Latest news with #convocation
CTV News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Canadian music icon Jim Cuddy performs surprise duet at U of S convocation
WATCH: Spring convocation at the University of Saskatchewan went off with an unexpected surprise — Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy performed a duet with the university president. Sorry, we're having trouble with this video. Please try again later. [5006/404] Nearly 4,000 University of Saskatchewan (U of S) students will receive their diplomas throughout the week, and those who convocated on Tuesday were treated to a musical surprise. Alongside honorary doctor of letters recipient and Blue Rodeo frontman, Jim Cuddy, the president took part in a musical performance for the graduates. 'I think it will be rather unusual for them to see the president get up and try to strum the guitar. So, I think it'll be kind of fun. It'll be a little historic moment at the University of Saskatchewan,' said Peter Stoicheff, U of S president. Stoicheff and Cuddy have been friends for many years, and while the musician has done countless performances throughout his career, this was something different. 'That makes it a bonus. I can't imagine just doing it cold, like, just having somebody say, come on over and do it ... the whole thing is very special,' Cuddy said. Cuddy is one of three recipients to receive this title thanks to the U of S. President Stoicheff described the honorary degree as the highest honour the U of S can bestow. 'Bestowing it on Jim Cuddy, who's had a fantastic career with Blue Rodeo and a fantastic career with his own band and is one of Canada's greatest songwriters of all time, was a real privilege,' Stoicheff said. Jim Cuddy U of S Iconic Canadian musician Jim Cuddy performed a surprise duet with the University of Saskatchewan president on Tuesday before receiving an honorary degree. (Hallee Mandryk / CTV News) While Cuddy initially graduated from Queens University, he shared that Saskatoon has a special place in his heart. 'It's a huge honor .... I think it's a beautiful university. It's funny that I probably came here for 20 years before I even saw the university. And when I first saw the university, I was shocked at how beautiful it was,' Cuddy said. 'It's sort of fun for me to just hear the names of the people embarking on the rest of their lives, having truly no idea what they're about to encounter,' Cuddy said. The musician, who some may remember for his show-stopping ascending falsetto in the 1987 Blue Rodeo single 'Try,' says that performing in Saskatoon over the years has always been something he looks forward to. 'I think that there's a shared feeling about Saskatoon among especially musicians that come through here because it's very cold ... but it's very sunny,' Cuddy said. It's a special day for many families. But for husband and wife, Debasish Chakroborti and Sristy Sumana Nath, the day is extra special. The duo both received their PhDs on Tuesday. 'It feels great to be graduated, but when you are doing it with your family members, like my wife, my Sristy, we're doing it together, so I'm feeling really great,' Chakroborti said. U of S convocation Husband and wife Debasish Chakroborti and Sristy Sumana Nath both received their PhDs together at the U of S on Tuesday. (Hallee Mandryk / CTV News) After originally joining the university as an international student in 2017, Nath says she is proud to be setting an example for her children. 'Education is very important and we're both graduating together. And [my daughter] she's looking at how we're both graduating together and she's very excited and wanting to do more studies and contribute here in Canada, and the world,' Nath said.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Employability rate of KPKM Agricultural TVET graduates increases to 78.1%
PUTRAJAYA: The employability rate of graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the field of agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) recorded a 78.1 per cent increase in 2023 compared to 72.3 per cent in 2022. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said KPKM hopes the employability rate of Agricultural TVET graduates will continue to improve and exceed the set target, which is above 80 per cent. 'Various activities and programmes have been and will be implemented to ensure the Agricultural TVET graduates produced will fulfil the labour skills needed in the industry,' he said when speaking at the 13th KPKM Agricultural convocation ceremony here today. He said so far, KPKM had produced a total of 25,783 graduates since the programme began in 1969. 'It is hoped that with the increase in the number of skilled workforce in the agri-food sector, it will enhance the competitiveness of the country's agri-food industry in the global market and subsequently ensure the sustainability of the country's food supply,' he said. Taking note of the lack of interest among youth in the agri-food sector, Mohamad said KPKM will ensure efforts to increase youth involvement are driven by the application of new technology in teaching and learning. 'It includes involvement and strategic cooperation with the private sector, as well as investment in high-value industries that can enhance the country's competitiveness and food security,' he said. He said that throughout 2024, KPKM had implemented strategic initiatives that include the enhancement of facilities and amenities at the Agricultural TVET Training Institute, curriculum improvements for empowerment and increased youth engagement. 'In 2024, a total of RM26.3 million was allocated to improve facilities and amenities at all agricultural TVET training institutes, and RM479,000 had been spent under the mechanisation and automation programme,' he said. Mohamad said this year, the mechanisation and automation allocation has been increased to RM1,353,300 which is a 182 per cent increase to ensure that the teaching and learning of trainees and students are at the best level and in line with the latest technological developments. 'KPKM through the Agricultural TVET Training Institute will continuously review and improve the curriculum used to meet the needs and demands of the industry. 'Also in 2024, three National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS), two Written Instructional Materials (WIM), and one TVET Provider had been updated for use in all related Agricultural TVET Training Institutes,' he said. He also said the improvements include additions to the Competency Units, based on the current needs of the industry, the latest technological developments and the Internet of Things. 'All of these aim to produce graduates who are competent in various fields of agriculture, not only to meet the demand for skilled labour from the public and private sectors but also to produce graduates who will become entrepreneurs in the field of agriculture,' he added. At the convocation, a total of 448 graduates received certificates and diplomas, including the Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM), Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), Agricultural Certificate, Malaysian Veterinary Health Certificate and Fisheries Certificate.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Agricultural TVET employability hits 78.1% in 2023
PUTRAJAYA: The employability rate of graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the field of agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) recorded a 78.1 per cent increase in 2023 compared to 72.3 per cent in 2022. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said KPKM hopes the employability rate of Agricultural TVET graduates will continue to improve and exceed the set target, which is above 80 per cent. 'Various activities and programmes have been and will be implemented to ensure the Agricultural TVET graduates produced will fulfil the labour skills needed in the industry,' he said when speaking at the 13th KPKM Agricultural convocation ceremony here today. He said so far, KPKM had produced a total of 25,783 graduates since the programme began in 1969. 'It is hoped that with the increase in the number of skilled workforce in the agri-food sector, it will enhance the competitiveness of the country's agri-food industry in the global market and subsequently ensure the sustainability of the country's food supply,' he said. Taking note of the lack of interest among youth in the agri-food sector, Mohamad said KPKM will ensure efforts to increase youth involvement are driven by the application of new technology in teaching and learning. 'It includes involvement and strategic cooperation with the private sector, as well as investment in high-value industries that can enhance the country's competitiveness and food security,' he said. He said that throughout 2024, KPKM had implemented strategic initiatives that include the enhancement of facilities and amenities at the Agricultural TVET Training Institute, curriculum improvements for empowerment and increased youth engagement. 'In 2024, a total of RM26.3 million was allocated to improve facilities and amenities at all agricultural TVET training institutes, and RM479,000 had been spent under the mechanisation and automation programme,' he said. Mohamad said this year, the mechanisation and automation allocation has been increased to RM1,353,300 which is a 182 per cent increase to ensure that the teaching and learning of trainees and students are at the best level and in line with the latest technological developments. 'KPKM through the Agricultural TVET Training Institute will continuously review and improve the curriculum used to meet the needs and demands of the industry. 'Also in 2024, three National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS), two Written Instructional Materials (WIM), and one TVET Provider had been updated for use in all related Agricultural TVET Training Institutes,' he said. He also said the improvements include additions to the Competency Units, based on the current needs of the industry, the latest technological developments and the Internet of Things. 'All of these aim to produce graduates who are competent in various fields of agriculture, not only to meet the demand for skilled labour from the public and private sectors but also to produce graduates who will become entrepreneurs in the field of agriculture,' he added. At the convocation, a total of 448 graduates received certificates and diplomas, including the Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM), Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), Agricultural Certificate, Malaysian Veterinary Health Certificate and Fisheries Certificate.
CBC
17-05-2025
- General
- CBC
UPEI graduation ceremonies a generational affair for this Island family
Proud great-grandmother Anna Duffy was at the UPEI convocation ceremonies to watch both her granddaughter and great-grandson walk across the stage. There have now been four generations of the family to graduate from the University of Prince Edward Island. CBC's Sheehan Desjardins was there.
CTV News
10-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
McGill reverses convocation ticket cuts after student backlash
McGill University is reversing changes to its convocation ceremony and restoring four free tickets per graduate after student backlash.
