Dr Ling installed as Utar chancellor

KAMPAR: Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik was installed as Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman's (Utar) first chancellor during the university's 24th convocation ceremony here Saturday.

Dr Ling was appointed after the university's senate unanimously agreed in its meeting on Jan 18 to honour the former MCA president for his immense contributions to the development of Utar.

Having gained approval for the setting up of Utar in July 2001, Dr Ling obtained a piece of land from the Perak state government to build the university's campus here a year later.

Dr Ling's duties as chancellor will include acting as an advocate of the university to enhance its profile and reputation at the national and global level, assuming an ambassadorial role for the university, and presiding at all major ceremonies of the university and conferring degrees. Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh takes over as Utar council chairman, Dr Ling's previous position which he had held from October 2002.

A total of 592 of 2,628 graduands received their scrolls from International Trade and Industry Minister II Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, who represented Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Dr Ting, Utar board of trustees member Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian and Utar Council chairman Hew Fen Yee during the first session of Saturday's ceremony.