Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is establishing its first endowed
chair, the Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow Chair in Banking and Finance,
with the contribution of RM1.25 million from Public Bank Berhad (PBB). The
collaboration was formalised in the signing ceremony of the agreement and
presentation of a mock cheque held at Menara Public Bank, Kuala Lumpur, on
14 May 2009.
The agreement was signed by Ir. Professor Dato' Dr. Chuah Hean Teik, UTAR
President, and Tan Sri Dato' Sri Tay Ah Lek, PBB Managing Director.
Witnesses for the agreement were Dr. Tan Kee Kong, UTAR Registrar, and Dato'
Lee Kong Lam, PBB Executive Director. Present to witness the occasion was
Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow, PBB Chairman and Founder.
The Chair which will be established at the Faculty of Business and Finance
in UTAR Perak Campus in Kampar will chart new strategic directions in
research and development in the field of banking and finance.
The Chair aims to achieve multi-faceted objectives. Among the objectives are
promoting exchange of technical expertise between industry and academia;
developing and achieving excellence in the research and development;
education and training relating to banking and financial products and
services; facilitating and organising a range of activities in advancing
banking and finance industry as well as establishing and complementing a
stronger pool of expertise consisting of both academia and industrial
representatives to provide financial consultancy.
In his speech during the signing ceremony, Prof. Chuah said, "It is
heartening to note that the strategic partnership between Public Bank and
UTAR combines the best of both worlds - industry knowledge with cutting edge
academic research. He said, "Through such academia-industry collaboration,
academics stay in touch with business realities while industry can leverage
on the research and reflections of the academics. This will make
universities more relevant to industry and ultimately bring profound
contribution to the development of our nation."
On the appointment of a professor to hold the Chair, Prof Chuah said, "The
appointed Professor shall be an established academic researcher with an
outstanding research publication, funding and industrial collaboration
record and exhibits the capability to lead the research thrust of the
University in the area of banking and financial services and the development
of high-quality academic programmes related to Banking and Finance."
He added, "The Professor will also train suitably qualified employees of
Public Bank through short courses, seminars and other activities deemed to
be suitable and necessary in the fields of Banking and Finance."
Prof. Chuah also extended heartfelt appreciation and thanked Tan Sri Dato'
Sri Dr. Teh and PBB for all their contributions and continuous support given
to UTAR since the establishment of the University.
(From left) Dato' Lee Kong Lam, Tan Sri Dato' Sri Tay Ah Lek, Ir. Professor Dato' Dr. Chuah Hean Teik and Dr. Tan Kee Kong at the signing ceremony
(From left) Dato' Lee Kong Lam, Tan Sri Dato' Sri Tay Ah Lek, Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow, Ir. Professor Dato' Dr. Chuah Hean Teik and Dr. Tan Kee Kong at the mock cheque presentation.
Wholly owned by UTAR Education Foundation Co. No. 578227-M LEGAL STATEMENT TERM OF USAGE PRIVACY NOTICE