Graduation is Beginning to Serve Nation, Cabinet Secretary Says

Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung congratulates a number of graduates at multipurpose hall of Indo Global Mandiri University, Palembang, Saturday (8/12). (Photo by: Jay/PR Division)

Graduation is just the beginning of a journey in the society, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said.

Pramono made the statement in his public lecture before 335 graduates at the Graduation of Associates Degree, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree of Indo Global Mandiri University (UIGM) in Palembang, Saturday (8/12).

He added that the graduates should show dedication to their parents first before thinking about marriage.  “I am sure parents joining us in this room always pray for your success because some of them could not even make it to the university like you do,” Pramono said, adding that graduation is the beginning to serve the nation and the state, as well as the family.

“Behind a successful person, there is a prayer from parents, particularly from mothers” Pramono said.

The Cabinet Secretary called on the graduates to look for experiences because mistakes and experiences are the most valuable teachers, and success, he added, is determined by hard work, innovation, adaptation, and parents’ prayer.

Pramono added that in this era anyone can become anything they want to be, for example Jack Ma who is named as China’s richest man through Alibaba. “The key is willingness to work hard, to innovate, and dedicate to live to its fullest,” he said.

Nevertheless, Pramono said that although university is a place to gain knowledge, the future of the graduates does not depend on the university only. “There a lot of students who do not well in university but can be successful in the real life. However, I think you will have bright future,” he said. (RAH/EN)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : M. Ersan Pamungkas