Let’s start filming! (front row from right to left): Prof Ir Dr Lee, Tan Sri Chan, Ir Tan Chee Kian, Mr Wong Cheng Siung, Dr Chook Ka Joo, Vice President of TAR UMT, Mr Tai Sing Nge, President of Federation of TARC Alumni Associations, Dato' Spencer Tan and Mr Roger Ng, alumni of TAR UMT.
“Scene 1, Take 1. Mark!”, and so begins the official filming of The Story of TARCians, a special documentary film to document the history of the then TAR College (TARC) and how TARC was developed as one of the first institutions in the country to offer professional, sub-professional and technical courses. In addition, the film will also focus on the human aspect including the challenges and obstacles faced by the institution’s founding leaders and stakeholders who were involved from the early stages till current days.
To commemorate the start of the filming and for the successful completion of the filming process, a special Lensing Ceremony was held on 15 January 2024. Held at Sek Yuen Restaurant in Jalan Pudu as the restaurant is the first shooting location, the Lensing Ceremony was graced by Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, Chairman of the Board of Governors of TAR UMT and Chairman of TAR UMT Alumni Council, and he was accompanied by Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT, Mr Wong Cheng Siung, Member of the Board of Governors, TAR UMT, and Ir Tan Chee Kian, Deputy Chairman of TAR UMT Alumni Council.
The ceremony began with two lions dancing at the entrance of the restaurant to the chanting of well wishes and greetings of success for the filming. This was followed by Tan Sri Chan and Prof Ir Dr Lee unveiling a video camera to formally launch the start of the filming.
“The story of TARCians is important because it is a story of humble beginnings, perseverance, serving the community and nation building. There are so many powerful and touching stories of TARCians that are not only nostalgic but are important to be preserved. I am happy that when we announced this project last year, many TARCians who graduated in the 70s and 80s have also come forward to share their precious stories and memories with us. In addition, this project is also very meaningful as it is another excellent opportunity for the University and its alumni to work together as a solid team and I am happy to see the excellent working relationship among TARCians,” Tan Sri Chan shared at the ceremony.
In addition, Prof Ir Dr Lee who is also the Executive Producer of the film elaborated further as he said, “We hope the overall shooting of the film will go on smoothly as we are aiming to have this film played in local cinemas by end of this year. As Tan Sri Chan mentioned that this film is important and as such, on top of including important historical facts, there are certain aspects of fiction that will be included so that the film will be entertaining and memorable.”
The Story of TARCians is classified as a documentary film with 90-minutes running time. Directed by award-winning director, Mark Lee See Teck, the film’s script will contain several languages namely, English, Chinese and Bahasa Melayu.
