RM23mil raised for TAR UMT student loan fund

Nirvana Asia Group founder and executive chairman Tan Sri David Kong Hon Kong (left) presenting a mock cheque of RM2mil to Chan Kong Choy (right second) for TAR UMT, as witnessed by Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (middle). Looking on were (from left second) Dr Wee Ka Siong, Liow Tiong Lai and Lee Sze Wei.—SHAARI CHEMAT /The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM23mil has been raised for the Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology's (TAR UMT) Student Loan Fund, says its alumni council chairman and board of governors member Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.

He said the total amount has exceeded the RM10mil target, also meeting an achievement by exceeding the initial target of 100 student loan funds.

"We have successfully established 66 new student loan funds with this amount.

"From 53 student loan funds, TAR UMT now has a total of 119 student loan funds to help our students," he said during the celebration of TAR UMT’s upgrade and Student Loan Fund event on Saturday (March 11).

He said the initiative to establish student loan funds is to give quality and affordable education to those in need and deserving of a helping hand so the student may pursue the tertiary education of their dreams.

"We have witnessed the institution grow from strength to strength, from TAR College to Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) in 2013, and of course to TAR UMT in November 2022.

"Over the years, numerous loan recipients have successfully completed their education goals and achieved their dreams, thanks to the TAR UMT student loan fund.

"Since 1979, close to 15,000 loans with a total value of more than RM57mil have been disbursed, a statistic that we hope to see grow continuously in the coming years.

"We are proud to be called TAR UMT alumni, which has grown to a vast network close to 300,000 strong.

"Many among us have achieved successes in a diverse range of careers and contributed positively to society and the nation, such as national leaders, CEOs, business personalities, industry experts and trailblazing entrepreneurs," he said.

Chan also thanked the "TARCians" who contributed to TAR UMT’s growth in a variety of ways - from being productive and responsible members of the society to singing and promoting TAR UMT to their peers.

TAR UMT started out as TAR College in 1969 before being upgraded to university college status as Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) in 2012.

Then TAR UMT received the certificate of registration from the Higher Education Department on Nov 7, 2022.

TAR UMT focuses on providing tertiary education opportunities for young Malaysians regardless of race, class and creed who seek quality education as well as meeting the rising demand for human capital from businesses and industries.

Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin also graced the special dinner, which was hosted to appreciate all donors for their valuable contributions toward the needy students.

Also present were TARC Education Foundation board of trustees chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, TAR UMT Board of Governors chairman Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai and TAR UMT president Prof Lee Sze Wei.