Assoc Prof Toh (right) sharing a light moment with the newcomers. – Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
SOME 1,000 new students at Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) Penang branch took the first step on their learning journey during a memorable orientation week.
They received encouragement from campus head Assoc Prof Dr Toh Guat Guan, who urged them to be adaptable and embrace new challenges without fear.
“Be independent so you will develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills,” she said in her speech to the June intake students at the university college’s Dewan Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew.
Toh stressed the importance of going beyond classroom education.
“Our iSpark Incubation Centre at the campus provides resources to TAR UC students, staff and alumni as well as the public to help transform ideas into marketable innovations.
“We want to help aspiring entrepreneurs to connect, network and build their businesses,” she added.
Among the new students is Yee Ming Qi, 18, a karate exponent who will pursue a Diploma in Business Administration as it offers sports scholarships.
Students taking part in ice-breaking games during orientation week for the June intake.
“I hope to secure a sports scholarship.
“I was also encouraged by many seniors who have completed their studies here,” said Ming Qi, who is from Penang.
Jothii Balakrishnan, 23, from Kluang, Johor, will be pursuing a Diploma in Media Broadcasting.
“One of the main reasons I decided to enrol at TAR UC is the emphasis on English and a holistic education here,” she said.
Jothii added that she decided to move away from her parents so she could learn to be independent.
Meanwhile, Lai Yee Maung, 22, arrived from Myanmar only four days before the orientation week.
She said she enrolled at the branch to be close to her parents who work in Penang.
“Also, back in Myanmar, most of the schools are still closed.
“I will be taking an emarketing diploma course and later, will pursue a degree in international business,” she added.
(From left) Newcomers Ch’ng Jia Chen, 18, Ming Qi, Lai, Jothii and Bryan Xiang Lin, 19, getting to know each other.
Business development director Leow Yew Way, 51, whose son Chi Zen signed up for a Diploma in Computer Science, said TAR UC had a proven record and international recognition.
“I did a survey and found that the teachers here are dedicated, and emphasis is not only on academics but also on project presentation.
“The learning culture here is positive and wholesome and my friends in the computer line recommended this place for my son,” said Yew Way.
Two new courses have been introduced at TAR UC – Bachelor of Finance and Investment as well as Bachelor of Electronic Engineering Technology.
At the July 1 launch of the five-day orientation week themed “Start from Zero, Be Your Own Hero”, the new students took part in an oath-taking ceremony before proceeding to tutorial rooms for fun ice-breaking games.
They were also taken on a campus tour.
