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Founder and Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr Paul Chan's Inspiring Opening Speech at HELP University's 36th Convocation ceremony

10 May 2026, KL Shangri-la Hotel

Today is a day of celebration, pride, and gratitude. On behalf of the university, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every graduate. Your success today is the result of dedication, perseverance, sacrifice, and determination. Behind every achievement is a story of hard work, resilience, and the support of family, friends, and educators who stood beside you throughout your journey.

We are especially proud of the diversity and quality of graduates gathered here today. Among you are inspiring individuals from our APEL-Q programme — Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning — who have demonstrated that learning has no age limit and that excellence can be pursued at every stage of life.

I would like to especially acknowledge several outstanding individuals from this programme, including?Datuk Izani,?Datuk Kenny, just to mention a few.?Despite already achieving success in their respective careers, they chose to continue learning, growing, and challenging themselves. Their presence here sends a powerful message to all of us — that true excellence is a lifelong pursuit.

I still remember my own first graduation many years ago, in 1965. At that time, earning a degree meant acquiring technical knowledge and preparing for a relatively predictable future. The world then was far more structured and stable than it is today. Career paths were clearer, industries evolved more slowly, and life appeared more certain.

Today, however, we live in a very different world — a world that is rapidly changing and, in many ways, unknowable. Technology evolves overnight, industries transform continuously, and the challenges we face are increasingly complex. In such a world, academic qualifications alone are no longer enough.

“The real question is not only how to earn a living, but how to live a life that truly matters.”

To navigate this uncertain future, we must cultivate mindfulness — the ability to observe consciously, reflect deeply, and respond meaningfully to the world around us. Mindfulness is not merely about awareness; it is about asking the right questions:

• What is the purpose of my life?
• What values should guide my decisions?
• How can I contribute meaningfully to society?
• What kind of legacy do I want to leave behind?

When we ask meaningful questions, we begin to observe our surroundings more consciously — not only the physical environment around us, but also the human, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of life. Through observation comes reflection. Through reflection comes understanding. Through understanding comes purposeful action. And through action comes growth. This becomes a continuous cycle of learning and self-improvement.

Today’s graduates must therefore become not only knowledgeable individuals, but also thoughtful and reflective human beings.

One important lesson we learn from our experienced adult learners is that there is truly no end to learning and no limit to personal growth. Success should never become our final destination. Instead, we must strive “to excel beyond our success.”

“To excel beyond success means not becoming comfortable with past achievements. It means continuing to grow intellectually, professionally, morally, and spiritually.”

It means seeking significance, not merely status; contribution, not merely recognition.

As you leave this?convocation?hall and begin the next chapter of your journey, I encourage you to carry forward this spirit of lifelong learning, mindfulness, and excellence.

Stay connected with the university. Share your experiences, challenges, and successes with future generations of students. Your workplace experiences, personal insights, and professional journeys are valuable contributions to our academic community. We also warmly invite you to become active members of our alumni network, where together we can continue building a strong and supportive community of lifelong learners.

Most importantly, continue believing in your ability to grow, contribute, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Once again, congratulations to all graduates and your families. We are proud of your achievements and look forward to witnessing your future successes.

“Keep in touch, stay healthy, and continue to excel beyond success.”

Thank you.

• Press coverage by 91制片厂