With the aim of raising funds for UTAR Hospital, UTAR in collaboration with UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia officially launched the Tree Adoption Programme for UTAR Hospital Fundraising on 5 March 2022 at UTAR Hospital T&CM Building.

Present at the launch were UTAR Council Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh, UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia President Simon Chong Weng Yeap, UTAR Council Member Mr Hew Fen Yee, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Director of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Centre of UTAR Hospital Assoc Prof Dr Te Kian Keong, UTAR Hospital Project Chief Administrative Officer Chor Choy Yook, UTAR Chancellery and UTAR Department of Alumni Relations and Placement Head Lim Swea Jen, UTAR Hospital staff and UTAR staff.

In his speech, UTAR Council Chairman Tan Sri Ting said, “UTAR Hospital is part of the growth and expansion of UTAR as a private university for the people by the people. Just as UTAR was set up as a not-for-profit university to provide quality affordable education to the people, UTAR Hospital will also be a not-for-profit private hospital providing affordable and quality medical services to the people. The construction of the Hospital will cost RM330million and UTAR seeks the support of our alumni to participate in our fundraising efforts. This Tree Adoption Programme is one of the many fundraising activities that the University students, staff and the community have conducted to help raise funds for the Hospital. UTAR is thankful to everyone - the community, the public, the donors, organisations and companies for coming forward over the years with generous donations to help build this Hospital. As alumni of the University, we hope you will support the University’s efforts, however big or small. Your contribution and support are deeply appreciated.”

UTAR President Prof Ewe enthused, “I would like to thank the UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia for taking the lead and making time to be with us today for the launch of the Tree Adoption Programme. UTAR is indeed proud of the contributions of UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia and we are also thankful to the UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia for participating in this fundraising programme to “Adopt a Tree for a Clean and Green UTAR Hospital”. In addition to raising funds for the Hospital, this programme will also promote green development and increase greenery around the hospital grounds. So, we hope to receive the support of UTAR alumni to promote this Tree Adoption Programme among other alumni as a community effort in support of the environment as well as the community who will benefit from UTAR Hospital.”

Meanwhile, Simon Chong in his speech echoed, “On behalf of the UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to UTAR for giving us the opportunity to be part of this noble programme. This meaningful tree-adoption project donates to UTAR Hospital and fulfils the universal objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a greener community and improved air quality. You can choose the quantity of tree you plan to adopt, and you will receive a certificate of tree adoption from UTAR Hospital. Your name will be placed on the tree adopted by you and your tree will be planted in the hospital landscaped areas.”

The ceremony also witnessed the presentation of cheques for the Tree Adoption Programme. UTAR President Prof Ewe and UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia President Chong presented cheques worth RM1,000 each. Another cheque worth RM10,000 was presented by Choong Yong Choo’s family.

The simple ceremony ended with a group photograph.