Highlights/ Achievements TAR UMT

TAR UMT hosted its inaugural Student Loan Fund Appreciation Luncheon – Legacy of Support on 12 November 2025 at the TAR UMT Arena’s Multipurpose Hall. The event was graced by Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, Chairman of the TAR UMT Board of Governors, and Alumni Council.

In his speech, Tan Sri Chan expressed heartfelt gratitude to donors for their enduring generosity and highlighted the profound impact of the Student Loan Fund on the university community. Addressing the student loan fund donors, Tan Sri Chan said, “The TAR UMT Student Loan Fund stands as a legacy of support, one that continues to open doors for qualified students year after year. Through these loans, recipients have been able to complete their education, achieve their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to society. None of this would have been possible without your generosity and belief in the power of education. Your continued trust and support ensure the lifeline for our University, enabling students to study without financial worry.”

Tan Sri Chan (seated seventh from left) in a group photograph with all the student loan fund donors. Seen here is also Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai (seated sixth from left), member of TARC Education Foundation Board of Trustees and Prof Dato’ Indera Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei (seated sixth from right), President of TAR UMT.

Established in 1979, the TAR UMT Student Loan Fund is an interest-free revolving loan fund to assist deserving students based on family income and academic merit. From a handful of donors setting up student loan funds in the early years, today, TAR UMT is blessed with 135 donors having established student loan funds for TAR UMT students. To date, more than 17,000 loan awards, amounting to over RM74 million, have been disbursed.

During the luncheon, donors and student loan recipients were intentionally seated together to foster personal connections and exchange of experiences. This unique arrangement allowed donors to witness firsthand the impact of their generosity, while recipients were encouraged to express their appreciation and aspirations.

Yap Li Wen, a student beneficiary pursuing her Bachelor of Communication (Hons) in Media Studies, had the opportunity to express her appreciation to her donor for supporting her education. “I grew up in an orphanage, as my father is a single parent and he works as a driver in the orphanage. I did not think I could consider studying at a private university, but I was determined to pursue my goals and my father also encouraged me to further my studies. So, I enrolled at TAR UMT for my diploma before progressing to my degree, where I received financial support from the student loan fund for both my diploma and degree. I will always be grateful for this life-changing help, and I will do my best in my degree as a gesture of appreciation to my donors,” she shared.

Yap Li Wen (centre) in a photo with her donors, Mr Leong Chao Seong (leftmost) and Madam Chung Yook Chee (rightmost).

Tan Sri Chan took the opportunity to express his hope for the student loan fund recipients when he said, “Your loan represents more than financial help—it is a message of your donor’s trust and belief in your potential. When you are in a position to do so, remember to pay it forward, because that’s how this beautiful legacy of support continues.”

Nurzulaikha binti Jamaludin, pursuing her degree in English Studies, is another loan fund recipient who has already decided to give back to society when she is able to. “My passion is languages, and my aim is to be a professional translator for English and Korean. Although I have received offers to be a translator, I wanted to own a degree qualification first, as I know I can’t thrive in this industry without a degree. One way I see I can contribute back is by becoming a lecturer at TAR UMT, particularly to teach Korean language. Although not providing financial support, I know my effort to impart knowledge and skills to the generations after me is valuable on its own,” she detailed.