Good afternoon….
Firstly, I would like to congratulate each and every one of our graduates and award recipients who are here with us, this afternoon. Secondly, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the lecturers and tutors, who have been patient and enthusiastic in imparting their vast knowledge and experience in the Logistics Management and Purchasing Industries to me and my classmates.
I am very honoured to be invited by SIPMM, to share my woes and joys, in this course, with all of you. I could remember that in 2006, when my company Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre encouraged me to send in my application for this BBA course, I was very reluctant to do so, as I have many considerations and constraints then as I am a mother of 3 boys who were then 4 and 2 years old. During that period, I had also been assigned to be in-charge of a section comprising 7 purchasing staff. However, knowing most of my colleagues in Pioneer have enrolled in this course and have successfully completed the programme, some even with outstanding results, I know that I have no choice, but to bite the bullet and to go through this.
On a serious note, to borrow a quote from Aristotle, a Greek writer and philosopher, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet”. I did experience bitterness when I started on this course. Imagine, I had to balance between my work, family and studies for almost 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It practically leaves me with no time and energy to do my personal stuff. However, the fruit which bore after these 20 months of “blood and sweat”, long nights of poring through books and web-sites, and putting up of assignments and examinations, was sweet and refreshing. I have never regretted enrolling into this BBA course as it gave me great insight into the fundamentals of logistics management and purchasing.
During the interaction with my lecturers and classmates, I have learnt both the theoretical and practical aspects of the subjects which are real, and what I face everyday in my work. I am also grateful to my lecturers namely Mr Fu, Mr Kay, Mr Chua and classmates especially Evelyn and Cynthia, for the many hours of discussions, interactions, sharing of notes and arguments too. You have all made my participation in the lessons and discussions more interesting and meaningful.
I feel that continuous education is not only about attaining a degree certificate. This programme not only enhanced my knowledge in this trade, but it also gives me the confidence to tackle issues related to logistics and purchasing. This BBA programme also serves as a good platform, for me to know and network with other fellow colleagues in the industry. I will definitely treasure the times that we spent together and the friendship that we built over these 20 months. Rest assured, I will definitely keep in close contact with you guys.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to the management and staff of Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre, for their encouragement, understanding and support, in allowing me to go on leaves and time-offs, during my studies. Last but not least, I would like to thank my parents and my husband, for their understanding and support throughout my course. There were many days when we have to cancel or shorten our family outings, to rush home so as to meet the course deadlines. You were great and understanding to manage and take care of my 3 boys, which is in fact my duty as a mother. Without your support and encouragement, I would not be able to meet the many challenges in this course.
Dear fellow graduates, I know you will agree with the things that I have just mentioned and in appreciation of our family and friends who have given us their support and love during our course of studies, I would like to invite all the graduates to give a round of applause, to express our gratitude to our family members and friends. We will now give three cheers together as a sign of thanks. When I say Hip-hip, can you please shout out Hoo-ray.
Finally, I wish all of you every success in your future endeavors. Thank you and have a nice day.