The 17th Convocation Ceremony of International Buddhist College (IBC)

The International Buddhist College held its 17th Convocation on 8 September 2024 at IBC Auditorium Hall at 1:00p.m. (Thai time). After some announcements made by the emcee in English and Chinese, the auspicious event started with the striking of drums and bells. Soon after, the procession of Academic Staff and Graduands entered the hall.
This year, many distinguished guests and their family members attended the grand graduation ceremony. The ceremony began with a speech by the Chairman of IBC Council, the Most Venerable Dr. Wei Wu. In Ven. Dr. Wei Wu's speech, he mentioned that IBC lost three Professors this year, namely Professor Charles Willemen, Professor Lozang Jamspal and recently, Professor Kapila Abhayawansa. Therefore, Ven. Dr. Wei Wu announced that the Council Meeting that morning had appointed Professor Mattia Salvini as the new IBC Rector.

Subsequently, the new Rector of IBC, Professor Mattia Salvini, delivered his speech. He said, “This year has been rather unusual for us, as three great scholars, who have been instrumental in making IBC possible, have passed away in the short span of a few months. Prof. Willemen specialized in Classical Chinese, Prof. Jamspal focused on Tibetan, Prof. Kapila’s primary expertise was in Pāli - all of them were also accomplished Sanskritists. Thus, they embodied the entire range of knowledge that we wish to impart, always returning to a deep reflection on the Buddhist primary sources in their original languages. This is the type of education that allows for the continuation of the Dharma, and especially for the transmission of its key point - the view. The view is the source of benefit for oneself and others, and, especially, it is the root of faith in the Three Jewels, the common refuge of all Buddhists. The continuation of the Dharma requires effort and can’t be taken for granted. As a Buddhist University, we shall do our best to ensure that an authentic understanding of the Buddhist view remains available in this world, for as long as possible.”

Then, the Honorable Rector conferred the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D), Master of Arts (M.A.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees as well as the Certificates in Early Childhood Education and Counseling. Dr. Fa Qing, Dean of Liberal Arts Faculty, read out the list of names of Ph.D, M.A., B.A. graduands and Certificate recipients.

After that, Venerable Dr. Wei Wu, the Chairman of IBC Council, presented the Award of Outstanding Academic and Conduct Performance to Huang Haofeng (Shi Yao Zhong) and Upama Mutsuddy.

Speeches of appreciation were delivered by Ashin Aloka in English and Ven. Ru Huan in Chinese respectively. Next, it was a memorable moment to have the Rector of IBC, Professor Mattia Salvini, signing off on the “Register of Graduates”. The convocation ceremony ended with the IBC Theme Song “For The Good of The Many”. This was followed by a group photo session and refreshments were also served.

List of Recipients of Degrees:

Doctor of Philosophy (Buddhist Studies)
1. Mariia Vasylieva
2. Tan Bee Hong (Shi Zhen Ti)

Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies with Distinction
1. Huang Haofeng (Shi Yao Zhong)

Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies
1. Chan Chiou Liang
2. Chen Biying (Shi Neng Xiong)
3. Hu Jibin
4. Karambane Sumanadhamma (Sumith Wijey Bandara)
5. Kavinanda (Ko Lone Kyaw)
6. Lian Yunming
7. Lin Baojuan (Shi Ru Huan)
8. Shi Chunyi
9. Shi Miaoguo
10. Siew Pei Fung
11. Sim Lim Bee Leng (Shi Xian Zhu)
12. Su Mon Kyaw
13. Tai Yin Mei
14. Teoh Lean Keat
15. Wu Danxia (Shi Long Huan)
16. Wu Xiuli (Shi Jie Xiong)
17. Xiong Mengqi
18. Yang Jiangyan (Shi Miao Wu)
19. Zhao Yanmei (Shi Xian Jing)
20. Zhao Ying (Shi Li Sheng)

Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies
1. Ai Sam
2. Aloka
3. Ashin Aloka
4. Kyaw Myo Tun (Khemacara)
5. Siridhamma
6. Soe Htet Linn (Candima)
7. Thein Htike San
8. Zhang Ming

Bachelor of Arts (Buddhist Textual Studies) with First Class Honours
1. Debora Lorena Ramona Leiva
2. She Tengyuan
3. Upama Mutsuddy

Certificate in Early Childhood Education
1. Foo Huey Shan
2. Lee Dai Choo (Shi Zhen Yuan)
3. Lee Jing Jing
4. Lim Ley Hsia
5. Nah Hooi Wah
6. Ng Wei Ling
7. Ngang Huey Lien
8. Ooi Soo Ying
9. See Siang Yen
10. Song Peow Peng
11. Su Mon Aung
12. Tai Yee You
13. Tan Ang Yee

Certificate of Attendance in Early Childhood Education
1. Alice Tan Kun Li
2. Chan Chew Gor
3. Chan Chooi Foong
4. Goh Bee Yong
5. Khaw Ling Ling
6. Khaw Siew Ching
7. Lee Chai Chin
8. Lee Poh Chee
9. Mooi Lai Fun
10. Teoh An Ki
11. Ung Saw Imm
12. Wong Choon Yuenn
13. Wong Po Wah
14. Wong Yok Ping
15. Yap Mei Ling
16. Yap Yoke Chin
17. Yeoh Jing Huey
Certificate of Attendance in Counseling
1. Choy Xue Min
2. Lim Wu Kuan
3. Tan Bee Hong (Shi Zhen Ti)
4. Wee Sin Yee

Award of Outstanding Academic and Conduct Performance
1. Huang Haofeng (Shi Yao Zhong)
2. Upama Mutsuddy

A big thank you to all members who contributed either directly or indirectly to the success of this event. Your support and contribution were very much appreciated!

The official convocation photos can be accessed from the link below:
https://ibc-elibrary.thanhsiang.org/node/1062

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/bt6nddyik62yuwsgs6j2t/AD8P_tZclw-CXrIZIm0...