UTAR Scholarship Award Presentation Ceremony for January 2023 intake

The UTAR Scholarship Award Presentation Ceremony for January 2023 intake students was held at both Sungai Long and Kampar Campuses on 28 February 2023 and 1 March 2023 respectively. UTAR Department of Scholarships and Financial Aid (DSFA) organised the ceremony to commemorate students who have received the scholarships. There were a grand total of 191 external and internal scholarship recipients, with 87 from Sungai Long Campus and 104 from Kampar Campus.

The ceremony at Sungai Long Campus was attended by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Dean Dr Pok Wei Fong, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Dean Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Ir Dr Gobi Vetharatnam, Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) (Sungai Long Campus) Director Melissa Stefanie Netto, Division of Programme Promotion (DPP) Director Lee Choy Fong, 64 scholarship recipients, and parents.

The occasion kicked off with a speech from Prof Dato’ Ewe who congratulated the recipients and said, “On behalf of the University, I would like to congratulate all of the scholarship recipients for your hard work, dedication and commitment to your education. These scholarships are awarded to you from the UTAR Education Foundation as financial assistance, in recognition of your academic accomplishments. Your passion for education and your commitment to excellence has paid off, and we are proud of you.”

He added, “It is clear that you all have a bright future ahead of you, and having an education under your belt will open your door to more opportunities. Therefore, I hope that by receiving this UTAR scholarship, you will be motivated to continue your studies, stay focused on getting good grades and put in your best effort for a good university education and experience.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe congratulating the recipients in his speech

There were also lively performances by the UTAR Sungai Long Chinese Orchestra Club and the UTAR Music Club, followed by speeches from some of the scholarship recipients. Bachelor of Science (Honours) Actuarial Science student Ng Kah Hoe, who is the recipient of UTAR Scholarship for Top Achievers, said, “I am glad and grateful because my academic success is being recognised through this scholarship. This is indeed a huge honour for me. UTAR is a generous university that has helped a lot of students receive scholarships to continue their education. I would like to express my sincere thanks to UTAR, my primary and secondary schools, and my lovely parents for helping me become the person I am today.”

Ng Kah Hoe

Another recipient, Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Broadcasting student Tan Ludwig, who received the UTAR-UEC Scholarship, expressed his immense gratitude to the University. He said, “I am glad to be one of the representatives to give this speech on behalf of all the UTAR scholarship recipients today. I have always been keen and passionate about working in the media and communication field, and with this scholarship, it is no longer a dream, but a vision coming to life. I am immensely grateful to the university for awarding me this scholarship. Since my tuition fees are fully waivered, I can focus on pursuing my tertiary education without worrying about my financial status.”

Tan Ludwig

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) student and UTAR-The Star Education Fund Scholarship recipient, Cheong How Pin, said in his speech, “I am glad that I took the initiative to apply for the scholarship provided by the Star and UTAR. It has really helped me a lot in my university journey. I can finally focus on my studies without worrying about my financial issues, not to mention, a burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I feel fortunate, and I would like to thank UTAR and UTAR President Prof Dato’ Ewe, for their help in providing me with this scholarship.” 

Cheong How Pin

“This scholarship has been beneficial to me in so many ways. Firstly, it has allowed me to concentrate on my studies without having to bear the financial burden on my shoulders. It has also given me a platform to interact with some of the Penang Future Foundation selection committee, who have guided me throughout my university life. The scholarship has given me a channel to give back to Penang as a sign of gratitude, and I would like to take this moment to thank UTAR for providing an excellent education for all of us and making sure that students have the best facilities and study environment,” enthused Bachelor of Science (Honours) Physics student and Penang Future Foundation Mutiara Scholarship holder, Joshua Anthony.

Joshua Anthony

Scholarship recipients from Sungai Long Campus

Meanwhile, the ceremony at Kampar Campus saw the attendance of Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Choong, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Dean Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun, Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Kuah Yoke Chin, CFS (Kampar Campus) Director Ts Tan Lee Siew, DPP Deputy Director for Malaysian Student Recruitment Tan Choon Wah, DSFA Head Tan Wear Sim, 45 scholarship recipients and parents.

The ceremony at Kampar Campus also saw captivating performances from the UTAR Chinese Orchestra Club and UTAR Music Club, and a motivating speech from Prof Dato’ Ewe. There were also gratitude speeches from two of the scholarship recipients.

Scholarship recipients from Kampar Campus

Bachelor of Public Administration (Honours) student Arshen Beevi binti Varusad Mohamed, who is a recipient of UTAR Scholarship for Top Achievers said, “Thank you UTAR for blessing me with the UTAR Scholarship for Top Achievers. It truly brought out the best in me and encouraged me to further reset my limits. This scholarship brings more self-belief and dedication to my work. It also gives me more responsibilities for the betterment of my work. I assure you that I will work hard in the future.”

She expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am very grateful to everyone who has always believed in me and helped me throughout my studies. Every day is a new challenge, a task to master, and a search for innovative solutions. It would be impossible for me without the help and support from my family, teachers and peer. My heartiest appreciation to all.”

Arshen expressing her gratitude to UTAR for awarding her the scholarship 

On the other hand, Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Psychology student S. Nhirmaya Radha, who is a recipient of the MDC Scholarship of Excellence Award, thanked UTAR for providing her with the scholarship. She said, “I was awarded the MDC Scholarship of Excellence Award. I feel privileged and honoured to be one of the recipients of this scholarship award. This scholarship had been a great help to me throughout my studies at UTAR. It is really moving to know that there are networks of support here assisting students in their educational pursuits.”

She added, “Through a series of personal and academic obstacles, I am building myself to be a stronger person. At this institution, I foresee myself chasing after my dreams, doing what I love to do at the best of my abilities to be a meaningful human being in the future. I would like to thank UTAR and UTAR President from the bottom of my heart. I am forever grateful to UTAR for giving me the chance to achieve my dreams and supporting me in my educational pursuit.”

Nhirmaya explaining how the scholarship will greatly reduce her financial constraints and motivate her to study hard

Gratitude and congratulatory video messages from the scholarship recipients and various UTAR deans and directors were also played at the ceremony at both campuses. The ceremonies ended with a group photo session.

Performances by UTAR Chinese Orchestra Club and UTAR Music Club at Sungai Long Campus

Performances by UTAR Chinese Orchestra Club and UTAR Music Club at Kampar Campus

Front row; from left: Melissa, Dr Gobi, Dr David Tneh, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Choong, Dr Pok, Lee, and Dr Chong with scholarship recipients at Sungai Long Campus

Seated from left: Ts Tan, Dr Lee, Prof Choong, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Ng, Dr Kuah, Choon Wah and Wear Sim with scholarship recipients at Kampar Campus

Prof Dato’ Ewe with students and parents

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Tan Ludwig (right)