UTAR Ball: Unveiling the Future

The opening ceremony of the UTAR Ball

Under the theme ‘Unveiling the Future’, the UTAR Ball 2017 organised by the Student Representative Council (SRC) was held in the grand ballroom of Genting International Convention Centre, Pahang on 1July 2017.  The annual event which is typically held once in a year serves as a platform to enrich the students’ social lives through the interaction between seniors and freshmen, as well as celebrate the culmination of the anniversary with a notion of social ball night.

Alexis (left) and Prof Chuah (right) giving an opening speech

The night began with an opening ceremony, followed by a speech, which was given by the organising chairperson of the UTAR Ball 2017 Alexis Ting Xin Then. In her welcome speech, she thanked the sponsors, VIPs, fellow SRC committee and students from both Kampar and Sungai Long campuses for the efforts and support they have put in to make this significant occasion a huge success. She said, “The name ‘Unveiling the Future’ was chosen because most of the participating students will soon graduate. The theme is relatable because the mask acts as the student’s own university life and as they graduate, a new path, life and journey awaits them.”

In attendance was UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik to officiate the night. In his speech, he said, “I am very impressed with the hard work displayed by the organising committee. I know it was not easy, but they have demonstrated all their skills; negotiation skill, logistic skill and they have even shown their persuasion skill to make this event a success. I hope that UTAR students will continue to carry our flag high not only as a successful graduate but also as someone who will be able to contribute the society. Thank you organising committee and sponsors once again.”  

Among the honoured guests who also attended the ball were Vice President for Internationalisation & Academic Development Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President for R&D and Commercialization Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Department of Student Affairs (Sungai Long Campus) Head Loh Nyuk Leung, Department of Alumni Relations and Placement Head Foo Wai Wai, and Department of Chancellery Head Lim Swea Jen.

Lucky winners with Prof Lee (fifth from left)

Lucky winners with Prof Ewe (fifth from left)

Various dishes were prepared, and many entertaining events were lined-up for the night which included the magic show by magician Abdul Hakim Azman, dancing performance by Surprise, singing performance by Sunny Cheah, Esther Koh, Virgin Boys and Rebecca Pang, beat boxing by Gsen Tang and DJ session. In a cornucopia of dazzling lights and music, the performers showed off their scintillating performance onstage to a thunderous round of applause from the audience. To spice things up, lucky draw sessions were held twice for the night alternately.

Yong, Sim, and Chong (left) receiving the award from Prof Chuah (right)

Prof Choong (third from left) with the award winners of Best Coursed Based Society

Prof Choong (centre) with the award winners of Best Non-coursed Based Society

Prom King Teoh (left) and Prom Queen Miko (right)

In addition to delicious food and great entertainment, the event also featured a student award ceremony where several awards were given out by Prof Chuah and Prof Choong to the award recipients. A prom King and Queen were also selected based on the students’ voting. Teoh Yit Sean and Miko Kong Qian Hui were elected as the prom king and queen respectively. Following the election, the King and Queen began the waltz and later opened the floor to the rest of those in attendance to join them on the dance floor, which lighted up the night.

Overall, the successful UTAR Ball 2017 featured great food, engaging performance and entertainments, an enchanting atmosphere and lots of fun. The event was supported by a great number of sponsors such as beverage partner OISHI, co-sponsor Hermo, Yeabbo, gold sponsor Lysaght Marketing Sdn Bhd, MELILEA, and Chang Jiang International Sdn Bhd.

The list of award winners is as follows:

Award category	Award winner
Best Student Leader Award	Yong Kian Fai (Kampar Campus)
Most talented UTARian	Sim Wen Qin (Kampar Campus)
Sportsperson of The Year	Chong Zhuang Kit(Kampar Campus)
Best Course-based Society Award	Chinese Studies Society
Best Society Non-Course Based Award	Wushu Club

Opening Performance by Surprise

Various local cuisine prepared for the participants

Magic show by magician Abdul Hakim

Singing performance by Esther (left) and Virgin boys (right)

Students waltzing around the ballroom