A momentous day was inked when the Tan Sri Dr Ngau Boon Keat Lecture Theatre, named in honour of Tan Sri Dr Ngau Boon Keat, was launched along with a mock cheque presentation of donation to UTAR Hospital on 9 August 2023 at LDK 3, Block L, UTAR Kampar Campus.

The lecture theatre was launched by Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of DIALOG Group Berhad Tan Sri Dr Ngau Boon Keat and his wife Puan Sri Jean Ngau.

The launching ceremony was joined by DIALOG Group Berhad Corporate Services Executive Director Ngau Sue Ching; UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees and UTAR Council Members Datuk (Dr) Oh Chong Peng and spouse Datin Oh, and Datuk Lee Leck Cheng; UTAR Council Members Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, Datuk Lim Si Cheng, and Mr Hew Fen Yee; UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat; and UTAR Hospital CEO Prof Dr Lau Hui Ping.

Witnessing the launch were guests and representatives from DIALOG Group Berhad. UTAR Faculty of Information and Communication Technology Dean Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue and Faculty of Science Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, along with staff and students were also present to witness the meaningful event.

Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “This act of philanthropy is a profound testament to the belief that education is the cornerstone of progress and the catalyst for positive change. Our generous benefactor’s passion for learning and commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow have paved the way for a brighter future, fostering an environment where intellectual curiosity and innovation thrive.”

He added, “As a University by the people for the people, UTAR believes in giving back to the people. UTAR Hospital is also built along the same principle of giving back to the community by providing quality affordable medical and health services that will benefit everyone. This Hospital will also provide education and training for medical students and conduct medical research for the advancement of medicine and healthcare. We are truly honoured that Tan Sri Dr Ngau shares a similar vision and supports the University’s initiatives in providing quality affordable medical and healthcare services to the people. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Tan Sri Dr Ngau Boon Keat for his donation to UTAR Education Foundation.”

Tan Sri Dr Ngau stressed the importance of education and how it made a difference in his life. Having gone through difficult times growing up, he was fortunate to receive help from his neighbours. Guided by his mother’s advice that education would be his salvation, it gave him the determination and motivation to study hard and complete his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. This opened many doors, giving him the privilege of working with global energy companies, alongside many bright and innovative minds.

He highlighted, “Malaysia is blessed with plenty of natural resources and capable talents. and With support and guidance, we can help the younger generation reach their highest potential.”

Tan Sri Dr Ngau is the co-founder and major shareholder of DIALOG and has been with the Group since 1984. He was appointed to the DIALOG Board on 2 January 1990 and is currently the executive chairman of DIALOG. He is the chairman of Pengerang Independent Terminals Sdn Bhd, and the founder and trustee of MyKasih Foundation. He is also a board member of Johor Petroleum Development Corporation Berhad since 2012, and a trustee of the Yayasan Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan Malaysia (“Yayasan MySDG”) since 2021. He began his career in 1972 as a Refinery Engineer with Mobil Singapore Pte Ltd. He worked at PETRONAS from 1975 to 1980 where he held various positions from Production Engineer to Engineering Manager. He has more than 50 years of working experience in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries.

The mock cheque donation to UTAR Hospital was presented by Tan Sri Dr Ngau Boon Keat and Puan Sri Jean Ngau to Prof Dato’ Ewe, accompanied by Prof Lau.