29th October 2007 The ballroom was abuzz with activity as graduates and their guests shared in the convocation celebration of the University of Bolton. Held annually in Kuala Lumpur, the graduation saw some 300 graduates conferred their awards by the university.

Dr. George Holmes, Vice Chancellor of The University of Bolton, was overjoyed to share in the moment with the graduates as the university is proud of their achievements.

“This is particularly the case for the majority of graduands here today who have had to undertake their studies at the same time as fulfilling major commitments at work or in the home. You have not had the luxury of being able to devote yourself full time to your studies. Being here today is therefore not just the result of your ability and application. Even more, it is result of your time management skills, your ability to prioritise, your staying power and commitment.”

“In this skills, in addition to the knowledge that you acquired during your studies, which will stand you in such good stead as you continue to develop your careers and your subsequent input into society generally,” added Holmes.

Holmes added in delight of how glad he was to see the graduands wearing Harry Potter outfits for the day. He then took his place to confer the 300 graduands with their hard earned Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computing, Bachelor of Art (Hons) in Business Administration, and Bachelor of Art (Hons) Accountancy.

Ooi Teong Kuan led the convocation by graduating with a First Class Honours in Bachelor of Science in Computing. Ooi who hails from Penang underwent the Bolton programme at the Penang centre.

Another highlight of the event was a special award presented to graduate Elizabeth Kumire of Zimbabwe by Zimbabwe Ambassador to Malaysia, Lucas Pande Tavaya. Elizabeth graduated with a Bachelor of Art in Business Accountancy.

Emotions were high as the graduates were showered with congratulations from friends, family and Bolton. Some graduates took the time to attribute their successes to the flying faculty as well as the local support and administrators.

“I believe a round of thanks is much called for in this event. I would like to thank the local support office, the flying faculty of Bolton lecturers, our supportive family and fellow classmates for my success today!” said a delighted Lee Wee Beng, graduate of Bachelor of Art (Hons) Business Administration.

Lee, who is working full time as a Business Development Manager of a Singaporean company was all praise of the local support she received. “The infrastructure and facilities provided has been sufficient and good. And I especially like the programme as lecturers from Bolton fly in to Malaysia to conduct workshops. This has given us the confidence in the programme and has time and again reassured us in our decision. If I had to do it all over again, I’ll choose Bolton.”

William, who graduated with the Bachelor of Science (Hons) Computing, echoed Lee’s words. “What we have learned is been worthwhile as the knowledge and skills gained will help launch a new career or to enhance existing ones.”

The graduation ceremony also marks a 10th year presence of Bolton in Malaysia.

“Our presence in Malaysia is one of our most long lasting overseas partnership. We estimate that we already have over 3000 Bolton alumni from Malaysia, most of whom having graduated from this partnership. It is the experience of this partnership that has given the university confidence to roll out the teaching model used in Malaysia to many other countries; we now have over 1200 students graduating every year in their own countries,” said Holmes.

The University of Bolton, unlike many other Universities, deliver its degree programme using the “Flying Faculty” model so that students are taught face-to-face by university staff. This is because the University considers this the most effective way of ensuring quality of provision and of making sure that students have the genuine experience of what makes a UK degree so special.

To find out more about programmes offered through SMRC Learning Alliance Sdn Bhd, call its offices located at Kuala Lumpur (03-2070 8310), Subang Jaya (03-8023 2616) and Penang (04-250 5357).