KARACHI - Over 1,089 graduates and postgraduates in various disciplines of engineering including Computer, Electronics, Bio-Medical and Civil Engineering and Computer Science received Bachelor and Masters degrees at the Convocation-2009 - the 12th in the series of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology held here Saturday. Out of total recipients of degrees 1,009 were graduate and 80 post-graduate engineers. On the list of medals all three top positions in Computer and Bio-Medical Engineering were clinched by girls while boys bagged medals for three top positions in the Electronic and Civil Engineering and Computer Science. The vice-chancellor's shield for meritorious performance was grabbed by Muhammad Waqas Qureshi Addressing the Convocation Chancellor Z.A. Nimzami said that the goals set by Aligarh Muslims University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) - the sponsors of the university - are being achieved. Founded in 1994, as the first engineering university in the private sector, it is already considered as centre of excellence', he added. The University, he said, follows the vision of great reformer and educationist, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan whose epoch-making contributions have been the prime moving force for us. He pointed out that inspired by his ideas and tireless efforts to promote the cause of education and awakening, and above all his convictions to succeed, AMUOBA started with this university project with its own limited means and continued without asking for any financial help from the government. Pointing out that the university has the recognition both at the national and international level, he said its degree programs are accredited by PEC and HEC and internationally it has full membership of Association of Commonwealth Universities and UNESCO-sponsored International Association of Universities. Mr Nizami said the University has already received the top ranking place in category "W" by HEC and recently it won 5-star ranking - the highest possible - by the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee. He referred to establishment of the "Research Centre of VLSI" and strengthening of teaching facilities through "Distance Teaching Programme" using video conferencing and said these were the recent improvements. "It will be a hub where industry and technology will maintain highly productive inter-action and will tremendously accelerate the country's economic growth", he pointed out. Mr Nizami said this project will have clusters of offices, equipped with the best plug and play facilities, uninterrupted power supply, superb telephonic facilities, best internet connectivity and above all fool proof security arrangements. He informed that 50 acres of land has been earmarked for IT Park alone, the initial work on which has already started. As many as 15 Gold; Silver and Bronze meddles were awarded to outstanding students, while 52 students of different faculties were awarded MS Degrees. APP ADDS: The proceedings of Convocation-2009 of Sir Syed University of Enginerring and Technology was watched world- wide live on internet. This was stated by Chancellor Z.A. Nizami of the University while delivering his convocation address. He said the SSUET's web site is also watched by people across the world and so far the web site had over 1.7m hits.