A participant proudly running while carrying the Jalur Gemilang at the DUKE-TARCian Run 2023.
Runners showing off their medals in the spirit of “Malaysia Muhibah”.
In celebration of Malaysia Day on 16 September 2023, the DUKE-TARCian Run 2023 was held, embodying the spirit of togetherness and unity among TARCians and Malaysians. Co-organised by TARCian Alumni Association (TAA) and TAR UMT with DUKE as the title sponsor, this year’s run was a 7-km fun run going with the theme, ‘Run for Unity’. The run at Kuala Lumpur Campus saw a participation of approximately 4,000 runners from Kuala Lumpur Campus as well as from Perak, Johor and Pahang branches. A gathering of staff, students, alumni and members of the public came together to run, jog and walk along sections of the Setiawangsa Pantai Expressway (SPE) which was closed to motorists while taking in a breathtaking scenic view of Kuala Lumpur. In addition, TARCian Run was also held at TAR UMT Sabah Branch on the same day while Penang Branch will hold the run on another date.
Dignitaries such as Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Chairman of the Board of Governors of TAR UMT, Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, Chairman of TAR UMT Alumni Council and member of the Board of Governors of TAR UMT, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Lim Keng Cheng, Managing Director of Ekovest Berhad, Datuk Ahmad Faisal Abdul Karim, General Manager of SPE - DUKE 3 and Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT were among those present to flag off the run.
The festive atmosphere of the run certainly added to the fun with a number of food trucks selling delicious food and beverages, a line-up of engaging performances as well as the exciting lucky draw which captured the attention of the crowd. In addition, the run’s focus on fun encouraged many participants to bring their families and friends along. Dr Chook Ka Joo, TAR UMT’s Vice President, together with his family members, including his siblings and relatives, joined the run. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “I felt that it was a great opportunity for us as a family to participate as it promotes a healthy lifestyle and provides a wonderful opportunity for us to come together.”
Another participant was Nurul Hazleen, a Gombak resident, who joined the event due to it coinciding with Malaysia Day. “This is my first time participating in such a run and I came to show my support for the event because it falls on Malaysia Day,” she said.
As for Thannussha Thiagu, a TAR UMT student pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Food Science who participated in the run for the third time shared: “I did not want to miss this year’s run as I wanted to continue testing my stamina and strive for improvement with each run.”
Mr Troy Chan Gwo Haur, President of TAA cum Organising Chairman of DUKE-TARCian Run 2023 highlighted why the run was held on Malaysia Day. “The DUKE-TARCian Run epitomises the strength of unity among Malaysians. It serves as a powerful reminder that regardless of our diverse backgrounds, our cultures, or our beliefs, we stand united as one.”
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Liow reiterated this sentiment, emphasising, “By fostering unity and embracing the Malaysian spirit, we collectively take on a vital role in upholding our nation, Malaysia. It’s through our collective efforts that we build and strengthen our nation, actively participating in its growth and success. Completing this run successfully is a demonstration of our unwavering support for our country, championing the cause of unity.”
