High-five for top student | The Star

SHE collected her award and circled shyly around the rear of the stage to come back for another, repeating the process four more times.

By then, Selena Lee had the attention of all in the hall.

She bagged five awards for excellence in education, to the thunderous applause and congratulatory calls from the audience as she walked behind the dignitaries on stage.

The student of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) Penang branch who graduated with a degree in Business (Hon) Accounting and Finance received the awards during the convocation ceremony held at the university premises in Tanjung Bungah.

Selena, 23, whose hands were full with the awards by the end of the ceremony, also received the President’s Award, the highest honour bestowed upon a student recognising their exceptional academic achievements and contributions to the university and its community.

Other awards she received were the EY Penang Best Student Award for Advanced Accounting Practice, the Grant Thornton Penang Best Paper Award for Auditing, the KPMG Penang Best Student Award for Bachelor of Business (Hon) Accounting and Finance, and the FIDUCIA LLP Best Paper Award for Advanced Financial Accounting.

An elated Selena said she was worried she would fall on stage.

“Going on stage once is daunting as it is, but to do it five times, I was afraid I would trip on my robe.

“I did not expect to win all these awards, as my goal was never to win but rather just do my best.

“I was always inclined towards accounting as I detested science in school,” she said, adding that another of her goal was to obtain a scholarship.

Selena said the main reason she excelled was that she always started preparing early and did not study at the last minute.

She was also active in clubs and events.

Selena showing her trophy and awards after the graduation ceremony.

“I was the president of the Toastmasters Club and the secretary of the Accounting and Finance society,” she said.

She took part in competitions, including leading the university to win the national championships at the Deloitte Tax Challenge 2023.

On her future aspirations, Selena said she was in the midst of completing her professional papers for accounting and was working as a tax associate.

Selena was among 445 students who graduated from various courses at TAR UMT Penang.

University president Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei, in his speech, said the graduates were proof that success was a product of hard work, effort, determination and passion.

“We are positive that you will continue to soar high in achieving your ambitions and goals.

“The ‘Beyond Education’ learning experience here ensures that all TARCians are not only taught theories and academic knowledge, but provided a comprehensive environment to learn and nurture important competencies,” he said.

Prof Lee said TAR UMT Penang branch had come a long way since its establishment in 1994.

“This year is the branch’s 30th anniversary.

“As the first of five TAR UMT branches, Penang branch was founded to address the growing need for higher education in the northern region of peninsular Malaysia.

“With humble beginnings in rented shoplots, the Penang branch of today operates from a purpose-built campus, fully equipped with a solid academic team, infrastructure and facilities.

“Our growth is a testimony to the university’s commitment to help transform Penang into a go-to hub for economic activities by becoming a renowned regional talent development hub,” he added.