hostel and had so much fun with friends. Those memories I fondly remember.”
Peninsula College’s graduating class of 2022 and senior academics posing for a group photo together.
Chee added, “Sometimes when we’re stressed from studying, we went singing or just headed up to the roof deck to enjoy the seaview and relax.”
Present to award the qualifications were University of Plymouth senior deputy vice chancellor Prof Dafydd Moore, Plymouth Global director Michael Lurie, Peninsula Higher Education Group president Prof Dr Ian Robert Pashby and group managing director Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio, as well as Peninsula College Georgetown chief executive Tung Chee Kuan.
The college is wholly-owned by PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd and also has a longstanding academic partnership with another UK institution, the University of Gloucestershire.
Besides Batu Kawan in Penang, it has two other state-of-the-art campuses in the Klang Valley - the Lighthouse Campus in Shah Alam and the City Kampus in Klang.
For details about programmes or activities, follow ‘peninsulacollegemalaysia’ on Facebook and Instagram, or log on to peninsulacollege.edu.my
