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Around 3000 students across Heriot-Watt University's global campuses will collect their academic scrolls in the coming weeks during the Winter Graduation programme for 2022.
The annual celebrations begin in Malaysia on Thursday, 17 November, followed by Dubai between Monday, 28 November and Tuesday, 29 November, before concluding in Edinburgh from Saturday, 3 December, until Tuesday, 6 December.
During the Malaysia ceremony, an Honorary Degree will be conferred onto a member of the Malaysian Royal Family and prominent mental health activist, YAM Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. The Princess will be presented with the title of Doctor of the University in recognition of her exceptional leadership skills and for being a champion of mental health in Malaysia and around the world.
Students leave here with the necessary expertise and ambition to become the next generation of leaders and innovators, and I'm deeply proud that we have empowered them to deliver tangible, positive changes in their communities.
Coinciding with this year's celebrations, the Dubai campus will also announce the appointment of its first Pro-Chancellor, Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg. Dr Al Gurg is the Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai-based business conglomerate Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group and is a distinguished businesswoman in the UAE.
Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Our graduation programme is always a highlight of the year and an opportunity to recognise the hard work and determination of our students who have been supported by our world-class academics.
“Students leave here with the necessary expertise and ambition to become the next generation of leaders and innovators, and I'm deeply proud that we have empowered them to deliver tangible, positive changes in their communities. I congratulate all of them and recognise the unique challenges they had to overcome as a result of the pandemic, in order to stand in front of friends and family and celebrate their new academic qualification.
“And of course, when they graduate from Heriot-Watt, they will be enrolled as lifetime members of our alumni association, the Watt Club, joining an international network of around 152,000 others and ensuring that they remain connected to this University.”
Heriot-Watt is committed to widening access to higher education ensuring that everyone, regardless of social or economic background, can aspire to study for a globally acknowledged qualification, opening doors to greater education and flourish in their chosen careers.
It has made notable advances in this regard with many students attending this year's Winter Graduation ceremonies earning their place through direct intervention by Heriot-Watt, such as fully funded scholarships.
Commenting further on this is Sir Geoff Palmer, Professor Emeritus and Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, who said: “At Heriot-Watt, we equip our students with the knowledge and confidence to achieve, and to make a real difference in the world.
“We are a purpose-led institution and, as such, we are committed to ensuring everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to come and study here. This approach is one of the areas I am most proud of as I believe education is a wonderful agent of change and a key driver in improving the lives of communities everywhere.”
The Winter Graduations recognise students belonging to the School of Social Sciences, the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure & Society, the School of Textiles & Design, and the School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences.