We have to wake up 5am in the morning to prepare ourselves. The convocation starts at 0800, but we started our journey at 0600 from Damansara Utama. Thanks a lot to my aunty who is kind enough to offer us a place to overnight, and I'm also very thankful that my gf can bear with the hard paquee floor as there is no extra matresses.

Reached cyberjaya relatively early as we managed to find a nice carpark near to the campus. Meet up with some of my friends and start taking photos. I'm really thankful that I've taught my girlfriend to handle my camera well, and she has an eye to make photographs instead of just snap shots.

The convocation hall was specially built and officially used for this particular purpose - MY CONVOCATION~!!! Haha...it might sound like a coincidence, but I find god is treating me really well for the past 24 years. I believe that with all the deeds I've done, and the prayers I've made, God really talk to me, and guide me along the correct path.

As we parade into the hall, our parents are already seated. I didn't bring my camera in as it'll look very awkward on stage. Thanks to Qi and Irene to babysit for me while I'm in the hall. I looked all over for my parents, can't find them anywhere. That time I was feeling worried, joy and nervous all in one. It's the first time both of them witness me on stage, and it might be the last if I don't perform in my latter years. Tears were rolling on my eyes as I was trying hard to make a call through. There was such a relieve when the I hear my mom's voice over the phone when it finally gone through...I almost cried.

Josh, one of my best friend in uni is beside me. He always has been. If it's not for him to make those jokes, I would've wet my robe with salty liquid. Very happy to be sitting with all of those friends that have accompanied me for at least 4 years. We have strived through projects, coorperate during assignments and supportive when each other is down with some relationship problems. These friends will have my full support when I'm in need.

As the chancellor and the other VVIPs parade in, I have a very close look on each and everyone of them. 90% of the faces are new to me, these are the people who recognises MMU's degree, or people who are so high up that a peasant like me will never be summoned to their castle. Tun Dr Mahathir attended this year as well, he doesn't look 20 years younger than his actual age. He has those "sloping" hair cut we used to have during secondary school. From what I know, he went to the same barber back in the days when he's still a doctor.

The ceremony lasts for 4 full hours. My dad sent me an sms asking me, " is there a mixed up?" as he didn't see me up on stage as the graduates of Faculty of Engineering went on stage to collect their scroll. Haha...really pity them, since they are not aware that we have 2 engineering faculties in MMU - FOE in Cyberjaya and FET in Melacca.

Finally when I'm on stage, I seemed to get nervous. Not that I tripped on stage or what, but I can sense that the photos might look fake when being developed. Shoked my hands with Tun Chancellor Siti Hasmah, and she gave me a solid "Congratulations" and I return her a confident smile to show that I won't be letting her or MMU down when I'm out in the society. Then I shooked hands with my Dean, Dr Peter before going down the other way.

As I am back to my seat, my friends were asking if anyone shook hands with Dr Peter. CCW thought that he was just there to "lead the way" and hence ignored him. What a pity dear Peter... We've been friends, me and Dr Peter since the days I am the Deputy President of ENGSOC. After the ceremony, bump into him at the garden tea ceremony. I was not surprise to see him holding a D2X mounted with a Nikkor 28-70mm f2.8 lens. 3 years ago he was already holding a Fuji S2Pro, it's a wise choice for a Dean without any family commitments.

Personally I'll really like to do as he did. Driving a Kancil but yet have a whole cabinet full of AF-S lens with large apertures. Let's get back to the ceremony before I lead you to my boring photography hobby.

Prof Chuah sponsored the Garden Tea Party for everyone. He was the Top 3 student in University Malaya's entire history. He's very generous in charitible events and very supportive in student activities as well. I love the way he manages the school, but yet...both FOE and FET deans has nothing to complain about.

Managed to have a brief handshake with Dr TMLim when the VVIPs were marching out of the hall. He is also a good teacher and most importantly great friend. Eventhough he's never taught me before, but he's my academic advisor. I always visit his office for non-academic issues, which is how he manages to get me to work in Seagate as an intern last time. We also have nice chats about photography, novels and all other stuffs we have in common.

Took a few photos with all my friends outside the Convocation Hall. Missed some of my dearest friends like Marimo, Corn and Wan Ying. But yet I did met up with people I die to see since Alpha years - Lincoln, Shiau Fei, Jia Jiun, OngSM, and WeiXuan among others. As my parents doesn't buy me flowers, Josh is kind enough to give me a large bouquet of 24 flowers to photograph with my friends. Mint mui and Alex's flowers are also very much appreciated. Thanks also to ShiauFei's butterfly which I don't have any idea what it represents.

Lastly, I'll like to talk about the gem that I treasure most. If you can see from the picture, the doll might be new to most of you. You won't find it in Penang, at least not the originals. This KUMAKUMA is a gift she ask the help of her friend to get back from KL. This tortoise is a representation of me...being slow and steady, but eventually can get to graduate with an honours. Gifts like this are very meaningful to me, I love gifts which have meaningful, not certainly expensive.

The best gift would be the photos that she took for me. Thanks a lot Irene...for all the pictures you took, the heavy baby that you need to carry up and around the highlands, leave that you need to sacrifice and also the patience you have on the childish side of me. I love you *Muacks*

As we all need to work the following Monday. I have to rush back, missing the chance to talk with some of my friends, really really sorry about that. Grandma treat us to a seafood dinner at Bukit Kawan. By the time we reached home, it's already 9pm. After unloading all the things we bought in Ikea, I'm already so tired I head for bed straight away.

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Fact: The wife of a "Datuk" is called "Datin"
Question: What do you call the wife of a "Tun" ???

Labels: Myself