UTAR Honours Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow with Newly Named Theatre, Celebrating His Philanthropy and Vision

Public Bank is deeply honoured with the naming of a lecture theatre in Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) after the late YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow, Founder of Public Bank, a highly esteemed personality renowned for his exemplary leadership.

Ms Teh Li Shian Diona, the daughter of the late Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director and CEO of Public Bank, accompanied by Deputy CEO of Public Bank, Dato' Chang Kat Kiam alongside Tun Ling Liong Sik, UTAR Chancellor, Tan Sri Dato Dr Sak Cheng Lum,  UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman, Professor Dato’ Dr. Ewe Hong Tat, President of UTAR, and Professor Dr Lau Hui Ping, CEO of Utar Hospital together with other distinguished guests, attended the official launching ceremony, which took place at UTAR Kampar Campus on 29 October.

This honorary name was bestowed upon the lecture theatre in recognition of Tan Sri Teh's remarkable philanthropic gestures towards the University, primarily through his substantial donations of RM20 million to UTAR in its early years of establishment enabled the University to realising its mission to provide quality and affordable education. This has helped made education accessible to many individuals who saw education as an opportunity to achieve their dreams, and a platform to hone their skills and knowledge to be able to make meaningful contributions to the society and nation.

This also reflected the recent donation of RM2 million towards the development of the UTAR Hospital, solidifying the hospital’s role as a teaching hospital, and strengthens its commitment to nurture practising medical students into medical specialists that will serve the nation. Tan Sri Teh's heartfelt generosity played a pivotal role in fostering the development of future talents within the University, paving the way for nurturing students in various fields of study.

The lecture theatre and wall of fame also reflects UTAR’s commitment in upholding the late Tan Sri Teh’s belief, and like a beacon of hope, to continue propelling the UTAR towards education excellence, and UTAR Hospital to stand as a pillar of health in its community.

Ms Teh Li Shian Diona, the youngest daughter of Tan Sri Teh said, “By naming this lecture theatre in his honour, we commemorate his contributions and inspire future generations to strive for greatness in their pursuits. Tan Sri Teh maintained close ties with UTAR and consistently supported the University’s development. It was more than just a dedication; it is a continuation of his life’s work, dreams and values he held dear.”

She added, “He used to talk so passionately about how education can change society, and that is one of my favourite memories of him. In his opinion, education would enable people to create their own lives and benefit those around them. He often said, “Knowledge is the key that opens every door.” He reminded me that the only reason he could go from modest beginnings to founding Public Bank was his opportunities to develop and learn.”

Tan Sri Dato Dr Sak Cheng Lum UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman said, “Today, we gather to celebrate the legacy of the late Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow. His generosity and philanthropy have touched countless lives, and his belief in education has also transformed lives and helped create better futures for many others. We are thankful and honoured to be able to share and uphold his belief, through this lecture theatre and wall of fame, which will inspire students to strive for excellence, and encourage them to showcase their talents, skills, and intellectuals in contributing towards the society and nation.”

The lecture theatre, located at Block H in the Faculty of Business and Finance at the UTAR Kampar campus, will serve as a venue for academic discourse - inspiring the younger generation to dream big and pursue their ambitions with unwavering dedication and a space for the future leaders to facilitate intellectual learning and discussions.