More than three hundred distinguished graduates from HELP University joyously marked their significant accomplishments during the prestigious 33rd Convocation, which took place at the illustrious Shangri-La in Kuala Lumpur on March 19, 2023. The ceremony witnessed the conferral of degrees upon our accomplished HELP Graduates, hailing from diverse academic departments such as the ELM Graduate School, HELP Academy, and HELP University.
The Tan Sri Datuk Paduka Dr. Hajjah Saleha Outstanding Achievement Award
This award is presented to the graduate who has achieved excellent academic achievements, contributed to the extracurricular activities at HELP and shown outstanding leadership qualities.
Grace Nga Jee Ern, a Bachelor of Psychology graduate with First Class Honours, is this year’s proud recipient of this award.
Miss Ern, a recent graduate of HELP University’s Bachelor of Psychology program, takes great pride in her choice to embark on her undergraduate journey at HELP. Her profound interest in psychology was ignited by her personal experiences, specifically having a sibling with autism, a circumstance that fueled her curiosity and determination to delve deeper into the subject.
In her quest to find the most suitable psychology program in Malaysia, Miss Ern discovered that HELP University stood out as the ideal match for her aspirations. Opting for HELP was a decision rooted in its stellar reputation for academic excellence. She was confident that she would receive a comprehensive and rigorous education, laying the foundation for a successful career in psychology.
Miss Ern commends HELP University’s seasoned faculty members for their unwavering passion and commitment to teaching, as well as their dedication to the success of their students. She expresses gratitude for the invaluable opportunity to learn from the best in the field, emphasizing the crucial guidance and support she received, which played a pivotal role in her thriving as a psychology student.
HELP University, according to Miss Ern, offered a diverse range of opportunities, both academically and extracurricularly. These opportunities exposed her to various clubs and organizations on campus, providing avenues for personal and professional growth. Moreover, the university facilitated research and internship opportunities that allowed her to gain hands-on experience in the field of psychology.
Looking ahead, post-graduation, Miss Ern envisions pursuing further studies in clinical psychology in the United States. Her passion for psychology is deeply rooted in a fervent desire to assist underserved and underrepresented populations in gaining equal access to mental health care. With a long-term goal of becoming a clinical psychologist specializing in working with marginalized communities, she aspires to contribute to ensuring that these communities have the necessary access to the mental health care they both need and deserve.
“I was drawn to studying psychology due to its practical applications and versatility, as the knowledge and skills gained through the study of psychology can be applied to various fields. Although I have decided on pursuing clinical psychology as a career, I realised learning psychology as my undergraduate degree opened many different career paths and opportunities for me,” said Miss Ern.
Upon being honored with HELP University’s prestigious Tan Sri Datuk Paduka Dr. Hajjah Saleha Outstanding Achievement Award, Miss Ern expresses deep humility and overwhelming gratitude as this year’s recipient. She considers it an incredible honor to be acknowledged for her academic accomplishments and contributions to the university’s community. Miss Ern emphasizes that this achievement is not solely her own, attributing it to the unwavering support of her family, lecturers, and friends who have consistently encouraged and motivated her throughout her journey.
In an encouraging message to fellow students interested in studying psychology, Miss Ern passionately advocates for the field, describing it as a fascinating and dynamic realm that imparts a wealth of knowledge and practical skills applicable across various fields. Stressing the value of gaining a deeper understanding of human behavior and the intricacies of the human mind, she believes such knowledge is indispensable in any professional or personal setting.
Miss Ern offers a piece of advice to aspiring psychology students, urging them not to limit themselves or perceive their capabilities as static. Acknowledging the inevitable challenges and obstacles in the field, she encourages students to dream big and embrace failure fearlessly, emphasizing that with perseverance, nothing is impossible when studying psychology.
“Ultimately, studying psychology is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Embrace the opportunities that come your way and always strive to learn and improve. I wish you all the best in your academic pursuits and beyond.”
Faculty of Behavioural Sciences, Education and Languages
Lee Shu Ern | Department of Psychology
Miss Lee embarked on her academic journey with an initial pursuit of a degree in Economics. However, driven by a desire for deeper self-understanding and an exploration of the factors influencing her behavior and perspectives, she transitioned to Psychology. Her inherent curiosity about the intricacies of human behavior led her to relish the diverse topics covered in the field.
With aspirations to forge a career in clinical psychology or counseling, coupled with a passion for part-time teaching, Miss Lee is currently gearing up for her master’s degree at HELP. The receipt of this award is a source of great honor for her, serving as validation for the hard work and dedication she has invested in her studies. Miss Lee extends practical advice to fellow psychology students, emphasizing the importance of time management, utilizing available resources, and cultivating a genuine love for their coursework.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by the supportive and compassionate lecturers at HELP, Miss Lee attributes her academic and personal growth to their guidance. As a parting piece of wisdom, she encourages all students to establish connections with their assignments and recognize the inherent value in their studies, given the shared aspiration to comprehend and aid others in their journey of understanding.
Faculty of Business, Economics and Accounting
Nigel Low Shin Yen
Mr. Low decided to study Economics because he believed that it would equip him with the knowledge to understand how finance, businesses, people, and governments respond and adapt to the constantly changing world. He mentioned that Economics is a versatile subject that opens diverse career opportunities in consulting, government, finance, and academia.
Studying Economics has helped Mr. Low develop crucial soft skills that he believes apply to his future career and life. Analytical and problem-solving skills, gained through his Economics degree, have enabled him to make informed decisions even under difficult circumstances.
Mr. Low expressed his gratitude for being awarded the President’s Award, saying that the achievement validates his years of dedication and hard work in his studies. He credits his family, friends, and faculty members at HELP University for their support and encouragement.
The award has given Mr. Low confidence in his abilities and reinforced his belief that he can achieve his goals. Speaking as a business and economics graduate, he advised fellow students to stay informed about global trends and build a sound foundation in data analysis and statistical techniques, as these are crucial skills in the field.
To future students, Mr. Low advises them to keep an open mind and explore new opportunities as they arise.
Goh Xin Tong
Miss Goh has been passionate about Accounting since her secondary school days and has been studying it for years. Crunching numbers and analyzing complex financial data to derive meaningful insights is incredibly fulfilling for her. She believes that pursuing a career in this field will enable her to do what she loves.
Studying Accounting has given Miss Goh insights into understanding businesses’ inner workings and their performance. She finds fulfilment in contributing to a company’s success by helping them make informed financial decisions. Miss Goh has already been exempted from nine ACCA papers and plans to complete her remaining papers while working towards securing an audit position in one of the Big 4 accounting firms. She believes that this decision provides her with valuable exposure and opportunities that she can continue to add to her work portfolio.
Receiving The President’s Award was a complete surprise for Miss Goh, as she never imagined achieving such a prestigious honour. This award renewed her confidence in her abilities, igniting her passion to further her accountancy career.
Miss Goh advises students pursuing a degree in Business and Accounting to stay motivated and focused. Striving for excellence is a must, and one should always celebrate their achievements. It is also important to celebrate life, friendship, and the pursuit of connecting with people that make a difference.
Department of Law and Government
Darrshan Naido a/l Shanmugam
Mr. Naido’s passion for Law stemmed from his curiosity and interest, which eventually transformed into a fervent desire to make a difference in people’s lives. He found Law to be both intellectually challenging and fulfilling.
Upon completing his Law degree at HELP University, he eagerly accepted an offer to pursue his master’s degree in Corporate Law at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in mid-October 2022. Currently, in his final semester, Mr. Naido will complete his master’s degree in mid-July of this year. He is also a Research Officer (Graduate Research Assistant) at the same university. Furthermore, he plans to enrol in the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) course at Advance Tertiary College (ATC) in September.
Receiving the President’s Award was a humbling experience for Mr. Naido, as it reminded him that hard work never goes to waste. He advises others to never give up and always strive for excellence, rather than settling for a passing grade.