Ling named Father of TAR College Development

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik was named “Father of TAR College Development” in recognition of his contributions to the expansion of the 35-year-old college. 

The former MCA president received a standing ovation from over 2,000 college staff and party leaders when its principal, Yoong Lai Thye, announced this at a ceremony in the main campus in Setapak here yesterday. 

His contributions to Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman (KTAR), is best reflected in the expansion of the main campus and the setting up of five branch campuses - in Penang, Johor, Perak, Pahang and Sabah – in the last 18 years. 

SPECIAL MOMENT: Ong shaking hands with Dr Ling after he launched the book entitled 'The Golden Years of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik' in Kuala Lumpur Tuesday. Looking on (from left) are Ong's wife Datin Seri Wendy Ong, Ena and Yoong.

The branch campuses took turns to present special songs like the popular Mandarin number “kung xian” (contributions) and gave heart-rendering recitals to record their appreciation to Dr Ling.  

MCA president and college council chairman Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who outlined Dr Ling’s perseverance in bringing up the college, revealed that the hi-tech KTAR building would be named the Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik Cyber Centre. 

Ong also launched a pictorial book called The Golden Years of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik. 

The centre, at the main campus, would be the information technology hub of the college besides an administrative centre, he said. 

Dr Ling thanked people from all walks of life who had supported him and recorded special thanks to his wife Toh Puan Ena Ling.  

At the end of the ceremony, the college staff sang To Sir With Love and Auld Lang Syne.