Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ng Lay Swee - A True Educationist at Heart

Standing from left: Mr Hew, Dr Bernard Tan, Puan Sri Mary Lee, Toh Puan, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Lim, Tan Sri Ng, Mr Vincent Chai, Mr Tai, Mr Chai Kin Wei, Datuk Lim and Datuk Lee

Seated: Tun Ling

Founding President of UTAR Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ng Lay Swee presented her book; Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ng Lay Swee – A True Educationist at Heart to UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik at Sungai Long Campus on 4 September 2023. The co-authors of the book were Dr Bernard Tan Hoi Piew and Puan Sri Dato’ Dr Mary Lee Siew Cheng. Chairman of TAR UMT School of Arts and Science Alumni Society Mr Tai Sing Nge sponsored the book which was printed by Pustaka Prinsip. Sixty copies of the book will be placed at Sungai Long Campus and Kampar Campus libraries for both staff and students to read.

The biography presents the making of a remarkable educationist, Tan Sri Ng through her inspiring story from early years to a stellar career in education to post-retirement and family. Tan Sri Ng’s career spanned over more than 40 years in teaching, research, and administration in education.

Also present at the book presentation ceremony were Toh Puan Ena Ling, Prof Lim Tiong Koon, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR Education Foundation (UEF) Board of Trustees and Council Member Datuk Lee Leck Cheng, UTAR Council Member Datuk Lim Si Cheng, UTAR Council Member Mr Hew Fen Yee, UEF Secretary Mr Ong Whee Tiong, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development  Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman and esteemed guests from the book publisher, Mr Vincent Chai and Chai Kin Wei. Copies of the book were distributed to the guests and staff present at the book presentation.                                              

Tan Sri Ng (left) and Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering their speech

A true educationist at heart, Tan Sri Ng believed that everyone should be equipped with a sound education foundation as a springboard to bigger things. She said, “I am impressed with the outcome of the biography. It speaks volumes of the dedication and professionalism of Dr Bernard Tan Hoi Piew and Puan Sri Dato’ Dr Mary Lee Siew Cheng in gathering material from many sources. I also thank Mr Tai Sing Nge and Mr Vincent Chai. I reserve my deepest appreciation to Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik. Tun Ling was pivotal in my career development both in TAR UC and UTAR as Tun Ling gave me the opportunity to head both institutions. With Tun Ling’s leadership, guidance and encouragement, I was able to weather through the most challenging status in the development of both institutions. It carries an immense contribution in providing affordable quality tertiary education for the youths of our beloved country, Malaysia.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik was instrumental in the establishment of UTAR, and Tan Sri Ng was appointed to lead the working committee then. She became the first president and CEO of UTAR in 2002 until her retirement from UTAR in 2008. Tan Sri Ng provided leadership, guidance and advice to ensure the smooth implementation of the programmes in faculties and the overall administration of the university. Her knowledge and experience in the field of education was exemplary.”

Tan Sri Ng (right) presenting the book to Tun Ling, witnessed by Prof Dato’ Ewe (left)

Attendees of the book presentation ceremony