Official opening of UTAR Gallery

In conjunction with the 22nd Convocation celebration, Council Chairman Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik officially opened the UTAR Gallery on 25 March 2016 at UTAR Kampar Campus’s Heritage Hall.

From left: Prof Chuah, Tan Sri V.C. George, Tun Ling, Tan Sri Sak, Datuk Oh, and Paul Geh during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of UTAR Gallery

A group photograph of guests and staff of UTAR after ribbon-cutting ceremony

Also present at the ceremony were Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UTAR Education Foundation Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Sak Cheng Lum, Members of the Board of Trustees of UTAR Education Foundation Datuk Oh Chong Peng and Cheng Hooi, Paul Geh, Retired Judge of the Court of Appeal and former President of the Malaysian Bar Council Tan Sri Dato’ V.C. George, UTAR Vice-President for Internationalisation and Academic Development-cum-UTAR Gallery Committee Chairperson Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR Vice-President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Assoc Prof Dr Teh Chee Seng, Director of UTAR Library Lim Suan Hoon, Director of Division of Corporate Communication and Public Relations Ong Soo Weon, Director of Software Development and Multimedia Services Centre Teoh Boon Chiat, Head of the Department of Estates and Facilities (Kampar Campus) Ir Abdul Majid bin Mohd Gani, Manager from the Division of Programme Promotion Hor Sin Yee, UTAR staff, and students.

 Tun Ling signing the guest book while Tan Sri V.C. George looks on

With the four sections, namely ‘The Road to Independence’, ‘Genesis and Development of UTAR’, ‘Achievements and Contributions’, and ‘Community Projects and Student Activities’, the gallery exhibits the history, memorable moments, achievements, and progress of the university in the past 13 years since its establishment in 2002. Through the display of hundreds of valuable photographs, artefacts, and multimedia resources, it brings to its visitors a rich history of accomplishments showcasing diversity and excellence in areas ranging from culture and arts to academia and research, mirroring the rapid development of the university.

Prof Chuah delivering his speech

In his opening speech, Prof Chuah said, “The idea of the gallery was first mooted in 2014 and commenced with some initial discussions. In 2015, a special committee chaired by Prof Ewe carried out further discussions and the groundwork was laid. This gallery showcases the genesis of UTAR, the manifold collaborations of the university with its partners and the rich exchanges of gifts and documents, and the various significant student and staff activities. The gallery also showcases a brief history of the important individuals and the parties that led to independent Malaya.”

He added, “I would also like to express my appreciation to the committee chaired by Prof Ewe including the designers and supporting staff for making this day possible and for making this gallery a milestone achievement for UTAR.”  

Apart from the history and achievements of the university, a highlight of the gallery is the concept of “Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)”. Dr Ooi Boon Yaik, the Head of Department of Computer Science under the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, said, “We have three projects in the UTAR Gallery. All these applications are based on the concept of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). The first one is the UTAR Gallery-Augmented Tour; this application is deployed and can be downloaded via Google Play store. It allows users to enjoy additional multimedia content by using their smartphone cameras to scan the posters displayed in the UTAR Gallery. The second one is Zero Configuration Solution; this solution is used to allow users to control one of the TVs in the UTAR Gallery through their smartphone. Last but not least, the third application is named Event Management Solution, where the solution is used to help users track the completeness of their tour in the UTAR Gallery."

Dr Ooi (right) explaining the concept of BYOD to guests and visitors 

The ceremony ended with a tour led by Prof Ewe explaining each section to guests and visitors. 

Prof Ewe (right) explaining the genesis of UTAR to Tun Ling and Tan Sri V.C. George (middle)

A group photograph of guests and staff of UTAR