Mock cheque presentation and sharing session by Dato’ Chan Wah Kiang

UTAR had the privilege of welcoming back Dato’ Chan Wah Kiang, Chairman & Founder of Avia Labuan Foundation and President of the Malaysian Social Entrepreneurs Foundation. A longstanding friend of the University, he is known for his philanthropy and unwavering commitment to education.

During his recent visit to UTAR Kampar Campus on 23 June 2025, Dato’ Chan presented a mock cheque from the Avia Labuan Foundation to the UTAR Education Foundation. UTAR Council Member Mr Hew Fen Yee received the mock cheque on behalf of UTAR. The presentation was witnessed by Executive Advisor of Malaysian Social Entrepreneurs Foundation and Founder-cum-Managing Director of Eco-Shop Marketing Sdn Bhd Dato’ Sri Lee Kar Whatt; Executive Director of Malaysian Social Entrepreneurs Foundation Dr Aki Chong Li Chin; Committee Member of Malaysian Social Entrepreneurs Foundation Mr Tan Soon Kiat; Purchasing & Sourcing Director of Eco-Shop Marketing Sdn Bhd Mr Lee Khang Soon; UTAR Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee; Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) of Kampar Campus Ts Tan Lee Siew; and Division of Corporate Communication and Public Relations Kampar Head Ms Saravani Selvam. Also present at the event were members of Malaysian Social Entrepreneurs Foundation, staff of Eco-Shop Marketing Sdn Bhd, and UTAR academics and staff.

Mr Hew expressed, “Today’s mock cheque presentation ceremony is another generous step forward—a RM100,000 pledge to top up the UTAR–Avia Student Loan Fund, further strengthening the University’s ability to support deserving students. We are very grateful to Dato’ Chan for his long-standing support towards UTAR and UTAR Hospital. Through his leadership roles in the Avia Labuan Foundation, Ajiya Group of Companies, and the Malaysian Social Entrepreneurs Foundation (MSEF), he has greatly contributed to supporting students in need and expanding access to quality healthcare.”

Meanwhile, Dato’ Chan reminded the audience of the importance of education and its impact. “Education is powerful, and I have witnessed the impact it brings. So, I am thankful to be able to give back to society through my advocacy in education, ensuring that every deserving young person receives access to quality education. I believe that when we nurture minds, we are not just shaping careers and uplifting communities, but we are also inspiring the future generation to make meaningful differences with their knowledge and skills.”

Dato’ Chan’s commitment to supporting education is reflected through the UTAR–Avia Student Loan Fund, established in 2023 with an initial contribution of RM100,000 as financial aid for UTAR students. This was followed by an additional RM112,000 in 2024. As of today, nine students have benefited from this fund. Meanwhile the Si Yuan Scholarship, set up under the Malaysian Social Entrepreneurs Foundation, has provided financial assistance to 24 UTAR students. As part of its requirement, scholarship recipients must participate in community service, which nurtures them into socially conscious graduates, and encourages them to give back to the community.

Beyond scholarships and student loans, Dato’ Chan has also contributed tremendously to the development of UTAR Hospital. His involvement, both as President of MSEF and as an individual donor, includes substantial funding for key projects such as the MSEF Endoscopy Unit, and a major RM10million contribution. His support continues to strengthen the hospital’s efforts to improve its healthcare services, medical education and training.

Later, Dato’ Chan presented a talk titled How Entrepreneurs Apply Classical Wisdoms in Daily Life. This talk framed classical wisdom as a toolkit for purposeful living. His talk encouraged students to build resilience through continuous learning, ethical discipline and contribution to society. He emphasised that these are timeless principles which will help them unlock both their personal harmony and professional triumph.

Grounded in Confucius’ Six Stages of Life, he introduced classical wisdom as a practical “growth code” for modern challenges in his talk. He taught students that true learning blends knowledge with reflection to cultivate wisdom and character. He also encouraged students to view education as the foundation for life rather than just credentials. The talk further taught students to integrate classical values into daily habits to overcome adversity and cultivate integrity, including avoiding the “Six Recklessnesses”, practising the “Three Keeps”, adopting lifelong virtues and embracing adaptability.

Meanwhile, Mr Lee’s sharing session titled “How to be A Smart Consumer” provided tips, advice and information on ways to spend wisely. He explained some of the products’ key features that provide durability, making these items worthwhile purchases.

As a gesture of continuous support towards UTAR, Eco-Shop Marketing also generously contributed more than 450 goodie bags to UTAR staff and students. The meaningful contribution was officially presented by Mr Lee Khang Soon to Mr Hew Fen Yee, witnessed by Dato’ Chan Wah Kiang and Dato’ Sri Lee Kar Whatt.