KUALA LUMPUR: It is the strategic aim for Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology’s (TAR UMT) to become a future-proof talent development hub in Malaysia and the region by 2030, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
“Future-proof talent development refers to the transformation of students into graduates who possess 21st-century skills with local and regional orientation.
“To enable this transformation, the required physical and digital infrastructure, as well as the necessary ecosystem, must be in place.
“We must ensure TAR UMT is managed and operated sustainably,” the MCA president said during the launching of the TAR UMT’s 10-year roadmap at its main campus in Setapak yesterday.
Dr Wee, who is also the TARC Education Foundation Board of Trustees chairman, said the transformation process was the main priority of TAR UMT and part of the institution’s 10-year roadmap.
He said three strategic priorities had been identified to push TAR UMT to become a future-proof talent development hub.
“Each strategic priority, implementation plan and deliverable has been outlined and identified.
“The changing environmental, technological, political, economic and social trends have gathered pace over the years, and all these have been accelerated following the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
As such, Dr Wee said it was important for TAR UMT to be prepared to seize new opportunities and face looming challenges.
“Against this backdrop, we conducted a deep analysis of what we want TAR UMT to be in the coming years and beyond, how to get there, what actions to take, and alternative strategies.
“The 10-year roadmap is a flexible and consensual path crafted based on the feedback and input from the many engagement sessions with our stakeholders over the past three years,” he said.
Dr Wee also said the roadmap was a holistic development of the university – to upgrade it, enhance its technology usage and produce a more efficient administration.
He said it was important for TAR UMT to increase its visibility, build its prominence through its work and contributions beyond Malaysia and that it must work towards receiving accolades to differentiate itself from the others distinctly.
“The roadmap is a compilation of TAR UMT’s future direction, commitment and actions to build the university into a future-proof talent development hub in Malaysia and the region.
“I am committed to helping TAR UMT achieve its strategic goal,” he said.
Dr Wee said producing graduates who could contribute to the country’s development was important and that MCA would continue its efforts with TAR UMT.
“TAR UMT is an institution for all Malaysians.
“Although we have faced various challenges, we are not apologetic.
“This is an institution built by MCA. So what? We will continue (our efforts).
“This is important to us, not receiving a gratuity,” said Dr Wee, who is also the Transport Minister.
On April 12, TAR UMT was upgraded to full-fledged university status.
TAR UC board of governors chairman Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai, who was also present, described the launch of the 10-year roadmap as a “significant moment” for TAR UMT as it would guide the university towards a new horizon.
TAR UC president Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei, who gave a detailed outline of the 10-year roadmap, said TAR UMT currently has 28,000 students enrolled in various courses.
Also present were MCA deputy president and Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon and MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
Separately, an online portal highlighted a transport expert’s statement that Malaysia’s economic development had been hampered due to the involvement of various ministries and agencies in transport planning.
To this, Dr Wee said he welcomed all opinions and that such planning does involve the coordination of various parties.
“We welcome good suggestions, but it is also important that there must be good coordination (between different ministries and agencies).
“There must be concerted efforts. It is a fact, and we do not dispute this (involvement of various ministries and agencies),” he said.
On whether the government would extend the one-month free rides across all public transportation services under RapidKL in the Klang Valley, the minister said they would stick to what was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
