KUALA LUMPUR: The late Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, fondly known as the “Father of TAR College Development”, was firm that both Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TAR College) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) must be professionally run and free from political interference.
Former UTAR president Tan Sri Prof. Dr Chuah Hean Teik said Dr Ling had made it clear that politics had no place in education.
“Dr Ling emphasised that the university and college should be managed professionally, with no politics in education. If political matters arose, he would handle them personally,” he said.
“I have retired, but I remember Dr Ling standing firm that there should be no political interference in the university. This was set out in black and white,” he added.
Dr Ling also took a hands-on role in fundraising, from organising charity dinners and tapping personal contacts to even selling fried kway teow to support the construction of UTAR’s hospital.
“People contributed because they trusted the cause was for the nation and not for personal gain,” Chuah said.
While Dr Ling led fundraising efforts, Chuah noted that the management team focused on executing projects efficiently and cost-effectively.
He said Dr Ling enforced strict frugality policies, with board members and trustees of both institutions of higher learning receiving no allowances to ensure that public donations went fully towards student development and university projects.
Dr Ling also championed a “blue ocean strategy”, selecting campus locations based on areas of greatest need rather than competing in saturated regions such as the Klang Valley, Chuah added.
Beyond administration, Dr Ling’s influence extended nationwide. He initiated the Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement and the Festival of the Minds to promote STEM education and innovative learning.
TAR UMT, formerly TAR College, now operates six campuses nationwide, while UTAR, founded in 2002 with Dr Ling’s support, adopted a model that integrates campuses with surrounding communities to create both educational and economic opportunities.
Chuah said Dr Ling prioritised system-building over personal legacy.
“He led by example — if something could not be done, he taught you how to manage it diplomatically within your principles. He nurtured leaders to become independent and even surpass him one day,” he said.
UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat echoed this, highlighting Dr Ling’s personal involvement and mentorship.
“Even before his mobility became limited, he frequently visited the university office, attending events and engaging with students and staff,” he said.
Ewe added that Dr Ling’s practical approach and positive outlook inspired those around him.
“Sometimes, fundraising did not go smoothly, but he would encourage us not to worry and think of other ways.
“He taught collaboration, emphasised the bigger picture, and never fussed over challenges. As long as everyone worked together, everything would be fine,” he said.
