A mock cheque presentation by SRM Integration (M) Sdn Bhd and a handover ceremony by JF Technology Bhd were organised on 7 September 2022 at T&CM Block, UTAR Hospital, Kampar.

Present at the event were President of UTAR Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Managing Director of JF Technology Bhd Dato’ Foong Wei Kuong, Managing Director of SRM Integration (M) Sdn Bhd Mr Sim Ah Yoong and spouse, and Council Member of UTAR Mr Hew Fen Yee.

The event was witnessed by Executive Director of JF Technology Bhd Datin Wang Mei Ling; Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing of JF Technology Bhd Andy Goh Joo Hwa; HR Manager of JF Technology Bhd Jade Tan Gaik Bee; personal assistant Wendy Chua Lih Chu; UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong; Member of UTAR Hospital Board Assoc Prof Dr Te Kian Keong; Chief Administrative Officer Chor Choy Yook; Acting Chief Operating Officer Loo Heng Hoe, UTAR staff, and UTAR Hospital staff.

Prof Ewe 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. This Hospital will also provide education and training for medical students and conduct medical research for the advancement of medicine and healthcare. The construction of the hospital will cost RM330million and UTAR seeks the support of the community to participate in our fundraising efforts.”

He also added, “Today, we are very grateful to JF Technology Bhd for their donation of a dialysis machine and a total of six electrical patient beds worth RM100,000 to UTAR Hospital. We are also truly grateful to SRM Integration (M) Sdn Bhd for their benevolent donation of RM300,000 towards the development of UTAR Hospital as this would enable the hospital to progress further. On behalf of UTAR staff and students and UTAR Hospital, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to JF Technology and SRM Integration for your support and generosity. The T&CM Centre began its operation in April 2022 with over 7,500 patient visits for outpatient services within the first five months, and the construction of the Medical Centre for western medicine will be ready by this month, and the operation of western medicine is planned to start in early 2023. This was made possible thanks 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, which will also serve the community by providing quality affordable medical and health services.”

Dato’ Foong said, “We know the importance of having a good healthcare system, especially during the pandemic. We witnessed hospitals in Malaysia and around the world filled to the brim during this unprecedented time. We also saw the immense dedication and commitment by the frontliners and medical practitioners, to which we are eternally very grateful. Thankfully, the world emerged victorious in our battle against COVID-19 as we continue to transition towards the endemic city and gradually return to normalcy.”

He added, “On the other hand, the pandemic also highlighted some of the challenges faced by the healthcare industry. As an entrepreneur and business owner, I truly understood the challenges and what needed to be done to address them. Hence, it is crucial to continuously enhance and strengthen the healthcare system, in order to future-proof it, especially given that we are fast becoming an ageing nation. This is where UTAR Hospital plays a key role. Besides offering quality and affordable medical and health services in western, traditional, and complementary medicines, UTAR Hospital will also provide clinical training to students. I believe in time, many will benefit from these services provided by UTAR Hospital. As such, I am pleased to play a part in supporting the UTAR Hospital development, which I will continue to do so going forward as I am a strong believer in giving. I’ll end with this quote, ‘Giving is not about making a donation; it is about making a difference’.”

Mr Sim said, “Last couple of months, I visited UTAR Hospital with Dato’ Foong. When I saw the facilities, I knew immediately that this will be a marvellous project. Malaysia still lacks health facilities, especially affordable ones. The UTAR Hospital is located near all walks of life, and in supporting this project, SRM never thought twice to do our part in corporate social responsibility. With that, we made some contributions to help in one way or another. I believe UTAR Hospital will become an important hospital in Kampar and all who have worked hard for this project will surely be very proud of its achievement.”

Following the speeches were the mock cheque presentation by Mr Sim and the handover ceremony by Dato’ Foong to Prof Ewe, who received them on behalf of UTAR Hospital. The special occasion was witnessed by Mr Hew, UTAR staff and guests.