First City University College (First City UC) simultaneously held its first graduation ceremony for its diploma graduates since attaining the University College status and graduation of its partner university, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) today. This graduation event was graced by the presence of First City UC’s top management executives, namely its Chancellor, YBhg. Tan Sri Dato Seri Dr. Hj. Yahaya bin Ibrahim, Vice-Chancellor, Academician Professor Dr. Ho Chee Cheong, Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Yeong Yin Cheng, its Board of Governors and joined by ARU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Iain Martin who presented the certificates to graduates of ARU.

A total of 265 students received graduation scrolls from ARU and First City UC’s respective Vice-Chancellors for degree programmes in Business Administration, Business Management, Marketing, Accounting & Finance and diploma programmes in Business Administration, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Mass Communication, Interactive Design, Interior Design, Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics and Information Technology. 7 diploma students emerged as recipients of the Student of the Year Award, while 40 students received the Excellence Awards for achieving first class honours and distinction in their degree programmes.

Academician Professor Dr. Ho Chee Cheong addressed the diploma graduates in his welcome address, “This is a historic and proud moment for all of us because you represent the first batch of graduands of First City University College since KBU International College was elevated to the status of a University College. The Management and staff at First City UC remain committed to ensure you continue to experience a rich and fulfilling journey in your next stage of education. As you can witness for yourself the extensive physical development in the Campus, we continuously strive to provide top-rated facilities to support and encourage teaching and learning under a conducive, safe and comfortable environment for all students.”

Ms Lai Su Kie, ARU’s Accounting and Finance degree programme graduate who was also the recipient of the Excellence Awards said in her vote of thanks, “The academic experience and the overall student experience have benefited my personal development hugely. First City UC has already excelled in providing a professional and engaging learning environment, with enthusiastic and experienced lecturers who are very knowledgeable in the programmes they teach. I can reflect that First City UC has provided me with the opportunity to explore an array of different possibilities for my future.”

The institution’s teaching and learning capabilities have been proven in its 26 years’ experience; it has consistently been producing award-winning and highly sought-after graduates. Students’ achievements are very important to First City UC; therefore their projects and portfolios are showcased in public annual exhibitions. It encourages students to be confident and talented designers, programmers and engineers, as well as providing platforms for potential employers to seek out and recruit award-winning students.  In many instances, students of First City UC are offered employment on the spot by industry leaders. All these steps taken by the institution ensure that students will emerge successful and excellent in their respective fields.

In line with its aspiration to provide the highest standard of tertiary education and to cope with its expanding student population, First City UC is increasing its facilities with the new Phase II building expected to open in Q4 of 2016. The new 350,000 square feet campus block – almost twice the size of its current premise – houses lecture rooms, studios, seminar rooms, workshops, state-of-the-art laboratories, IT Centre, library and MBA Centre. To ensure students are provided with the highest standard of quality facilities and support in terms of convenience, the expansion includes on-campus student accommodation with air-conditioned en suite rooms. Students can truly enjoy a holistic educational and living experience by taking advantage of the indoor sports and recreational facilities such as futsal, badminton and basketball courts, along with the airy and spacious lifestyle-themed cafeteria and a comfortable student lounge.