On June 4, 2016 the automotive industry welcomed 224 fresh automotive professionals who were ready to make their mark in the exciting world of motorsports. The auspicious day saw parents, students, trainers and TOC staff come as one to celebrate at Sunway Putra Hotel in what was TOC’s 9th graduation ceremony.

A gamelan music troupe was present to set the atmosphere, as the young men and women of the hour made their entrance into the hall followed by distinguished guests. The ceremony then began shortly, with the singing of the national anthem and a short prayer recital to bless the occasion.

Ms Adelaine Foo, the CEO of TOC, then stepped forward to address the attendees and welcomed the graduates into the exciting world of automotive. She reminded the graduates that everything starts with a dream and how they can realise it with the power of believe. “I started TOC with a dream. And this dream is only made possible because I choose to believe… And I choose to believe in a world where automotive professionals are being recognized for their talent and life’s work.”

Shortly after, TOC’s guest of honour YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Syed Hamid Bin Syed Jaafar Albar, the Chairman of Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat (SPAD), stepped up to encourage and inspire the graduates on how they can achieve excellence. “There is a saying when you want to learn….there is no time limit. You learn from cradle to the grave. It is because of your desire to learn and to achieve something, is the thing that will make and differentiate you from those who are satisfied with what they are.”

And finally, the moment that everyone had been waiting for had arrived. The graduates were finally receiving their certificate as their loved ones stood by to witness a new milestone in the lives. YB Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar was there alongside Ms Adelaine Foo to hand out the certificates for Diploma in Automotive Technology, Diploma in Motorsport Technology, Certificate in Automotive Technology and finally Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia.

After the awarding of the certificates came the time for TOC’s Top Achievers Award. 5 remarkable students were chosen and had the awards presented to them. Clio Clarissa Tjonnadi, a female student who is also a professional racer, was chosen as TOC’s graduate representative, and was given the opportunity to give her heartfelt message. “First and foremost, I would like to congratulate all the 2016 graduates. We made it! We are finally here; a step close to our dream.”

Clio then paid tribute to the key people that had helped her along the way during her time at TOC. “And behalf of all the graduates, I would like to take this golden opportunity in expressing our gratitude to our CEO, Madam Adelaine Foo, who has provided us with world class education with state-of-the-art facilities and trainers who are experts in their field. At the same time, I would also like to thank all our very helpful TOC staff, for always guiding us throughout the difficulties that we face during our college lives.”

The ceremony drew to a close with TOC presenting a token of appreciation to YB Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar for his willingness to come and inspire the graduates. Family and friends of the graduates then helped themselves to a variety of mouth-watering refreshments as they pose for pictures in what was a memorable evening.