UniversitI Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is paying homage to the late Tan Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow by naming its Faculty of Business and Finance after the Public Band Bhd founder.
The Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance launching ceremony was held at the varsity’s Kampar Campus recently, according to a press release dated March 24.
The honorary naming of the faculty was in recognition of Hong Piow’s daughter, Teh Li Shian Diona, who had donated RM50mil to the UTAR Education Foundation’s endowment fund for student scholarships.
Referring to the donation as “a legacy in motion”, Diona said the endowment would never run dry.
Remembering greatness: (From left) Chang, Tay, Diona, Ling, Ena, Sak and Prof Ewe posing for a photo by the new faculty signage.
“The principal remains intact while the returns will fund scholarships year after year, generation after generation.
“It ensures that countless students will have access to the education they deserve, free from financial burdens,” she said, adding that the initiative goes beyond financial assistance – it is a promise to reward perseverance, nurture ambition and create opportunities for those who dare to dream and work hard.
The ceremony was attended by Diona, Public Bank managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) Tan Sri Tay Ah Lek, and deputy CEO Datuk Chang Kat Kiam.
Also present were UTAR chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and his wife Toh Puan Ena Ling, UTAR Education Foundation board of trustees chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum and his wife Puan Sri Irene Sak, UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat, and UTAR Hospital CEO Prof Dr Lau Hui Ping.
In the early years of the varsity’s establishment, Hong Piow had made a substantial contribution of RM20mil, supporting UTAR’s effort to make education accessible to all.
In 2009, the Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow Chair in Banking and Finance was established through a significant RM1.25mil contribution from Public Bank.
This enabled the appointment of a professor and the conduct of applied research in banking and finance.
In 2021, Hong Piow’s commitment to education led to the introduction of the Public Bank Top Achiever Award, which recognises students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence and soft skills.
This was followed by an RM2mil donation for the development of UTAR Hospital last year, to nurture medical students who will serve the nation.
Diona’s latest contribution exemplifies her father’s belief in the importance of education and its transformative power.
Prof Ewe said the late Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow believed that education is the foundation upon which lasting impact is built.
“His words still echo in our hearts today.
“The naming of this faculty in his honour goes beyond upholding this belief. It is to ensure that learning as a lifelong pursuit will continue to inspire, evolve and shape the course of history,” he said.
He added that the faculty stands as a symbol of Hong Piow’s values and an inspiration for students to strive for excellence, nurture their talents and skills, and channel their intellect towards meaningful contributions to society and the nation.
During the event, the Public Bank Scholar Debit Card was also unveiled, aimed at providing greater convenience for the varsity’s students.
