GEORGE TOWN: Being inquisitive and a critical thinker is Khaw Teng Kang's secret to success in his studies which led him to be named as the recipient of the Chancellor's Gold Medal Award in conjunction with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)'s 58th convocation ceremony for the 2019/2020 academic session.
The 25-year-old, who is the best final year student in all fields with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.97 received his award from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Chancellor Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamaluallail, who is the Raja of Perlis, during the first session of the convocation ceremony at Istana Arau in Perlis on Dec 2.
Today, the School of Electric and Electronic graduate with a Cumudualative Grade Point Average of 3.97, received his scroll from USM Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Datuk Mustafa Mansur.
"Never in my wildest dream did I ever imagine winning the highest award from the university.
"Indeed, I attribute this award to my parents, lecturers and friends. Without them, I will not be who I am today," he said when met after the convocation ceremony today.
Khaw, who is currently working as a software engineer in a telecommunication company in Kuala Lumpur, said he was not someone who accepted things as they were.
"Even in class, I will ask my lecturers all sorts of questions and will have proof to back my arguments.
"I believe that being inquisitive and having critical thinking is key to my success," he added.
The elder of two children hopes to pursue his Master's Degree and Doctorate in Philosophy in USM after gaining experience as a software engineer.
Khaw's father, Khaw Toong Nam, 62, is a tractor driver while his mother, Lee Kar Nee, 62, is a housewife.
Besides Khaw, Muhammad 'Izzat Mohd Zubir, 25, and Tan Meei Fen, 25, also received the Royal Education Award for Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera graduands respectively.
'Izzat said his brother served as a challenge for him to do better.
"You see, I was the top student in the state for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination back in 2013 while my brother, Mu'adz Mohd Zubir was among the top three students in the country during his time back in 2005.
"I always take his success as my challenge to do better and I am happy to be where I am today.
"My success is also due to studying what I like — physics. I have always been a fan of physics. I am all about physics," he said.
'Izzat, who scored a CGPA of 3.80, said he applied to several universities abroad to pursue his Masters. I was accepted by some of these universities but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were issues with the scholarship.
"Right now, I am working as a crypto-currency research analyst and I am enjoying my experience there.
"When the time is right, I will pursue my studies," he added.
For Tan, who graduated in accounts, she said she always focused on whatever she set out to do.
"I initially wanted to study economics but switched to accounts. I enjoyed both and am planning to pursue further studies in both fields," said Tan, who is now working as an accounts executive.
A total of 687 graduates received their respective scrolls during today's sixth session of the convocation ceremony.
USM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan said, altogether, a total of 5,964 recipients would receive various degrees including Doctorates in Philosophy and Master's Degree (1,899 recipients), Bachelor's Degree (4,031 recipients) and Nursing Diploma (34 recipients) during the ongoing convocation ceremony.
"Today's ceremony is held in full compliance of the standard operating procedures (SOP).
"Only those who have been fully vaccinated are allowed to participate in the convocation ceremony," he added.