President welcomes freshers of May 2019

UTAR Department of Student Affairs (DSA) of Kampar and Sungai Long Campuses, and UTAR Kampar Campus Registration, Campus Tour and Mass Call (RCM) Committee successfully organised a mass call at both Sungai Long and Kampar Campuses on 21 and 23 May 2019 respectively.

Held as part of the Orientation programme for May 2019 intake, the mass call was conducted for new students to meet the University President, the senior officials as well as the deans and deputy deans.

Prof Chuah emphasising on the importance of English

Attended by more than 1,700 new students from both campuses, the mass call was graced by UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik.

In his welcome speech at the mass call, Prof Chuah warmly welcomed all the freshmen and introduced UTAR as a place full of opportunities which will not only enrich their lives as undergraduates, but also provide them with valuable life experiences.

New students during the mass call at Kampar Campus

Prof Chuah advised, “Education is a very important part of life. Leaving secondary school and entering tertiary study is a big adjustment for many students. You must be aware of the differences and it is important for you to be independent and make yourself to adapt to the system quickly. In University, balance is the key. Work smart from the beginning of the semester. University is a learning environment in which students must take responsibility for thinking and applying what they have learned. School students are informed that university life is exciting and entertaining; students are also informed that university life is demanding and stressful. In order to adapt to the transition, students must understand and recognise the different teaching styles, testing and grading.”

He further advised the new students to acquire and master the English language as well as to be determined and be focused on obtaining the degree. He enthused, “English is an international language and is dominant in the field of business, social science, science, engineering and medicine. Therefore, try to communicate with your course mates, housemates and with your lecturers in English more often in order to get ready for your future workplace where English would be mainly used.”

In addition to that, Prof Chuah also emphasised the importance of human networking and extracurricular activities. He said, “Besides performing academically, students should participate in extracurricular activities organised by student clubs and societies in order to lead a balanced academic life. Do take the opportunity to build networks with your seniors, lecturers and students from other faculties. Hard work, determination, full concentration and self-discipline are the key secrets to earn a successful university experience.”

He further encouraged, “Aiming high is always a good start. Aim high, work hard and achieve your goals. Goals can only be reached through a proper plan, in which you must passionately believe, and upon which you must enthusiastically act.”

Last but not least, Prof Chuah also reminded the new students to embrace the six UTAR philosophical values of Virtue and Morality, Knowledge and Intellect, Physical and Mental Health, Sociality and Humanitarianism, Aesthetics and Harmony, and Creativity and Innovation. He advised the new students to be ethical, professional, sociable, active in building their human network, creative, be involved in sports and innovative in order to gain a complete university experience.

Loh advising the freshmen to expand their social network 

Student Representative Council (SRC) Kampar Campus 2018/2019 Chairperson Loh Jia Hui congratulated the new students and advised, “There are three important things that I would like to share with you all today. Firstly, try to master the English language. Try to communicate with your course mates, housemates and with your lecturers in English more often in order to get ready for the workforce. Secondly, make friends as many as possible. Try to expand your social network and don’t be shy to make friends. And last but not least, make changes and get yourself out of your comfort zone. Be active and join in more extracurricular and soft skills activities organised by students’ club and societies. Please bear in mind, good time management and good friends would definitely give you an enjoyable university life.”

Ng advising the freshmen to spend their time wisely and responsibly

SRC Sungai Long Campus 2018/2019 Chairperson Ng Jia Wei welcomed the new students and said, “This is officially the fifth year since the merging of three campuses in Klang Valley area. I am feeling honoured and lucky to be among the first batch of students to enjoy the new facilities in this building. I believe every one of you is having the same feeling as I had previously. This is your new chapter, everything around you is fresh and different. Studying at a university is different compared to studying at a primary or secondary school; you cannot expect spoon-feeding. This is the moment where you will learn how to use your time efficiently, independently and be more responsible in your life.”

Also present at the mass call were Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Dean of Faculty of Science Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Science Dr Lee Lai Meng, Dean of Faculty of Information and Communication Technology Assoc Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue, Dean of Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Prof Ir Dr Goi Bok Min, Dean of Faculty of Accountancy and Management Dr Sia Bee Chuan, Deputy Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Dr Tan Kok Tat, Deputy Dean of Faculty of Business and Finance Peter Tan Sin Howe, Deputy Dean of Institute of Chinese Studies Dr Ling Liong Ngo, Deputy Dean of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Prof Dr Alan Ong Han Kiat,Deputy Dean of Faculty of Creative IndustriesThinavan Periyayya, Director of Centre for Foundation Studies (Kampar Campus) Tan Lee Siew, Deputy Director of Centre for Foundation Studies (Sungai Long Campus) Pua Gaik Hong, SRC Kampar Campus Chairperson Loh Jia Hui and Kampar Campus Mass Call Manager Wong Ting Feng, SRC Sungai Long Campus Chairperson Ng Jia Wei and Mass Call Manager Chuah Pei Lim.

Freshmen at Sungai Long Campus (top) and Kampar Campus taking the oath during the mass call