In a bid to preserve the important memories of this prestigious higher education institution spanning over five decades, TAR UMT unveiled its latest project called TARC: The Red Bricks Journey, on 11 October 2023.
Named after the iconic red bricks used during construction of its first purpose-built campus in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, the project will actively reach out to students, staff, alumni, former staff, and cherished friends of TARC, TAR UC, and TAR UMT to share their stories, memories, and personal experiences during their time with the institution. These recollections will be compiled, documented, and later be featured in the new gallery located in TAR UMT’s new Student Centre, which is currently under construction and estimated to be completed in late 2024.
Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee (fourth from left) taking a group photo with (from left) Tan Sri Dato' Lau Yin Pin, Datuk Seri Yew Teong Look, who are Members of the BOT, TARC Education Foundation, Tan Sri Chan, Tan Sri Dato' Sri Liow, Prof Ir Dr Lee, and Mr Mark Lee, director of the TAR UMT documentary film.
“The story of TARC is unique from the very beginning. These recollections are important assets and part of this University’s rich history and legacy, so it is very important for us to capture and document the many memories, stories and milestones of TARCians with TARC, TAR UC, and TAR UMT,” said Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, Chairman of TAR UMT Alumni Council (TAC) and Member of the Board of Governors (BOG), TAR UMT, in his speech during the launching ceremony.
Another aspect of the TARC: The Red Bricks Journey project is to produce a special documentary film that will showcase the history of TARC and how this institution’s development as one of the first institutions of higher learning in Malaysia to offer academic, technical and professional training and qualification. To help the production process, Tan Sri Chan confirmed that TAC will partially fund the film’s production cost.
“TAR UMT today is a success story that was built on the solid foundation laid by our predecessors and forefathers. Having accomplished much in the last five decades, it is only right that we recognise and archive the TARC story for the future generations to understand and appreciate the journey we have been through,” said Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), TARC Education Foundation at the launching ceremony.
The launch was also attended by Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Chairman of the BOG, TAR UMT, and Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT. Also present are family members of the instrumental figures behind TAR UMT’s founding, notably Tunku Muinuddin Putra and Tunku Munawirah Putra, grandchildren of the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Datin Paduka Tan Siok Choo, daughter of the late Tun Tan Siew Sin, and a Member of the BOT, TARC Education Foundation, and Mr Khaw Chay Tee, son of the late Tan Sri Khaw Kai Boh.
