Raja Iskandar Raja Abdullah was ecstatic. 

“I have been through three years of learning and feel very proud that I have gone through this and graduated. Yes, I’m ecstatic and excited!” the new graduate said. He was among 622 who received bachelor and postgraduate testamurs in November. 

“I know I have made my family proud, and they are here to celebrate with me today,” said the 23-year-old Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Accounting) graduate who is waiting to hear back on a job with an audit firm.

Lakna Niriella, 22, a Sri Lankan who graduated with a Bachelor of Business and Commerce said she found studying fun. 

“All my five years were memorable. We all had a lot of fun. University is totally different. It’s not high school.”

Lakna, who has an interest in consumer banking, was also active in the Monash University Volunteer Program (MUVP), which she said had accorded her lifelong skills. 

“I was the head of NGO collaboration. There, I learned about teamwork, and how to learn to disagree and understand that different people had different opinions. I also had to be strong enough to express my own disagreements,” she said, adding such experiences were priceless. 

Best friends Packialetchimi Yadav and Deborah Cindy Huber, both 25, were thrilled to have completed their Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies. Choosing to graduate in Malaysia, Packialetchimi said: “We are so happy that are finally done! The day we have been waiting for is finally here!”

Huber added that studying with her best friend offered great support, as they could keep tabs on each other’s progress on assignments. 

Dr Lim Tse Yuen graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Science (Environmental Chemistry). Dr Lim, a consultant with an Oil Spill Response in Singapore, conducts audits and capability reviews of emergency response teams in the event of an oil spill as well as studies how particular petroleum compounds would  

He added that his new qualification has given him greater insight into his job.