Happy Birthday: Guests singing to Chan (seventh from left) during the cake-cutting ceremony.
Resilience, lifelong learning, and unwavering service to the nation are values the TARCian community holds dear, as exemplified by Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.
Its deputy chairman Tan Chee Kian said the Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) alumni council (TAC) was proud to honour the accomplished leader’s legacy – one built over decades of public service, education and above all, steadfast support for his alma mater.
Speaking at Chan’s 70th birthday dinner celebration on May 15, Chee Kian described the former as an “inspiration to us all”.
Organised by TAR UMT and TAC, the dinner brought together over 150 of the varsity’s staff, alumni, students and close friends to celebrate Chan’s birthday – which fell on May 17 – and to show their appreciation for the board of governors (BOG) and TAC chairman, who has been instrumental in growing the TAR UMT Student Loan Fund and supporting the production of The Story of TARCians, Malaysia’s first university-produced film that was screened in cinemas nationwide.
Chan’s journey with TAR UMT began during his tertiary education, when he enrolled in the then TAR College (TARC) before later returning to serve as a TARC council member. In 2023, he took on the role of TAC chairman and was subsequently named BOG chairman.
“When I agreed to attend this dinner, I thought it would be a small gathering. I am so happy to see so many of my friends and peers, including my mentor (former Human Resources minister) Tan Sri Lim (Ah Lek) here.
“TAR UMT means a lot to me. I was not a hardworking student, so my high school grades were not impressive.
“When I got to know about TAR College, I realised that this was my last chance to change my life through education. I was given a whole new lease of life, which led me to become the man I am today.
“For that, I will always be grateful to my alma mater, TAR UMT,” said an emotional Chan to rousing applause.
TAR UMT president Prof Datuk Dr Lee Sze Wei said, “Tonight, we celebrate a remarkable man who has become a pillar of our university. Tan Sri Chan has been instrumental in shaping the long-term vision and path of the university through his strategic leadership and inspirational generosity.”
During the dinner, Chan and his guests – including Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, Datuk Seri Yew Teong Look, Datuk Khoo Chin Guan, Datuk Seri Dr Hou Kok Chung, Datuk Chong Sin Woon, Datuk Dr Gue See Sew, Datuk Dr Pamela Yong, Bobby Tan Soy Mok and Wong Cheng Siung – were treated to orchestral and singing performances by the varsity’s young talents.
