A group photo of the donors, TAR UMT Alumni Council members who were part of the fundraising initiative and student beneficiaries.
Tan Sri Chan (front row, centre), Prof Ir Dr Lee (front row, third from left), Ir Tan (front row, fifth from left) and Dato’ Chan (front row, second from left), Wong Cheng Siung (front row, leftmost), Tai Sing Nge (front row, sixth from left) and Troy Chan Gwo Haur (front row, rightmost).
Chung Yan, expressing his gratitude to the donors of the student loan fund.
Muhammad Razique sharing his testimony about how important the financial aid is for him.
As a follow-up to the successful student loan fund fundraising initiative by the alumni council of TAR UMT, a press conference chaired by Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, Chairman of TAR UMT Alumni Council was held to provide important updates on the fundraising efforts and the new student loan funds established. The press conference was held on 8 November 2023 where Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT was present alongside Ir Tan Chee Kian, Deputy Chairman of TAR UMT Alumni Council and Group Chief Executive of iKHASAS Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Chan Wah Kiang, Founder Member of Ajiya Group of Companies, members of the TAR UMT Alumni Council and several student beneficiaries of the new student loan funds.
Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, in his opening remark highlighted why the fundraising initiative was crucial to help students. “During the pandemic, there was a significant spike in demand for financial aid, posing a considerable challenge for the University to cope with this sudden surge. This prompted the initiation of the fundraising campaign so that we could provide financial aid to many more students. We are truly grateful to our dedicated alumni who took the lead to support the University during a challenging period,” he said.
Tan Sri Chan in his remark said: “When I heard Prof Lee’s concern about the low amount of student loan funds, I shared with the alumni council members and we decided that we had to step in to help the University. With a lot of hard work, the alumni members banded together to raise as much funds as we could. The response was overwhelming and very encouraging. The dinner that was held in March this year to appreciate the alumni associations and student loan fund donors further prompted many more well-wishers who came forward expressing their desire to be part of this noble endeavour. As a result, today I am glad to update that we have been successful to increase the total number of student loan funds from 60 to 127. The value of the 67 new student loan funds is approximately RM23 million. Another important update is that the University has begun disbursing funds from the newly established student loan funds to 266 students valued at approximately RM 4.09 million. Donors will be pleased to know their contribution are in good hands and I hope the unwavering support for TAR UMT students will continue,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dato’ Chan Wah Kiang who donated RM1 million to the student loan fund, elaborated on why he returned to help students, quoting a Chinese proverb: “When you drink water, it is important to remember the source. For me, TAR UMT stands out as my starting point. Embracing the Confucian idea of living with a mission, I feel a strong connection to my alma mater and I, along with fellow alumni, aspire to return and contribute. Each dollar we give represents more than its monetary value; it symbolises a meaningful investment in society, echoing the responsibility instilled in us by our guiding principles. This is why I come back to TAR UMT, so that I can give back in whatever way I can.”
Ir Tan Chee Kian, who was from the first batch of A-level students of the then TAR College, had also donated RM 1 million. He emphasised the transformative power of education as he pointed out: “Regardless of one’s socioeconomic background, education is the antidote to poverty as a solid education guarantees a promising trajectory in society. It is my hope that students are not ashamed or prideful to ask for help in obtaining an education. We, as alumni are ever ready to render our help to TAR UMT students,” he said.
Lim Chung Yan, one of the beneficiaries pursuing his Bachelor of Corporate Administration (Hons) said: “With this financial aid, I can fully focus on my studies and not worry about tuition fees. I aim to achieve a good CGPA and also secure a well-paying job. As for giving back to the community, I will contribute in meaningful ways within my means.”
Another student beneficiary, Muhammad Razique bin Hairizam studying the Foundation in Business, felt extremely thankful for the student loan fund. “I am genuinely grateful to the donors for easing my burden and my family’s burden when it comes to paying tuition fees. After I obtained the loan, I took a break from my part-time job, which had been my routine of rushing to work after classes from five to midnight. With a keen interest in Human Resource Management, I hope I can do well and have the opportunity to continue my studies abroad, either in the UK or Ireland,” he said.
