A group photo of all present at the Sports Challenge, together with Ir Tan Chee Kian (9th from left), Prof Ir Dr Lee (8th from left), Mr Tai Sing Nge (10th from left), Mr Wong Cheng Siung (7th from left), Mr Adrian Yeo (12th from left) and Mr Mark Hew (6th from left).
Overall Champion of the Sports Challenge: Student Teams.
TAR UMT recently hosted the 9th Staff, Students, and Alumni (SSA) Sports Challenge in collaboration with the Federation of TARC Alumni Associations, Malaysia (FTARC AAM) on 25 November 2023. The vibrant atmosphere was infused with sportsmanship and joy as alumni, students and staff engaged in friendly competition across ten categories, including volleyball, badminton, table tennis, 3 on 3 basketball, futsal, netball, carrom, darts, mahjong and xiang qi (Chinese Chess).
The Sports Challenge dates back to 2009, and has consistently served as a platform for both past and present TARCians to engage in friendly sports, fostering a sense of community and connection. The event has become a cherished tradition, embodying the University’s commitment to nurturing lasting ties among its diverse community.
The event saw the presence of key figures, including Ir Tan Chee Kian, Deputy Chairman of TAR UMT Alumni Council, Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT, Mr Tai Sing Nge, President of FTARC AAM, Mr Wong Cheng Siung, Organising Chairman of Sports Challenge 2023 cum President of TAR UMT Engineering Alumni Association, Selangor, Mr Adrian Yeo Eng Hui, President of TARC School of Business Studies Ex-Students Association, Kuala Lumpur and Mr Mark Hew Yoon Onn, Vice President of TAR UMT Engineering Alumni Association, Selangor.
Many alumni returned to their alma mater for the Sports Challenge, forming teams to participate in friendly matches. The event kicked off with a mini table tennis doubles challenge, setting the stage for a day filled with exciting games and camaraderie.
In a display of skill and teamwork, student teams emerged the overall champion by securing victories in six out of the ten games played during the event.
Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei addressed the gathering during the prize distribution, emphasising the true essence of the event: "Sports is a great way to show our competitiveness but in addition to this, this Sports Challenge continues to bring TARCians together to engage and compete in a healthy and unified manner. In every edition, we can see alumni in their senior years competing against current students while creating happy memories in the place which they are connected to; this University. Such moments are important for us to continue fostering the TARCian spirit and this is why the Sports Challenge will remain as one of TAR UMT’s iconic affairs."
Ir Tan Chee Kian expressed his delight at the alumni’s participation, encouraging them to continue attending and involving their friends. “For us alumni, returning to our alma mater is a special experience, and I am personally thrilled to be part of such a great occasion. It is great to see the different coloured t-shirts representing the different groups of participants such as blue for current students, black for staff and orange for alumni. What is even more exhilarating is the possibility that those in blue today will soon find themselves in orange, symbolising their continued growth and bond with their alma mater,” he shared.
Among the many alumni who have been returning year after year is Cheah See See, who graduated in 2004 with an Advanced Diploma in Building. “I have been coming back to play volleyball at every sports challenge organised by TAR UMT alumni not merely to compete but to reconnect with friends, teachers and witness the changes taking place at the University,” she said.
Lee Pui Lam, on the other hand, is a first-year student of the Diploma in Banking and Finance. “What a great experience of participating in the Sports Challenge for the first time and I am so happy to win the Champion prize in table tennis. I will definitely take part in future sports challenge in the years to come,” she claimed.
