It was a significant and momentous day in the history of TAR College when our Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, made an announcement on 27 June 2012 that 74 TAR College Diploma and Advanced Diploma programmes were accorded the retrospective recognition by the Public Service Department. The announcement will have a far-reaching effect and provide a welcome relief to the graduates of the programmes as it will allow them to use the TAR College qualifications to enter the public sector, Government-linked Companies (‘GLC’) as well as pursue their further studies at public universities.
The announcement drew thunderous applause from the students and guests, making it one of the most unforgettable moments for all present. Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib light-heartedly said: “Ah Jib Gor has given students here good news.” With the retrospective recognition, TAR College qualifications have been elevated to a new level and it lends credence to the standards and quality.
Apart from the announcement, another highlight on this day was the official launch of the Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM)’s Innovating Malaysia Tour 2012 in which the Prime Minister officiated the opening of the expo and witnessed the signing of a strategic alliance agreement between AIM and 26 of Malaysia’s top public and private universities, research institutes and companies to collaborate in bringing innovative products to the market.
The Tour was a 2-day event featuring fun interactive games, workshops and performances aimed at creating awareness of the importance of innovation and creativity to propel the country towards high income nation.
On the second day of the Innovating Malaysia Tour 2012, special performances and activities were held for the students and visitors. Deric Wee, a student pursuing his Diploma in Broadcasting, gave an energetic ‘beatbox’ performance. This was followed by a dance routine by the group Floor Fever who also entertained the crowd with their modern dance styles. After that, a special performance and workshop by Steve Thornton and his percussion group got the students involved when the audience was invited to participate. Beatbox sensation Deric Wee also joined in to lend his unique sound to the unorthodox performance. Johnny Chin, a lecturer from the School of Social Science and Humanities taught students how to make paper origami. Throughout the day, a lucky draw called ‘Learn and Win’ was held and several iPods and an iPad were up for grabs by lucky students who were able to answer questions on general knowledge.
Photo Captions:
Photo 1:A sea of red-shirt students welcoming the arrival of Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak as he walks into the College Hall.
Photo 2: The Prime Minister making the announcement on the Retrospective Recognition of TAR College programmes.
Photo 3:The Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib (far right) signing a plaque as a symbolic gesture to initiate the strategic alliance agreement between AIM and 26 of Malaysia’s top public and private universities while Dr Tan Chik Heok (2nd from left) and Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn (3rd from left) looks on.
Photo 4: Deric Wee (left) performs with Steve Thornton (right) and students (behind) using the percussion instruments.
Photo 5:Mr Johnny Chin, a lecturer from the School of Social Science and Humanities, demonstrates how he makes various kinds of origami animals. Here, he shows a finished antelope.
