During the 21st Convocation Ceremony of Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL), Chairman of IUKL, Professor Chen Xiaoyun, delivered a deeply personal and powerful address that left a lasting impression on graduates, families, and guests alike. Though originally scheduled to deliver brief remarks, Professor Chen extended his speech to share a broader message—one grounded in experience, empathy, and an ambitious vision for the university’s future.
“I’ve been in education for over 30 years,” he began. “And throughout my journey, I’ve held onto one clear mission: to build a university that is not only excellent in academics, but also rich in warmth and love.”
That vision, he explained, is not just about infrastructure or academic rankings—it is about people. “I deeply love our IUKL students,” he said. “I hope to be not only your Chairman, but also your mentor and your friend. And together, with what IUKL can offer and what I personally hope to contribute, we will help you build a better future.”
This 21st Convocation holds additional significance, not only for marking another milestone in IUKL’s history but also as the first convocation under the university’s new management. As a gesture of gratitude and support, Professor Chen announced that every graduate from this cohort would be eligible to return to IUKL for any future training courses or adult learning programmes—free of charge. Only specialized certification courses with external accreditation would be excluded from this benefit. “This is our way of saying that once you are part of IUKL, your learning journey with us never truly ends,” he said.
The ceremony also included moments of profound emotion. Among the families present were the grieving parents of a graduate who had passed away before receiving her certificate. They came forward to accept it on her behalf—a moment that deeply moved everyone in the hall. Professor Chen announced plans to personally visit the family next year. He also shared a remarkable commitment: if the late graduate’s sibling chooses to study at IUKL, the university will support their education—completely free—up to the PhD level. This gesture, he said, embodies the kind of compassionate and lifelong support IUKL strives to offer its community.
Speaking to the graduates, Professor Chen reminded them that the pursuit of knowledge is, above all, the pursuit of the future. He shared IUKL’s ambition to nurture four key types of future leaders: engineers, school heads, entrepreneurs, and public officials. These roles, he explained, reflect the university’s broader educational roadmap and commitment to producing responsible, innovative, and visionary professionals.
He also spoke about what he believes are the three essential elements of success. First, the presence of a mentor—someone who can guide and support one’s growth. Second, a nurturing environment that challenges and shapes personal development. And third, the discipline to uphold high personal standards. These, he said, are non-negotiable foundations for a meaningful life.
Professor Chen continued with a powerful reflection on belief and mindset: “Many people only believe something once they see it. But those who succeed—they believe it first, and then they see it.” This, he emphasized, is what differentiates those who simply dream from those who achieve.
He concluded his speech by sharing three of the most powerful forces that drive a person forward. The first is aspiration—when one sets a determined goal, doors of opportunity begin to open. The second is inner strength—built through study, reflection, and learning from mentors and the future. The third is the principle of cause and effect—the idea that consistent effort, sincere contribution, and doing good will always bring meaningful results, even if not immediately.
With heartfelt sincerity, Professor Chen reminded the graduating class that IUKL will always be their home. “No matter where you go in life, please come home often,” he said.
The audience responded with deep appreciation—not only for the wisdom shared, but for the humanity behind the message. Professor Chen’s address was more than a speech—it was a call to purpose, a reaffirmation of values, and a promise that at IUKL, education will always be about heart as much as it is about knowledge.