标签： Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman

The life story of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik: Part 11 – education

The life story of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik: Part 11- education

Standing tall:  Tunku Abdul Rahman College main campus in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur is synonymous with MCA and the Chinese community’s journey together. The college was upgraded to Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) in 2013 and elevated to Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology ( TAR UMT) in 2022.

The life story of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik as told to journalist Foong  Pek Yee shortly after his retirement from active politics in 2003.

Dr Ling was the fourth generation of the Ling family, with a history dated back to Sitiawan,Perak in then Malaya in 1903.

A medical doctor by training, he went on to become the longest serving Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) president and the longest serving Transport Minister (1986-2003) in Malaysian history.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

Sept 18, 2026

Gift of love: Dr Ling with his mother Tan Jin Choo. He graduated as a medical doctor from University of Singapore in 1966.

The Chinese saying – Zai qiong,bu neng qiong jiao yu, Zai ku, bu neng ku hai zi  (No matter how poor we are, we cannot be poor in education, no matter how hard life is, we cannot let our children suffer)- is the mantra of the Chinese community and MCA.

While the only thing constant is change, the knowledge economy is here to stay.

We need  the courage, confidence and perseverance in navigating our life for a better tomorrow.

It was in 1975 when we ((MCA) put in a memorandum on education to abolish  clause 21(2) of the 1961 Education Act to make sure no changes be made to alter the characteristics of Chinese schools.

And it was only in 1996 when the government repealed the clause  that empowers the Minister to close down vernacular schools  ( Chinese and Tamil  schools) or convert the schools to other types of schools.

The government’s approval for MCA to set up Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TAR College) in July 1968 saw the college’s  pioneer intake of 764 student starting class in rented premises in Kuala Lumpur the following year.

A day in history:  It was July 11, 1968 when MCA deputy president Tan Sri  Khaw Kai Boh ( facing microphone) and Education Minister Tan Sri Khir Johari  ( on his left) announced the establishment of TAR College in Kuala Lumpur.

Our students studied in rented premises with just a ceiling fan,  but we learned perseverance the same time.

Grit: TAR College students started to study in rented premises in Kuala Lumpur in 1969 and did so for the next seven years.

We only got our TAR College main campus in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur in 1976.

A heart for the people: Malaysia’ s first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al- Haj (second from right )with MCA leaders at the ground breaking ceremony for TAR College main campus  in 1973.

A visionary:  Sept,  1976 : Tun Tan Siew Sin planted a tree in conjunction with his visit to TAR College main campus. He was instrumental in setting up the college by getting the approval from the government in 1968 and continued to soldier on with party comrades and the Chinese community to turn it into a reality. Siew Sin was MCA president (1961 -1974) and relinguished  his party post in April 1974 for health reasons.  He passed away on March 17, 1988.

I am proud to note that the graduates were equipped with knowledge and purpose to make a difference to their own life and that of their families, and contribute to nation building.

Some 150,000 graduates walked through the doors of  TAR College  since its inception some 30 years ago.

Dr Ling was conferred the title Father of Tunku Abdul Rahman College  by MCA in 2003.

Under his leadership, the college had expanded  in the 1990s to add in five branch campuses; in Penang, Perak, Johor , Sabah and Pahang.

We are always grateful to the government, MCA comrades and the people from all walks of life  in  helping us to provide quality and affordable education to the people irrespective of ethnic and social economic background.

I witnessed how the poor and needy struggled to make ends meet, first as a  doctor with the Penang General Hospital, Butterworth Hospital and as a  doctor running my own clinic in Butterworth and then a politician.

I was the Member of Parliament for Mata Kuching in Butterworth, Penang between 1974 and 1986.

People  don’t have money to see a doctor when they fell sick. Daily wage earners or those self- employed like odd job workers and fishermen lost their income when they are too sick to work.

Many are trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty, and a good and affordable education for the young will help make life better for them, their family and future generations.

A smooth progression from primary school to secondary school and access to tertiary education goes a long way.

In Butterworth for instance, there was no Chinese secondary school until the mid 1980s.

Pupils from Chinese primary schools found it hard to gain access to Chinese secondary schools in Penang and Bukit Mertajam.

Besides limited places, it was expensive and time consuming for children to  travel from Butterworth to Penang and return daily. One way takes more than an hour -go to the jetty to take a ferry to Penang and take a bus to the school.

Many children drop out after primary school or half way secondary school because of the hurdles.

Because of that we managed to get the government to approve to build Chung Ling High School  Butterworth in the 1980s.

Again Chinese philanthropists and people from all walks of life donated to build the school.

The people’s dream to have a Chinese secondary school in Butterworth came true when Chung Ling High School Butterworth officially opened in 1986 with its first intake of 350 students.

A historical moment: July 8, 2001 in Ipoh, Perak. Dr Ling (centre) announced the government’s approval for MCA to set up a university named Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) . Flanking him  were then  MCA secretary- general Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh (right) and then deputy education minister  Datuk Hon Choon Kim (left).

Like TAR College, UTAR (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman) started in rented premises in Petaling Jaya with its pioneer batch of 411 students starting class on June, 10, 2002.

That was less than a year after MCA got government’s approval dated July 5, 2001 to set up the university.

A good future:  The pioneer batch of UTAR students at the university’s temporary premises in Petaling Jaya in 2002.

I am confident that UTAR will grow and evolve into a premier university .

Making the mark: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad signed a plaque accompanied by Dr Ling  (on his right) at the ground breaking ceremony for UTAR main campus in Kampar on Jan 12, 2003.

Education is close at heart for the Chinese community.

Dr Ling’s grandfather Ling Ti Kong was instrumental in setting up a Chinese primary school in Sitiawan, Perak in January, 1904.

With just an attap roof over their heads,  the pioneer intake of  22 pupils studied under a teacher and  the medium of instruction was Foochow, a Chinese dialect.

The young Ti Kong were among the first batch of 363  Foochows from China recruited by the  colonial government to do rice cultivation in Sitiawan.

They arrived in Sitiawan on Sept 9, 1903.

Set up on Feb 27, 1949 as a welfare body, MCA  became a political party to represent and take care of the Chinese on Oct 29, 1951.

People first : The first MCA president Tun Tan Cheng Lock , during his presidential tenure between 1949 and 1958, had braved a very turbulent era to help the Chinese community rebuild their lives in then Malaya. Tun Tan (center) was speaking at the Malayan Chinese Education Central Committee meeting in 1953.

In 1952, MCA started adult education classes for the Chinese in new villages .

In 1953, Tun Tan Cheng Lock teamed up with  Chinese educationists and set up the  Malayan Chinese Education Central Committee to address some of the provisions under the 1952 Education Act which were considered detrimental to Chinese education.

Knowledge is power : MCA organized adult classes for  Chinese villagers in the 1950s.

New villages (1948-1960) were set up to house some 500,000 Chinese after the MCA succeeded in stopping the colonial government from deporting them.

There are 452 new villages in the country.

MCA built Chinese primary schools in these villages in its bid to help the villagers rebuild their lives.

MCA , education and the Chinese community are inseparable.

Good fortune: MCA operated welfare lottery to raise funds to help Chinese rebuild their lives in new villages.  The colonial government  banned political parties from operating welfare lottery starting 1953.

United for a good cause:  MCA secretary- general Tan Sri Dr Ting  Chew Peh ( third from right) with Chinese educationists in his office in Kuala Lumpur in the 1990s.

I must say fund raising for Chinese education is a good cause and  synonymous with MCA.

An exemplary student:  Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy (right) studied in TAR College and then Universiti Malaya. He was with Dr Ling officiating the opening ceremony for a walkathon to raise funds for TAR College in 1992.

Unity is power:  Dr Ling (front row, second from right) leading party  comrades at a walkathon to raise funds for TAR College in 1992. With him were (front row, from right) then  deputy president Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek,  vice president Datuk Chua Jui Meng,  vice president Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy and secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh.

Photos: Credit to MCA’s publication titled MCA 50th anniversary (1949-1999).

All rights reserved. No part of this  publication titled the life story of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior permission from the journalist Foong Pek Yee.

The life story of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik : Part 9

 

We made it:  On July 8, 2001, Dr Ling (centre) announced the government’s approval for MCA to set up a university.  The approval dated July 5, 2001 and the university was named Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) . Flanking Dr Ling were then MCA secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh (right) and then deputy education Minister Datuk Hon Choon Kim (left).

The life story of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik as told to journalist Foong Pek Yee shortly after his retirement from active politics in 2003.

Dr Ling was the fourth generation of the Ling family, with a history dated back to Sitiawan, Perak in then Malaya in 1903.

A medical doctor by training, he went on to become the longest serving Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) president and the longest serving Transport Minister (1986-2003) in Malaysian history,

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

The  Chinese community’ s demand for university education surged drastically since the 1960s.

Their dream then was to set up their own university called Merdeka University to meet the demand.

In 1969, MCA under then president Tun Tan Siew Sin, stepped in and set up Tunku Abdul Rahman College also known as TAR College to provide the much needed quality and affordable education opportunities.

The Chinese community under the MCA leadership rallied behind TAR College.

TAR College’s first intake was 764 students in 1969, and it operated from rented premises for about seven years before having its main campus in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur in 1976.

While TAR College went on producing graduates by the thousands and   became a household name, the Merdeka University dream  took a backseat.

The MCA  got an approval from the government on July 5, 2001  to set up a university, named Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.

It is against this historical backdrop for  MCA to hail UTAR  as a  dream come true for the party after more than three decades.

People from all walks of life rallied behind UTAR.

The university quickly became a household name, producing graduates by the thousands.

“I must put on record that UTAR and TAR College are by the people for the people.”

New pathway: UTAR opened doors to its pioneer batch of 411 students in their temporary campus in Petaling Jaya , Selangor on June 10, 2002.

Endorsement: Accompanied by Dr Ling, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad signed a plaque at the official ground breaking ceremony for UTAR main campus in Kampar, Perak on Jan 12, 2003.

Generous Malaysians from all walks of life; from big corporate figures to petty traders, hawkers and taxi drivers had come out in full force to support the two institutions.

“God has given you sufficient education and training.  Whatever situation, you will have to draw on the gift. Success or failure is God’s decision.”

You have to face the problems and find solutions.

There is no need to worry too much  about the outcome.

“I think half the fun of life is gone if you do not face any problem as life can be dull in the absence of challenges.

“In fact, many good things appeared first in the form of problems.”

The setting up of the first TAR College branch campus in Penang is a good example.

“We decided to expand the college after having to reject 8,000 out of the 12,000 applications to enter the  college.”

TAR College main campus in  Setapak , Kuala Lumpur underwent expansion via the setting up of  branch campus in Penang, Perak, Johor,  Pahang and Sabah.

In the 1990s, MCA detected  many zero passes among  Chinese primary schools in the UPSR (Ujian Peperiksaan Sekolah Rendah) because the children failed Bahasa Malaysia.

In 1993, MCA launched Langkawi Project, a move to encourage parents in the rural areas to help their children in their studies.

With the theme “An hour a day you sure make it” we aimed to encourage parents to set aside at least an hour a day to help their children.

“I knew we must do something at this point so that the children could continue with their studies in secondary school and  beyond”.

There must be smooth progression to keep their interest in studies.

I think we  had raise enough awareness among rural children and parents on the importance of education.

“Our encouragement came in many forms;  like setting up resource centres/mini libraries and presenting the children with gifts like school bags, dictionaries and stationery”.

We also collected used computers, repaired them and gave them to the schools to let the children learn how to use computer.

In the 1995 general election, MCA had the best performance ever,  winning 30 parliamentary seats and 70 state seats – an endorsement for the party.

In 1996, MCA managed to get the government to repeal the Education Act 1961, 21 (2) that empowers the Education Minister to close down Chinese schools (vernacular schools)  or convert them to national schools.

My belief is : “Every problem has a solution in disguise”.

Photos: Credit to a publication titled A tribute to …Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik from his colleagues and friends in the Alumni Association of the King Edward VII College of Medicine and the Faculties of Medicine of the University of Malaya and the University of Singapore.

All rights reserved.  No part of this publication titled The life story of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form  or by any means without prior permission from the journalist Foong Pek Yee.

Charting a career path

Teh Wee Chye : Technical skills open the door . Your character and leadership propels you to the top.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

Aug 29, 2024

You can stay relevant and innovative in  this rapidly evolving world via life long learning

“And it is your leadership and character that defines your success,”  says Teh Wee Chye who is Malayan Flour Mills Bhd (MFM) deputy  executive chairman and managing director.

Addressing graduates at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) 39th convocation ceremony  session 4 at its campus in Kampar, Perak on Aug 18, 2024,  Teh says having the  integrity and resilience, and  being highly adaptable and visionary  will enable  a person to make a positive impact on the  rapidly changing world.

Congratulations:  UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum (right)  presenting a scroll to Lai Jen Weng who has a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration (Hon)  Entrepreneurship  at the UTAR 39th convocation on Aug 18, 2024.

“The rapidly evolving world is presenting many opportunities and challenges alike  ,”  Teh says, adding that success is also about being able to  bounce back from setbacks and keep going.

March of the guest of honour:  UTAR president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Dr Sak and guest of honour Teh Wee Chye entering Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik for the UTAR 39th convocation in the Kampur campus in Perak on Aug 18, 2024.

While food security and climate change are two rising concerns worldwide  and inter-connected , Teh says  they (concerns) also provide career and relevant business opportunities at the same time.

‘This is  one area  graduates could explore and venture in,  not only as a career,  but also  to help ensure enough of food supply for the people.”

With  between 4.7 billion and  4.8 billion of the world’s 8.05 billion population in Asia, the focus on ensuring enough food in the region offers vast opportunities for graduates from multi disciplines to apply their skills and make an impact.

A major milestone: Graduates arriving at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik for the UTAR 39th convocation on Aug 18, 2024.

Describing this century as an Asian century, he says the region’s remarkable and continuous  economic growth are translated into good economic and career opportunities.

In 2024,  Asia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is between  $40 trillion and  $ 45 trillion.

This amount includes China’s GDP of between $19 trillion and  $20 trillion – the second largest economy after the United States which has a GDP of between $ 27 trillion and $28trillion.

And Asean alone has a GDP of  between  $3.5trillion and  $4 trillion.

Teh points out that the world is undergoing a lot of changes and urged graduates to acquire cross cultural  skills and a deep understanding of global connections to stay relevant.

“As you step into your career, consider how you can contribute in the vital sectors like food security.

“Consider change as a companion.  Continue life long learning to stay relevant,” says the 70-year-old Teh.

MFM which started off in 1966 as a flour milling company is now a staple food manufacturing company; majoring in flour milling, poultry integration and  aquaculture.

Teh who has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Ship Building and Shipping Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA  joined MFM as deputy mill manager in 1976  and promoted to plant manager two years later.

In 1979, he was made the project manager in charge of the MFM’s  entire expansion plans.

 

Grounded on good values

Datuk Lee Yeow Chor:  Engaged, involved and committed.  Always ready to execute well. Continuously learning and improving with the ability to adapt quickly  in today’s rapidly evolving world.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

Aug 26, 2024

The Dutch like sailing and biking.

And Datuk Lee Yeow Chor made it a point to join his business associates and staff for the sports on weekends during his business trips to Netherlands.

“This is one way to understand each others culture ,” says Lee.

The 57-year -old  IOI  Corporation Berhad (IOI) Group Managing Director and Chief Executive who is known for his exemplary leadership is adept at interacting in the world arena.

IOI is a leading global integrated and sustainable palm oil player.

It has plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia ; and resource based manufacturing business in Netherlands, Germany, United States, Canada, China and Ghana.

Lee was also educated abroad.

He has LLB (Honours) King’s College , London, Bar Finals, Gray’s Inn, London and a post graduate diploma in Finance and Accounting from the London School of Economics.

Dedicated to education: UTAR chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik (seated);  and from left; UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh,  IOI Group Managing Director  Datuk Lee Yeow Chor and UTAR president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat at the UTAR 39th convocation ceremony session 2 at the Kampar campus on Aug 17, 2024.

https://youtu.be/qP-aukRQO8c

Sharing his business experience at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)  39 th convocation in the Kampar campus on Aug 17, 2024,  Lee who was the event’s  guest of honour highlighted  the importance of synergy in business .

It is about having a great team -tapping into each others strength, seamlessly.

Lee says: “IOI’s core values and belief is excellence in execution and learning while doing things, even doing seemingly mundane things like comparing specifications from suppliers’ quotations to which I still do.

“The western managers meanwhile are very good in analysis, planning and presentation. They can even give a 10-year-plan.

“My senior management and I have to adjust their focus to avoid analysis paralysis ,overelaborate plans. And to get them start doing  things as soon as possible.”

After managing the overseas food ingredients company  for 13 years, Lee says the company grew and consequently Europe and North America became important markets for this company and also indirectly IOI plantations which supply crude palm oil with the raw materials to this company.

Then came the acid test in  2016.

That year, Lee recalls , an NGO  (non- governmental  organisation) from Netherlands reported that one of IOI’s  plantations in Indonesia did not follow some environmental regulations.  The area involved was 3% of the planted area.

Soon after, an  international organisation – Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) – suspended the plantation certification for the total planted area.

The  company supplying food ingredients to the six countries also had its certification suspended.

It was a huge crisis for IOI.

Lee  says: ” Two very powerful NGOs  also campaigned against IOI , pressuring all our  multinational customers to stop buying from IOI.

”  IOI quickly had an open discussion with RSPO and had their Auditors to visit and verify the situation on the ground where breaches were found.

“We (IOI) published a time-bound rectification plan with regular updates.

“Within four months, we managed to get back the RSPO certification.”

But the crisis was far from over.

“For the next 18 months, we  got UK based consultants to engage with the NGOs and published rectifications and improvement updates on our website every two or three weeks.

“And another 12 months to persuade the NGOs to call off their campaign that pressured our multinational customers.”

Lee says the IOI  team – engaged, involved and committed – rode out the  crisis and emerged stronger.

He says IOI’s  honesty and preparedness to admit its mistakes  had immediately reduced, if not removed, distrust on the company .

Being open to views and suggestions, Lee says IOI accepted views and suggestions from the NGOs and consultants.

He says IOI even suspended the planting activities for about two years while engaging with the NGOs

Lee says  IOI took the setback as an opportunity to improve and reinvent itself,  and  the company subsequently introduced many sustainability related policies and guidelines and intensified efforts to beef up environmental sustainability.

Last year, Lee says IOI  Corporation was awarded TheEdge Malaysia Environmental , Social and Governance (ESG) Gold Award.

He says IOI, at the international level, has also received several ESG Gold Awards.

Congratulating the graduates,  Lee says he hopes  the lessons he learned from his business life would be relevant to them in their daily lives later.

“Executing well, being transparent, reinventing oneself and embracing values like empathy, humility and honesty .

“You have the power to shape your own future and make a positive impact on the world,”   says Lee in his very inspiring speech and timely advice for the graduates.

Congratulations:  UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh (right) presenting a scroll to a graduate at the UTAR 39th convocation on Aug 17, 2024.

Congratulations: UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees member Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian (right) presenting a scroll to a graduate at the UTAR 39th convocation on Aug 17, 2024.

Congratulations: UTAR council member Datuk Lim Si Cheng (left) presenting a scroll to a graduate at the UTAR 39th convocation on Aug 17, 2024.

 

The power to transform

 

Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat : From a  teenage rubber tapper and labourer to the man who built OSK Investment Bank, one of the largest investment banks in South East Asia with presence in Asean countries and Hong Kong and a conglomerate with business interests in financial services, property and investment, construction, hospitality and industries.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

Aug 24, 2024

Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat joins  the work force very early to help put food on the table for his family of 12 in Merbau New Village in Sitiawan, Perak.

He is a rubber tapper and labourer while schooling,  and has  a two-year temporary teaching stint  upon completing his form five education.

Ong  subsequently joins  a finance company as a  counter clerk and climbs the corporate ladder via self study.

He left the company as a senior general manager after working there for 17 years.

In the 1980s, Ong  developed OSK Securities into one of the biggest investment banks in  South East Asia  -OSK Investment Bank- before it merged with RHB Investment Bank in 2012.

His flagship company –  OSK Holdings Bhd – is a conglomerate with business interests in property development and investment, construction, industries, hospitality and financial services;  with business operations in Malaysia and Australia.

All for education: OSK Holdings Bhd chairman Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat (centre), flanked by UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh (left)  and UTAR  president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat (right) at the opening of the UTAR 39th convocation ceremony session 3 in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik  in the Kampar campus on Aug 17, 2024.

Guest of honour procession:  UTAR president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat,  UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum, UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh and guest of honour Tan Sri Ong Leong Huat at the UTAR 39th convocation ceremony session 3 in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in the Kampar campus on Aug 17, 2024.

UTAR 39th convocation ceremony session 3 video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCaIecsYe9o&t=5103s

AT 80, Ong, a well-known  tycoon and philanthropist, provides a glimpse of his life journey at the opening of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) 39th convocation ceremony session 3 in the Kampar campus on Aug 17, 2024

As the event’s guest of honour, he  says he hopes his sharing would  be helpful for graduates who are at the threshold of embarking on a new journey – like join the workforce or further studies.

 A major milestone: UTAR graduates at the 39th UTAR convocation ceremony session 3 in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong  Sik in the Kampar campus on Aug 17, 2024.

While he did not get a tertiary education opportunity, Ong says, he joined the work force very early and managed to support some of his siblings’ tertiary education.

Stating that tertiary education is a good foundation , Ong says he has to compensate by putting in extra effort to learn and excel in his work.

“After work, I diligently study  to improve my English and understanding of finance by reading newspapers and financial magazines.

“I also consult  people who are experts in the subject (finance),” recalls Ong.

Looking back, Ong says he understand the importance of education at a very young age.

” As a Christian,  I recognised first and foremost that God has been gracious to me. God  has guided me throughout my life journey, blessed me with the desire and commitment to continue to learn and improve myself using my own effort though I did not get a tertiary education opportunity.

“I am grateful I have reached a position that allows  me to bless others with the opportunity  I did not have,” says Ong followed by a big round of applause from his audience.

UTAR students are among the beneficiaries of scholarships from OSK Foundation – the philanthropic arm of OSK Holdings Bhd.

Ong also made a personal donation of RM5mil to UTAR which is a non-profit university.

Ong who is now OSK Holdings Bhd chairman, OSK Ventures International Bhd chairman, RHB Investment Bank Bhd chairman and RHB Bank Bhd director says he continues to learn and grow.

While graduation marks an important milestone in one’s life journey,  he advises graduates to practise life long learning in order to progress.

He cautions that even cutting – edge knowledge can turn obsolete overnight.

“Thus, life long learning is a necessity and not just a concept.

” There are many ways we can learn;  from self study, interacting with people, visiting places to  taking criticism as feedback for us to improve ourselves.

“Being defensive and having a closed minded attitude  is the biggest enemy to life long learning and progress.”

Speaking from experience, he says interacting with older people is also  a good way to learn as they are more willing to impart  their knowledge and  wisdom.

Ong says challenges are part and parcel of life, and his advice is not to dwell on them but focused on looking for solutions and learned from the challenges.

” I learned more in times of crises than times of  success,” says Ong, adding that he had gone through major crises in his life journey, citing the oil crisis in the 1970s, the Pan – El crisis in the 1980s, Asian Financial crisis in the 1990s and the Global financial crisis in 2008.

“While I was hurt financially and emotionally, I made sure I learned from each and every crisis and emerged stronger after riding out the crises.”

On luck and success, Ong says:  “While luck plays a role in success, luck also favours people who are well-prepared.  Continue to learn and improve ourselves and luck is on our side.”

Ong says in his almost 60 years in banking and business, he has met many successful people from different sectors, including politics, business and sports. There is no shortcut to glory.

” Their common trait is an  eagerness to stay curious and continue  learning.”

Navigating and thriving in a world of endless possibilities

Lim Chai Hock : There is a lesson in every turn.  When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

By Foong Pek Yee

Aug 23, 2024
It is like any other morning for Lim Chai Hock; all set to work, learn and add value to his work place.
The project manager’s task that day is to drive his boss Datuk Dr Low Tuck Kwong to the project site for a visit.
But little did he know  he is about to learn a life lesson from the vehicle they are travelling in.
“The  brand new 4 -wheel – drive is making unusual sounds.
“My boss said to me, Lim, how can I trust you with million dollar project when you cannot take care of the vehicle.
“This taught me the importance of taking care of small things as it reflects how big things are being managed.
“The  problem at hand must be resolved quickly . And not look for excuses ,” recalls Lim, 65,  of the incident, adding that the lesson he learned remained relevant till now.
Dr Low , 76, is  the founder and president of PT Bayan Resources Tbk Indonesia where  Lim now is a director and chief operating officer.
The Chancellor Procession: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)  president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum, UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh, guest of honour and  PT Bayan Resources Tbk Indonesia’s chief operating officer Lim Chai Hock and  UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik arriving for the UTAR 39th convocation ceremony session 1  in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in UTAR campus in Kampar on Aug 16, 2024.
Speaking at the opening of the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman ( UTAR)  39th convocation ceremony , Lim who is the guest of honour shares how he learns, navigates and thrives in this ever evolving world.
Armed with secondary school education, Lim says he joined the work force and did self study to move up the corporate  ladder.
“I consulted with experts, seniors and colleagues when faced with work related issues.
“And I read books  mostly related to my field of work to enhance my knowledge and skills.  We must always add value to our work place.
“The lesson is keep learning in order for us to continue to innovate  and  adapt to an increasingly challenging  current and future economy,” says Lim, underscoring the fact that life long learning is indispensable.
Leadership :  UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik (front row, seated). Front row, from left are ; UTAR council  chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh,  guest of honour Lim Chai Hock and UTAR president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat.  Dr Ling declared the opening of the UTAR 39th convocation Session 1  on Aug 16, 2024.
Lim shares that being diligent, honest, sincere and respectful of  people  has gained him the recognition and respect from his seniors, peers and subordinates alike.
“Be humble, honest, sincere, persistent and thankful ; and people could lend you a helping hand during crucial times that possibly change your life,”  says Lim.
From a  humble background, Lim says he  is fortunate to have people who had supported and guided him, and he is eternally grateful to them.
He says  his form teacher, the late Mr Tan Guan Yoong  had helped him financially when he was in Form One.
Lim says he also learned  the importance of hard work, dedication and perseverance in pursuing one’s career or objectives  when he worked with a Japanese consulting engineer.
And most of all, Lim says his supportive and understanding wife has allowed  him to focus on building his career.
Lim is  grateful that his former boss and mentor had promoted him though he did not have the formal engineering qualification.
And he is grateful to Dr Low whom he has worked  for 40 years ;  for his trust in him and the opportunities for him to progress to where he is today.
While  Lim did not get the opportunity to go to college, he  reaffirms the importance of  having a tertiary education amidst a  prevailing belief among some people that the gig economy and  rapidly changing technology have rendered tertiary education  irrelevant or redundant.
As proud day :  Graduates, their parents and loved ones at the UTAR 39th convocation session 1 in Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik on  Aug 16, 2024.  
Lim reminds graduates that the knowledge, skills and values they acquired in UTAR  has prepared  them beyond just getting a job or for personal advancement.
” They also empower you to think critically, innovate and  contribute and give back to society. ” and he urges graduates to keep connected to the university.
He also emphasizes the need to have a compelling purpose in life: be it for our family, community or humankind as it serves as an important and powerful form of motivation.
And Lim ‘s advice to the graduates who are raring to start a new chapter in life  : ” March into the future with courage, courtesy, righteousness, integrity, respect for the elders and self improvement as elements of your moral compass.
.” A world of endless possibilities is awaiting you in the future.”
UTAR 39th Convocation session 1
https://youtu.be/jVWLV7QNtqI

Let the results speak

 

And the road ahead: Professor Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat has always emphasized on the need for  graduates to be  grounded on good values;  like diligence, perseverance, integrity,  gratitude, compassion and respectful of people in order to navigate and thrive in an increasingly challenging world.

By Foong Pek Yee

foongpekyee@gmail.com

Aug 22, 2024

Tens of thousands of young people have walked past this door,  and embarked on a journey to hit their next major milestone in life.

And last week, another 2,218 graduates from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman( (UTAR) followed suit at  the university’s  39th convocation ceremony at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in UTAR campus in Kampar, Perak, Malaysia.

Good virtues:  Dr Ewe got graduates to bow to their parents and loved ones in recognition of their love and support which culminated in this momentous event.

Congratulating the graduates,  UTAR president Dr  Ewe  says they are among  some 86,900 who graduated from UTAR since its first convocation in 2005,  and they are a force to be reckoned with in bringing development and progress to the nation and beyond.

A non-profit university set up in 2001 and opened doors a year later, UTAR is aimed at providing quality and affordable education  to all deserving students.

The reputable institution is known as “a university by the people for the people” as it is built on public donations from people from all walks of life.

A noble cause: Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik (seated) is instrumental in securing a government approval to set up a private university in July 2001. He spearheaded the university’s development with the support of notable MCA leaders and personalities in the business and education sectors.  On stage with him are (front row, from left), UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh,  guest of honour Lim Chai Hock who is PT Bayan Resources Tbk  Indonesia’s  chief operating officer and UTAR president Professor Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat.

In June  2002, UTAR opened its door to its first batch of 411 students at its temporary campus in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Today , UTAR has nine faculties, three institutes and four centres operating in two campuses – Kampar and Bandar Sungai Long in Selangor, Malaysia.

And  UTAR’s flagship, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Hospital  (UTAR Hospital) in Kampar that offers modern and traditional complementary medicine (T&CM) is fully operational.

Like UTAR,UTAR Hospital is built on public donations and it is a non-profit hospital to provide quality and affordable medical care to the people.

Dr Ewe pledges that UTAR will remain a” university by the people for the people” , noting that the university  has given out internal financial help to thousands of students  in need since its inception.

” RM202.4 mil internal scholarship and RM17.2mil internal interest free loan were given  to 23,000 students.

“Apart from this,  another 1,100 students also got external financial help; comprising RM 25.3  mil external scholarship and RM4.7mil external loan,”  says Dr Ewe at the opening of  the 39th  convocation ceremony  Session 1 at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in Kampar, Perak.

Dr Ewe notes that the amount of financial help stated  above did not include the PTPTN (Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional) loan from the government.

Dr Ewe says UTAR graduates have an employability rate of between 95% and 97%  within the first six months of convocation.

And Talentbank’s  National Graduate Employability Index 2024 shows that Malaysian employers have ranked  UTAR  among the top three local universities.

Pride and joy: Graduate Lai Jen Weng with his family. From left; his mother Foong Pek Yan, father Lai Hock Yee and elder brother Lai Jen Hong.

While UTAR’s position in terms of rankings and awards have been very  impressive locally and internationally ,  Dr Ewe says  the university has also put in place training programs to nurture and equip its students to face an increasingly evolving and challenging world.

UTAR Awards

https://news.utar.edu.my/images/001-Landscapervcopy_1557903142.jpg?n=1557903169296set

UTAR 39th convocation: Session 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVWLV7QNtqI&t=5649s

 

Important landmark:  Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik in UTAR campus in Kampar.

Picture perfect:  Graduates, their families, loved ones and friends relaxing and posing for pictures outside the Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik.

Good training: UTAR students set up booths to sell food, drinks and souvenirs  during the convocation ceremony.

Programs that focus on soft skills and community outreach are well-received by the UTAR graduates, he adds.

In tandem with increasing connectivity and globalization,  Dr Ewe says UTAR has also put in place programs to nurture its students into global citizens.

To this end, UTAR has MoU (memorandum of understanding) with about 695 partners comprising  local and foreign universities and economic and industrial organizations.

On the right note and enlightening

Internationally renowned Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra leads the way.
June 25, 2024
By Foong Pek Yee
FOR many, it is a walk down memory lane.
And for  music lovers, it is a performance by a world class orchestra not to be missed.
The good news is this  August will see the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO), established in 1977,   performing in Malaysia for the first time –  Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Debut Malaysia Tour 2024.
To date, the orchestra has been invited to perform at famous venues and festivals all over the world, including Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and the Arctic Circle.
The upcoming performance in Malaysia, organized by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), will be held at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Kuala Lumpur on August 3 and 4,  and at the Dewan Tan Sri Loh  Boon Siew in Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology  (TAR UMT) in Penang on August 7.
Under the guidance of HKCO resident conductor Chew Hee Chiat, the  performance comprises two series.
Dynamism: Chew Hee Chiat who joined Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra in 2002, has a Master of Music in orchestra conducting from the University of South Carolina. He also holds a double Bachelors degree in cello performance and computer science from the Southeast Missouri State University.  He is  now HKCO’s  assistant artistic director and resident conductor (photo: hkco.org).
Chew says  the “Classic Series” on the August 3 performance at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in Kuala Lumpur  is from HKCO’s  reserved repertoire of Chinese classic  music and also works by Hong Kong composers.
The program (based on hkco.org) :
The Chorale of Spring Ng King-pan.
Essence (The sixth movement from Ji) Ng Cheuk-yin
Jing‧Qi‧Shen Chan Ming-chi , Sanxian, Narrative Singing and Orchestra
Song of the Black Earth  Sui Lijun. Lyrics by Shang Cunbao
Sanxian: Zhao Taisheng
Kampung and the City Chow Jun Yi (Chinese music without bounds international composition competition original composition- Best Orchestra Work)
Follow the Pagoda Tree to Trace the Roots of Our Ancestors  Zhao Jiping
The Yellow River Capriccio Cheng Dazhao
And the “Movie and Television Series”  includes some popular theme songs from Hong Kong will be held at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Kuala Lumpur on Aug 4.
The program (based on hkco.org) :

 

Theme from Laputa Joe Hisaishi Arr. by Chew Hee Chiat

Malaysia Pop Songs
Getaran Jiwa P. Ramlee  Arr. by Kong Su-leong

Dikir Puteri   Pak Ngah Arr. by Chew Hee Chiat

Sinaran       Azlan Abu Hasan      Arr. by Tan Kah Yong

Impossible Medley    Arr. by Ng King-pan

Vocal and orchestra Light of Life lyrics by Kwok-Kong Cheng, Chelsia Cheng  Arr by Chan Ka-wing.

Sam’s Songs in the Movies    Sam Hui    Arr. by Ng Cheuk-yin

Love of the Past   Joseph Koo  (Gu Jia Hui)    Arr. by Tan Kah Yong

Time We Have Gone Through Together    Wu Wai-lap     Arr. by Ng Cheuk-yin

A Medley of Themes from Television Drama Series   Joseph Koo (Gu Jia Hui).

The program (based on hkco.org)  for the performance at  the Dewan Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew, TAR UMT in Penang on August 7:
Theme from Laputa　Joe Hisaishi　Arr. by Chew Hee Chiat
Malaysia Pop Songs
Getaran Jiwa　P. Ramlee　Arr. by Kong Su-leong
 Dikir Puteri   Pak Ngah  Arr. by Chew Hee Chiat
Sing Sing Sing  Louis Prima   Arr. by Ng King-pan
A Medley of Themes from Television Drama Series　Joseph Koo (Gu Jia Hui)
Follow the Pagoda Tree to Trace the Roots of Our Ancestors　Zhao Jiping
The Yellow River Capriccio　Cheng Dazhao
Celebrating Milestones:  Music is the bridge. UTAR  president Datuk Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat during a press conference on HKCO  (photo: utar.edu.my).
Updating details of the event at a  press conference on June 6 , Dr Ewe  highlighted its significance as” an event in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China”.
“It is more than promoting the appreciation of Chinese orchestra music.
 ” It is  a platform for cultural  exchange, appreciation  and networking .”
Works from famous  Malaysian composers; Chow Jun Yi’s Kampung and the City , Azlan Abu Hasan (Sinaran) and P Ramlee (Getaran Jiwa) will also be featured at the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra – Debut Malaysia Tour 2024,
Double celebration: Puan Sri Chelsia Cheng (third from right)  and  Dr Ewe (third from left) at the press conference on the HKCO ‘s upcoming performance in Malaysia in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia China diplomatic relations. 
And it was also 50 years ago  (1974) when she  as Chan Chau Ha then went into showbiz (photo:  utar.edu.my)
 Puan Sri Chelsia  -an  award winning actress, singer and songwriter – will be special guest performer on August 4.
Winner of the Golden Horse Award for Best Actress in 1976 , Puan Sri Chelsia  remains a household name and influential figure with her charm and charisma.
Joining force to bring in Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra -Debut Malaysia Tour 2024 are the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, the Professional Cultural Center Orchestra, Pertubuhan Hui Yin Seh Ayer Itam and media partners- Sin Chew Daily, Guang Ming Daily, Mango Media and Star Media Group.
For further enquiries on the event, contact Ms Hee (016-3312561) Mr Lim (016-4150325)