UTAR Scholarship Award Presentation Ceremony for June 2024 intake

The UTAR Scholarship Award Presentation Ceremony for the June 2024 intake was organised by the Department of Scholarships and Financial Aid (DSFA) on 18 July 2024 at KB213, UTAR Sungai Long Campus and on 23 July 2024 at the Heritage Hall of UTAR Kampar Campus. A total of 328 external and internal scholarship recipients attended the ceremony held at both campuses.

Front row, from left: Mr Tan, Dr Tan, Dr Lim, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Dr Au Yong, Dr Lee Lai Meng, Dr Ling and Ms Phang with scholarship recipients and parents at Kampar Campus

Front row, from left: Ms Melissa, Dr Lee Kim Yee, Dr David Tneh, Dr Pok, Prof Dato’ Ewe and Dr Leong (second from right) with scholarship recipients and parents at Sungai Long Campus

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat was present on both occasions. At the Kampar Campus, the guest included Faculty of Science (FSC) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Tan Kok Tat, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Ling Liong Ngo, Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) (Kampar Campus) Deputy Director for Academic Ms Phang Ying Ning, and Division of Programme Promotion Kampar Deputy Director Mr Tan Choon Wah.

Present at the Sungai Long Campus were Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Dean Dr Pok Wei Fong, Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Dean Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, CFS (Sungai Long Campus) Director Ms Melissa Stefanie Netto, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, and M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Leong Pooi Pooi.

Prof Dato’ Ewe emphasising that education is a lifelong journey

Prof Dato’ Ewe congratulated all recipients and said, “Your determination has brought you to this moment, and these scholarships are a well-deserved recognition of your efforts. They are more than financial support; they are an investment in your potential and a recognition of your achievements.” Emphasising the significance of education, he noted, “Education is a journey, one that extends far beyond the attainment of a degree. It is a lifelong commitment to learning, growing, and evolving.”

He also highlighted UTAR’s commitment to giving back, saying, “As of June 2024, UTAR has awarded over RM202.3million in internal scholarships and over RM17.1million in internal loans to deserving students.” He expressed gratitude to all donors and supporters and urged the recipients to consider how they can give back to society after graduating. Finally, he congratulated them once again, wishing them success, growth, and endless possibilities in their educational journey.

Yeoh expressing her delight in being closer to achieving her dreams

Yeoh Jia Ci, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Microbiology student, praised UTAR for its commitment to academic excellence and organising the scholarship ceremony. She said being chosen as a recipient “validated years of hard work and dedication” and reaffirmed “the importance of perseverance and striving for excellence”. Yeoh noted that the scholarship relieved the burden on her family and provided a wealth of opportunities. Furthermore, it connected her with mentors as well as resources that enriched her academic journey. For Yeoh, the scholarship represents UTAR’s belief in students’ potential, acting as a vote of confidence that encourages one to aim higher and strive for excellence.

Ainaa expressing her appreciation to UTAR for the scholarship that enabled her to pursue higher education

Ainaa Arissa binti Zamri, a Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) student, expressed deep gratitude to UTAR, stating, “I am proud that the university administration and donors whose unwavering commitment to education and students’ dreams have made these scholarships possible.” Reflecting on perseverance, she quoted Confucius, “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop,” emphasising that it encourages persistence despite challenges. Ainaa then added, “Receiving this scholarship has instilled a sense of responsibility and motivation within me, and knowing others believe in our abilities fuels our determination to excel.” She concluded, “This award has alleviated the financial burden on our parents and provided reassurance during uncertain times. I am forever grateful for UTAR’s support.”

Yong expressing his gratitude for the scholarship

Yong Li Ning, a Bachelor of Chinese Medicine (Honours) student, expressed deep honour and gratitude for being selected as a scholarship recipient. He congratulated all recipients and thanked UTAR for their belief in the students. The scholarship, he noted, has been essential in overcoming challenges related to securing a study loan and has greatly eased his parents’ financial burden. This support has allowed him to focus on his studies and has motivated him to excel. He said, “UTAR is indeed a University by the people, for the people,” and shared his goal of contributing to society as a TCM physician after graduation. Reflecting on gratitude, he quoted, “The happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more,” and thanked his former lecturers and friends, and the DSFA. Finally, he appreciated his family, especially his parents, for their unconditional support.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) presenting scholarships to students at both campuses

Scholarship recipients writing gratitude messages and posting them on the soft board as a symbol of appreciation

Scholarship recipients serving tea as a gesture of love and gratitude to their parents during the scholarship award presentation ceremony at Kampar Campus

Some happy glimpses of recipients with their parents and teacher