UTAR commemorates 10th Anniversary

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman's (UTAR) decennial celebration was celebrated by staff, students and invited distinguished guests with much joy, anticipation and pride at the newly constructed Dewan Tun Dr. Ling Liong Sik on 19 October 2012.

To commemorate the significant UTAR 10th Anniversary and the stellar successes that the University has achieved for the past ten years, an iconic hall has been constructed in the Perak campus. This enormous hall, which is built on a 12,000-square-metre-plot and has a seating capacity of 3500, is modelled closely to resemble imperial architecture of ancient dynastic grandeur.

Therefore, the celebration also saw the inauguration of the majestic grand hall by UTAR Council Chairman, Tun Dr. Ling Liong Sik, whose name is used to name after it. He was accompanied by Toh Puan Ena Ling, Chairman of UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Sak Cheng Lum and UTAR President Ir. Professor Academician Dato' Dr. Chuah Hean Teik to grace the momentous event.

Prof. Chuah thanked all the distinguished guests and friends from other institutions of higher learning who have travelled from near and far, from different parts of the world, to share the bliss of this auspicious occasion.

 "Your presence has infused us with immeasurable pride that will strengthen the flourishing ties of friendship," he told, and proceeded to extend his gratitude to Tun Ling and also various quarters whose endless support to the university has resulted in the latter's tangible success today.

 "UTAR was built on the dream and vision of one man, our forerunner and Council Chairman himself, Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik.  He had the foresight to see the future educational needs of the country and the determination to transfer his ideas and dream into reality. Hence, to honour his immense contributions, the University unanimously decided to name this imperious hall after this prominent man of equal greatness," he said.

The humble Tun Dr. Ling then shared moving stories of the university's inception and others' contributions to its establishment.

 "Today, everything in UTAR is built by public donation. In all humility, I accept this honour on behalf of the thousands who helped build this hall. Education is our future, I am happy that people share our dream," he concluded.

The audience were then treated with a series of scintillating performances and video presentations which include a poetry recital in four languages, namely Malay, English, Chinese and Tamil. Written and performed by staff and students, all four poetries share the same theme about UTAR's excellence and achievements for the past decade. The poetry recital was then followed by the Grand Choir performance and also a special tribute to Tun Dr. Ling.

A tree planting ceremony soon ensued, and the crowd witnessed Tun Dr. Ling, Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Sak and Prof. Chuah planting the Palmyra Palms Borassus Flabellifer at the University Garden behind Dewan Tun Dr. Ling Liong Sik.

Staff, students and guests were also seen joining the Garden Party at the same location a couple of hours later.

The historic event was attended and witnessed by all the stakeholders of UTAR Council members, Board of Trustees, staff, students, alumni, associates, foreign university partners and industry partners.

Tun Ling unveiling the Dewan Tun Dr. Ling Liong Sik plaque. Looking on are (second from left) Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Sak, Prof. Chuah, Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh and Toh Puan Ena Ling.

Tun Ling using the kinect or natural user interface developed by UTAR lecturers from the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) and staff from the UTAR Software Development & Multimedia Services Centre (SODEMC) to officiate the 10th Anniversary celebration while Prof. Chuah looks on.

Lecturer Gangadurai a/l Ganesan (left) and student Shivashangaree a/p Chanasekaran reciting the Tamil poem with gusto.

 

Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Sak (left) presenting a pewter plaque which had the panoramic view of Dewan Tun Dr. Ling Liong Sik etched on it to Tun Dr. Ling (center) while Prof. Chuah looks on.

 

Tun Dr. Ling (right) planting the Palmyra Palms Borassus Flabellifer which signifies UTAR's skyrocketing achievement in future years while Toh Puan Ena Ling looks on.

Staff, students and guests having a jolly good time at the Garden Party.