The fifth International Buddhist College( IBC) convocation, since its inception in 2002, was convened on 5th August 2012 at IBC Multipurpose hall. The event was began with an academic procession including representatives of IBC officials and deans, members of the Council, the Venerable Founder, IBC faculties and students at 2.15 p.m..

The convocation attracted both local and foreign dignitaries in the Buddhist and academic fields to witness the event.

IBC (International Buddhist College) offers students a unique opportunity of experiencing a comprehensive and in-depth study of Buddhism from a non-sectarian point of view, while promoting knowledge and understanding of the different schools and traditions within Buddhism.

To witness the historical event, Than Hsiang temple sponsored the trip to attend the graduation ceremony for all well-wishers and devotees in appreciation of their support over the years. A convoy of 6 buses from Penang Island and the mainland started the journey as early as 6.30 a.m. in the morning on 5 Aug 2012 .
It is a joyous moment for the graduates, lecturers, college authorities and all those who have helped to make the college a success in one way or another. Our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates for their perseverance and hard-work.

The fifth batch of graduates comprises 7 BA and 19 MA of sangha as well as lay members.
The ceremony began with the singing of the Triple Gem Eulogy. The Venerable Chairman, Venerable Wei Wu and Honourable Rector, Professor Charles Willemen, Honorable Speaker, Professor Toshiichi Endo proceeded to the stage for the Lamp Lighting.

After the lamp lighting by the guests-of-honour , Prof. Dr. Charles Willemen, the rector of IBC declared the convocation opened. Professor Kapila Abhayawansa, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, introduced Professor Toshiido Endo’s background. Professor Toshiido Endo of Japan was then invited to take the floor. In his convocation address, Professor Toshiido Endo talked about “Frontiers of the Pali Commentarial Studies”
Prof. Dr. Charles Willemen, the rector of IBC gave away the scrolls to the following graduates:

List of MA Graduate (with Distinction)
1) BALANGODA ANANDA CHANDRAKEERTHI from Sri Lanka
2) JIA SHI HOU (SHI MIAO XING) from China
3) JOINTU CHAKMA from Chakma
4) THAMMASAK KANCHANADUN from Thailand

List of MA Graduate
1) ALOKANANDA from Myanmar
2) BUNTHAM PHIMPHON from Thailand
3) DUONG THI AI NHUNG from Vietnam
4) HAM SOO KOON from Malaysia
5) INDACAKKA from Myanmar
6) LOO MEW LING from Malaysia
7) LUU MONICA KIM MAI from Vietnam
8) NATWADEE PARISUTTHA from Thailand
9) PEERAPONG SITTITHEP from Thailand
10) RAHULA NANDA SHRAMAN from Bangladesh
11) SAENGMANE SRIPONPA from Thailand
12) SENGCHOY INTHACHACK from Laos
13) SOMPHONE SINGHALATH from Laos
14) SONEPHET SIPATHOUMMA from Laos
15) VO LE NHU VU from Vietnam

List of BA Graduate (First Class Honors)
1) PIN HUANG (SHI JIE ZHEN) from China

List of BA Graduate (Second Class Honors)
1) DHANANJOY BARUA from Bangladesh

List of BA Graduate
1) WANG QINGMEI (SHI GUO ZHI) from China
2) BOONLERT CHAITHAWORN from Thailand
3) YANSHAN LIN (SHI SHENG LIANG) from China
4) YAP AH MUI from Malaysia
5) SHI YONG HUA from China

List of Certificate in Buddhist Studies
1) HE WENNING (SHI FO HAI) from China

List of Certificate of Achievement
1) CHEN BENG FEI from Malaysia
2) CHU PAU CHU from Malaysia
3) GOH POH KIM from Malaysia
4) HO WOON CHENG from Malaysia
5) IVY LOO BOON YEN from Malaysia
6) KHOO SIM KEIN from Malaysia
7) KOK PEY JIUN from Malaysia
8) LEE CHING FANG from Malaysia
9) LIM LAY HONG from Malaysia
10) ONG EAM CHOO from Malaysia
11) SEOW HENG SUN from Malaysia
12) SOO FONG SEONG from Malaysia
13) SOW GAIK YEN from Malaysia
14) TAN KIM NAI from Malaysia
15) TAN SEE SEE from Malaysia
16) YEAP SIEW HENG from Malaysia
17) YEOH SIEW CHOO from Malaysia

The following recipients also received their outstanding academic performance and conduct:
Master of Arts (Buddhist Studies)
1)BALANGODA ANANDA CHANDRAKEERTHI from Sri Lanka
2) JIA SHI HOU(SHI MIAO XING) from China
3) JOINTU CHAKMA from Bangladesh

Bachelor of Arts (Religious Studies)
1) PIN HUANG(SHI JIE ZHEN) from China

Before the curtains were drawn down to a close for the convocation, Prof. Dr. Charles Willemen, the rector, signed the Register of Graduates and thereafter declared the graduation ceremony closed, bringing the historical first IBC convocation to a successful ending.

Thanks to all staff members and volunteers for your active involvement which had made this event a success.May you be well and peaceful. Amituofo!