University Selangor Confers Honorary Degree Doctor of Philosophy in Social Science to Dr. Ahmad Totonji

In conjunction with University Selangor’s 11th Convocation, the University conferred Honorary Doctoral Degree — the University’s highest accolade — to Dr. Ahmad Totonji, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education and community development. This is the first time in the University history an Honorary Degree was bestowed. The degree was conferred during the Main Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, November 5, 2015 at the University Main Campus in Bestari Jaya, Selangor.

Universiti Selangor (UNISEL), formerly known as Universiti Industri Selangor was established on August 23, 1999. Currently the University is operating at two campuses; the sprawling 1000-acre Main Campus in Bestari Jaya and the City Campus in Shah Alam. The establishment is in line with the State Government’s intention to make Selangor the leading regional education hub. Selangor plays an active role in the delivery of higher education programs in order to enhance the development of human capital excellence. As one of the earliest private institutions of higher learning (IPTS) in Malaysia, UNISEL is unique as it is Malaysia’s first state-owned university.

Dr. Ahmad Totonji in his acceptance speech thanked the University and leadership of State of Selangor for honoring him with the prestigious award.  He affirmed that the future of Malaysia is bright because of the dedicated leaders, scholars and graduating students of UNISEL. He urged the graduates to work towards excellence ‘ittiqan’ and should not settle for anything else. Dr. Totonji added that the struggle for excellence must also be accompanied with patience, perseverance and optimism. He defined optimism as always looking at the glass half full instead of half empty. He also stressed for the graduates to carefully choose a group of friends and work in a cohesive team. Dr. Totonji attributed his success in his endeavors to a team of friends who have struggled with him for the past 50 years. He said, “Without a team, I will not be able to achieve even 50% of what I have achieved.”

During his stay at the University, Dr. Ahmad Totonji also delivered a premier lecture to University top management, senior scholars and lecturers. He also attended a working meeting with Senior Management of the University to discuss on future cooperation between IIIT and the University. He affirmed that he will try his best to work together with the University and will provide all necessary assistance and expertise as required from his side. A special dinner – attended by the Chief Minister of Selangor and other dignitaries- was organized to honor him.