JOHOR BAHRU, 21 Nov. – As Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) celebrates the achievements of its graduates, one name stands out: Liza Karwan Mahmood, a graduate of one of UTM’s transnational education programmes at Qaiwan International University (QIU), Iraq. With a blend of academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, Liza embodies the values of perseverance, innovation, and service.
“I’ve always believed in pushing boundaries,” Liza shares. “Whether it’s excelling in academics or taking the lead on a project, I aim to create something meaningful that can make a real impact.” This philosophy drove her to achieve remarkable milestones during her studies, including earning the prestigious Dean’s List Award for being one of the top students in her course. Beyond her academic success, Liza also led a successful training initiative and developed a “hire-to-retire” form, showcasing her innovative approach to human resource management.
Interestingly, Liza’s journey is marked by a unique intersection of educational affiliations. While she graduated from Qaiwan International University in Iraq, she donned the graduation robe of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia during her convocation ceremony. “UTM holds a special place in my heart,” Liza explains. “The values and skills I gained during my time at university continue to guide me. Wearing their robe was my way of honoring that connection and the lessons I’ll carry forward.”
Liza’s advice to current students reflects her forward-thinking mindset: stay updated on industry trends, seek practical experiences through internships or volunteer work, and be prepared to adapt in an ever-evolving field. She also emphasizes the importance of engaging with the community and embracing opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
As Liza Karwan Mahmood steps into the next phase of her journey, her words resonate as a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie ahead: “Life is about learning, growing, and contributing. That’s the legacy I hope to leave behind.”
The transnational education programme between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Qaiwan International University (QIU) has proven to be a beacon of academic excellence, empowering students to access world-class education while staying connected to their cultural roots.
According to UTM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, this programme, initiated through UTM’s Transnational Education Programme five years ago, has yielded outstanding results.
This year, 49 graduates from the Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering with Honors, 10 graduates from the Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources with Honors, 8 graduates from the Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Networking Security with Honors, and 7 graduates from the Bachelor’s Degree in Management (Technology) with Honors will receive their degrees at UTM’s 86th Convocation Ceremony.
For more information on UTM’s transnational education programmes, visit www.utm.my
