Momentous: Tan (fifth from left) celebrating the honour with her team.
EDUCATION is not only about teaching technical skills but also about shaping character, values and a sense of direction for the future.
It is this abiding belief that has spurred VTAR Institute chief executive officer Tan Cheng Liang to strive to “instil the right attitude, responsibility and professionalism” in students.
“I share my experiences to help students develop social and emotional intelligence, respect, and communication skills, preparing them to face future challenges,” she said.
Tan’s experiences are wide-ranging, from elevating vocational education to new heights to empowering students from underprivileged backgrounds to acquire professional skills.
Her decades of dedication and contribution to the nation, society and the advancement of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Malaysia were recently recognised at the Malaysia Chinese Assembly Hall (MCAH) 22nd Anniversary and 2nd Chinese Elite Dragon Award (CEDA) Gala Dinner.
Receiving the Outstanding Chinese Social Dedication Award at the event on Dec 11, Tan said it was a “tremendous recognition and affirmation from society”.
“I will continue to promote vocational education, help more students transform their lives, and contribute to the community,” she said.
Tan, a long-standing advocate of social welfare, has integrated the principle of “doing good and upholding righteousness” into the fabric of campus management at VTAR.
She believes that while students acquire technical skills, they should also learn to give back to society.
“I want students to understand that having abilities is important, but giving back to society is even more crucial. That is why every class participates regularly in charity activities, putting love and care into action. Seeing them develop empathy and a sense of responsibility through these activities is my greatest joy,” she said.
Reflecting on her past decade of stewardship, she noted “many firsts in technical and vocational education”.
“But what moves me most is not the awards, but witnessing students from diverse backgrounds transform their lives through learning skills. Seeing them find direction and hope is the greatest motivation for me. Education is not just about changing a student; it can change an entire family and shape the future,” she added.
Under her leadership, VTAR has seen a series of transformative reforms, successfully developing multiple high-level skills programmes and establishing itself as a key benchmark in Malaysia’s TVET sector.
Among Tan’s initiatives are collaborations with industry partners to introduce free skills programmes for students from underprivileged backgrounds, as well as partnerships with various higher education institutions in China to secure tuition-free overseas study opportunities for students.
Beyond education, she has contributed to society across multiple fields for nearly four decades. In addition to counselling inmates, she has provided emotional support to single mothers and helped children with developmental challenges secure better environments for growth.
“I believe that the value of life is not measured by how much we have, but by how many lives we are able to change. Life is short; we come into this world with nothing, and we leave with nothing. Wealth and fame will eventually fade, but the effort we put into helping others – that is the greatest virtue,” she said.
CEDA, established by MCAH in 2023, aims to continuously identify and honour outstanding individuals in the Chinese community who embody excellence, leadership and a strong sense of social responsibility.
At the event, awards were presented across 11 categories to 22 recipients. Former MCA president and ex-transport minister Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik received the Outstanding Chinese Lifetime Achievement Excellence Award.
The event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, together with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
MCAH is a national umbrella organisation comprising nearly 200 Chinese associations across Malaysia, covering education, culture, commerce, youth, women’s groups, social welfare and philanthropy.
