Honouring academic excellence with UTAR Scholarship Award Presentation Ceremony for February 2025 Intake

A testament to hard work and commitment – the UTAR Scholarship Award Presentation Ceremony for February 2025 Intake was held on 24 March 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, and 26 March 2025 at UTAR Kampar Campus, honouring both external and internal scholarship recipients.

UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, on behalf of UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, congratulated all the scholarship recipients, and said, “Your academic accomplishments remind us that education is not just knowledge – it is power. Education empowers us to think critically and innovate. It also enables us to break barriers and create pathways to success. With the knowledge you possess, I hope you will use it as a voice and strength to help the communities around you, so they too can obtain the same aspiration to unlock their potentials and drive progress.”

He added, “The university too shares the same commitment to help the community, by providing affordable quality education, ensuring that every individual has equal access. Over the years, UTAR has provided scholarships and loans to students facing financial constraints. As of March 2025, UTAR has awarded over RM216.5million in internal scholarships and over RM19.1million in internal loans to deserving students. In fact, the giving of scholarships solidifies UTAR’s role as an educational institution to create opportunities, drive innovation, and attract intelligent minds from all walks of life. In doing so, the university is also contributing to shaping future leaders, researchers, and changemakers.”

At the end of his speech, he advised, “Your time at UTAR is more than just about books and exams, it is about making your learning experience meaningful and formative. Make time to join extracurricular activities to acquire more knowledge and skills, which will potentially benefit you in your future career. When faced with challenges, overcome them with resilience, hard work, and gratitude.”

Kuok Foundation Educational Assistance recipient and Bachelor of Communications (Honours) Public Relations student Shawn Emmanuel Palmer Mervin expressed, “The scholarship is a hope to many difficult moments in my life, especially when my mother, the breadwinner of the family was rendered disabled due to an accident. The financial strain that followed was overwhelming. Therefore, receiving the support from Kuok Foundation was more than just financial aid; it was a lifeline. It allowed me to stay focused on my education without constantly worrying about whether we could afford my tuition or daily expenses. This grant gave me the freedom to pursue my dreams without feeling like a burden to my already struggling family. Thanks to this study grant, I have been able to dedicate myself fully to my academic pursuits. I have been able to engage more in my studies, participate in university activities, and grow as both a student and an individual. This support has made a profound impact on my life, and for that, I am sincerely grateful.”

UTAR Top Achiever Scholarship recipient and Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Guidance and Counselling student Varsha Sasikumar commented, “The scholarship is a validation of my hard work, dedication, and perseverance. More importantly, it opens doors to new opportunities that once felt beyond reach. It empowers me to pursue my education, chase my dreams, and contribute meaningfully to society. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and, one day, give back to the community that has supported me. The scholarship has also equipped me with the necessary tools and confidence to move forward, and I am deeply enthusiastic about the path that awaits me. I am thankful for the unwavering support of my family, friends, and teachers. Their encouragement has been my strength.”

Chong Meng Hin, a Foundation in Arts student and another UTAR Top Achiever Scholarship recipient enthused, “Receiving this scholarship is a reward for hard work and perseverance, but more than that, it serves as an inspiration for me to keep going, to aim for greater things, and to work towards the best of my abilities. As a scholarship holder, the impact of this support goes far beyond the financial assistance it provides. With this scholarship, the burden of educational expenses has been lifted off my shoulders. Now, I can concentrate more on my studies and personal development. It has enabled me to participate in events, explore the curriculum, and be part of a network of mentors and peers that are like me: people who have a love for learning. Above all, it has given me a boost to my self-confidence and motivation, which has given me the desire to give back to my community and contribute to society positively.”

The Kampar Campus ceremony was graced by Prof Choong, representing UTAR President. The ceremony was witnessed by Stone Forest representative Mr Manveer Singh; Murata representatives Mr Makoto Shibata and Mr Yukio Kishigamin; and Huawei representatives Mr Choh Yau Meng, Ms Foong Lai Ying, and Mr Anson Chia. Also present were Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Dean Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun, Faculty of Business and Finance Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Faculty of Arts and Social Science Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng, Centre for Foundation Studies (Kampar) Deputy Director for Student Affairs and Development Mr Lim Khiew Loon, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology’s Department of Computer Science Head Ts Dr Lim Seng Poh, Institute of Chinese Studies Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Ling Liong Ngo, and Faculty of Science Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Dr Sit Nam Weng.

The Sungai Long Campus ceremony was graced by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat. Also present was Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min. The ceremony was witnessed by Global Migration Solution representatives Mr Desmond Ang Swee Hong and Mdm Loh Guat Choo; Sin Chew Readers Study Aid Project Corporate Communications & Promotion Manager Mr Lock Yew Weng; and Panasonic Manager Ms Chong Mong Yih. Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd was represented by Mr Jack Li, Human Resource Director of Huawei Asia Pacific Region; Ms Foong Lai Ying, Talent Acquisition Manager; and Mr Anson Chia, Talent Acquisition Specialist. Also in attendance were Centre for Foundation Studies Director Ms Melissa Stefanie Netto, Institute of Chinese Studies Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Deputy Dean Prof Dr Alan Ong Han Kiat, Faculty of Accountancy and Management Dean Dr Pok Wei Fong, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, Faculty of Creative Industries Dean Assoc Prof Dr David Tneh, and Department of Programme Promotion Director Dr Ong Kiah Ju.