The 20th Anniversary UTAR Annual Alumni Dinner, organised by the Department of Alumni Relations and Placement, received about 300 participants this year. The annual dinner took place at The Grand Ballroom of Genting International Convention Centre on 26 November 2022.

The alumni dinner was organised for UTAR alumni to keep in touch with one another, maintain connections and build new networks by meeting new people.

Present at the event were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Faculty of Business and Finance Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Assoc Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia President Simon Chong Weng Yeap, Registrar Designate and Division of Quality Assurance Director Loh Siaw Yien, Centre for Corporate and Community Development Director Lim Guat Yen, DARP Head Lim Swea Jen, sponsors, alumni, students and staff.

Prof Dato’ Ewe expressed, “I am sure you agree with me that alumni and students, past and present, are the foundation of a strong university. They contribute towards shaping the university’s reputation and recognition in the industry. The success of our graduates in the industry resonates with the university’s reputation and similarly the success of the university enhances the graduates’ employability in the industry. Both the university and the alumni are synonymously interlinked. Therefore, it is essential that we continue to uphold this mutual link and relationship as we treasure and appreciate each other’s successes and achievements.”

He added, “UTAR is always proud of its alumni’s success and diligence at work across various industries. I know we have many achievers and successful alumni, many who have achieved great progress from life as a student to success in their career and earning good salaries for their family.”

Simon Chong shared, “This day is very important; it provides an opportunity for everyone to meet each other after so many years. It also helps the alumni to notice the various changes that the university has gone through over the past years. We hope to build a community to help better utilise your skill set, stay on top of the latest trends, keep a pulse on the job market, meet prospective mentors, partners and clients, and gain access to the necessary resources that will foster your career development. Hopefully, this will turn into a place where we can share ideas, discuss opportunities, and create a network to manifest our full potential.”

In conjunction with the dinner, the Top Ten Most Beautiful Places and Sceneries of UTAR Kampar video was showcased to the audience. The initiative was organised by the Institute of Chinese Studies, Persatuan Alumni Pengajian Cina UTAR and I Culture Berhad.

In conjunction with the alumni dinner, the UTAR Outstanding Alumni Award was also presented to several outstanding alumni to recognise their achievements and contributions in the various fields of expertise and professions in the employment industry.

Winners of UTAR Outstanding Alumni Award

Category: Business, Economics and Entrepreneurial
Honouree Award: June Lowe Ee Lynn
Merit Award: Ryan Lim Chee Tat
Merit Award: Alvin Liew Voon Siang

Category: Creativity and Innovation

Honouree Award: Koo Kian Yong

Category: Cultural and Artistic

Honouree Award: Lee Ching Kai
Merit Award: Ooi San Tee

Category: Sociality, Humanitarianism and Volunteerism

Honouree: R. R. Raagidhasakti
Merit Award: Lawrence Lau Pick Hock

Category: Athletics and Sportsmanship

Honouree Award: S. Murali

Category: Professional, Academic and Research Excellence

Honouree Award: Assoc Prof Dr Cham Tat Huei
Merit Award: Dr Ch’ng Ee Cheik
Merit Award: Ts Dr S. Krishnan

Sponsoring the event were Ang Yiu Tee, Danish House Sdn Bhd, American Express (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Protech Builders Sdn Bhd.

A friendly badminton match was held earlier for UTAR alumni, students and the public to build networks, foster bonds and build rapport with each other. Chung Hua BC won first place, Time Sports Xcel won second place and the UTAR alumni team won third place.