To celebrate UTAR Kampar Campus students receiving scholarships, a student scholarship award presentation ceremony was organised on 16 November 2022 at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, UTAR Kampar Campus. The recipients were comprised of October 2022 intake students, who are currently enrolled in Foundation and Bachelor programmes at UTAR.

Another ceremony was also held at Sungai Long Campus on 14 November 2022 to celebrate the meaningful occasion. Both campuses saw a total of 1,066 students receiving the scholarship awards. The awards were presented by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat.

As of 2022, UTAR has awarded over RM170million worth of scholarships and over RM12million in zero-interest internal loans to students facing financial difficulties. Besides offering internal scholarships, UTAR has also been working closely with various outstanding organisations in offering external scholarships to students in need.

During the ceremony, Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) student Hazel Lim Benin, who is a recipient of the FWD Takaful Scholarship, shared her thoughts, saying, “Receiving the scholarship has greatly reduced the financial burden of my family. It has given my parents hope to see their eldest daughter graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I have other siblings who will enter college in years to come, therefore, this financial aid is truly appreciated. This gift from UTAR has relieved my immediate financial stress, and I believe it will push me harder to contribute back the knowledge I gained to society. UTAR has taught and inspired me to be a dynamic member of our community regardless of my professional choices.”

She expressed her gratitude to her secondary school, Penang Chinese Girl’s Private High School (PCGPHS), for providing her with a fruitful and positive learning experience. Ending her speech, Hazel Lim gave an uplifting closure to her peers, saying, “O.K means ‘Opportunity Knocking’. The choice has always been in our hands, let us live with courage and no regrets.”

Foundation in Science student Goh Kim Han, who is a recipient of the UTAR Scholarship for Top Achievers, thanked UTAR for providing him with the opportunity to explore the marvel of knowledge acquisition. He said, “This scholarship does not only provide me with a new vision of fixating on my educational goal, but it also helps to relate myself to the new digital world of transformation, especially in terms of human relations and future career undertaking. I wish to employ this platform to dedicate and extend my appreciation to the school for generously opening a new door to my next aspiring academic journey. I will strive to apply what I have learnt to contribute to society.”

Before closing his speech, Goh offered his take on discovering self-value. He said, “Like the tumultuous waves, life is full of uncertainties and miracles. Be a crafter or a mind-mapper to create and invent the world of your wisdom. Never stop finding a genuine identity to fit your niche.”

The third student to share her thought was Bachelor of Science (Honours) Food Science student, Lim Hui En. She received the UTAR Scholarship for Top Achievers. In her sharing, Lim said, “As a recipient, I’m truly grateful for this scholarship. This scholarship is not as superficial as just funding my university fees, but it also allows me to stay focused on my studies and ensures my success in the food science industry. I would like to show my appreciation by giving back to society or the communities around me in the future. I wish that someday I will have the ability to support students to fulfil their purpose, just like how UTAR supports me.”

Aside from the three students, other recipients also expressed their sincere gratitude and delight in a pre-recorded video which was brimmed with waves of appreciation. They revealed that the scholarships will allow them to enjoy learning experiences to their fullest while granting optimism to their families.

At the occasion, Prof Dato’ Ewe congratulated the recipients for their accomplishments and efforts. He said, “‘Education is a passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.’ I hope that, by receiving these UTAR scholarships, students can stay focused, learn more soft skills, participate in co-curriculum activities and do their best in their studies. I was also a scholarship recipient during my university days. We always think about how people helped UTAR and how we can contribute back to repay them. Therefore, I hope after all of you graduate, you will make a positive contribution to society and the workplace; give back to society and the community with a charitable heart.”

Prior to the ceremony, UTAR staff Nurul Izwazi binti Mohd Nor gave song performances on the stage. She sang “Unstoppable” and “Escapist” as congratulatory wishes to the recipients.

Also present at the ceremony were UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Faculty of Arts and Science (FAS) Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng, Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) of Kampar Campus Director Ts Tan Lee Siew, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Ling Liong Ngo, Division of Examination and Awards Deputy Director Yeoh Meng Chin and Division of Programme Promotion Deputy Director for Malaysian Student Recruitment Tan Choon Wah, UTAR staff and students.

The ceremony came to an end with a group photography session.