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Her Royal Highness (HRH) Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan binti Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah was conferred an Honorary Degree, “Doctor of the University”, by Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) at Putrajaya Marriott Hotel today.
HRH Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan is the eldest daughter of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah.
HRH Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan is also a mental health activist in Malaysia.
The momentous occasion was graced by Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Binti Al-Marhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj.
HWUM's Pro-Chancellor Professor Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood presented the Honorary Degree to HRH Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan at the November 2022 graduation ceremony in recognition of Her Royal Highness' role as an inspirational, purpose-driven leader committed to championing mental health in Malaysia and beyond.
Her Royal Highness Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan said: “The Honorary Degree from Heriot-Watt University is a win for my noble cause of championing mental health. I am pleased to be recognised for the positive impact of my efforts, and this momentous occasion has reminded me once again of why I decided to champion the mental health agenda. I am dedicated to continuing my efforts to have a positive impact on mental health and to create an environment that is filled with compassion, love, and encouragement, especially for those who feel alone in their battles.
“Most of all, a positive impact on mental health today is an investment in our future generations. If we push the mental health agenda forward now, we take actionable steps towards breaking negative cycles and habits, and their transmission between generations. I would like to build a world where our youth are supported to become the very best version of themselves, so they are able to contribute to society and become even better parents to their children. This is my hope for my children, Zayn and Aleya too.”
Heriot-Watt University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard A Williams said: “I would like to thank our Honorary Graduate Her Royal Highness Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan for your inspirational response, for your wise words of encouragement and the honour that you accord us in accepting this degree. Our community is enriched through the example of your inspirational leadership, and your transformational contribution to society and in particular in championing awareness of mental health here in Malaysia and worldwide.”
HWUM Provost and Chief Executive Officer Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi said: “Our graduation ceremonies are always one of the main highlights for us as at Heriot-Watt University. We are a global leader in purpose-led education, and we are dedicated to nurturing leaders who are prepared for the future. Aside from world-class programmes and a global curriculum, our students are empowered to hone their leadership skills by participating in the EmPOWER programme, where they discover their purpose, and work on practical projects that have a positive impact on the world.”
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia's graduation ceremony witnessed over 100 HWUM students from the School of Social Sciences; School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure & Society; School of Engineering & Physical Sciences; School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences; and Edinburgh Business School receiving their academic scrolls.
Also, in attendance were HWUM's Chair of the Board of Directors, Yang Berbahagia Datuk Yasmin Mahmood, and other members of the Board of Directors.
The University's world class accredited programmes are developed based on the needs of the business community and the industry, ensuring career-relevant education and an environment that helps foster the next generation of purpose-driven leaders who are able to positively impact the communities in which they live. Around 95 per cent of the University's students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.
HWU graduates are enrolled as lifetime members of the alumni association, The Watt Club, joining an international network of around 152,000 others to ensure they remain connected to this University. In addition, the University 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.
The annual graduation celebrations which began in Malaysia on Thursday, 17 November 2022, will be followed by the Dubai campus before concluding in the Edinburgh campus.
HWUM's January 2023 intake is now open for application. The ‘Future Made Bursary' provides a RM3,000 bursary for students who enrol for the University's inaugural Foundation intake and a RM8,000 bursary for students who enrol for its undergraduate programme (terms and conditions apply).
For more details on these bursaries, kindly contact HWUM's education consultants:
https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/visit/chat-with-an-education-consultant.htm.