UTAR launches Kelvin Pah Award to inspire tomorrow’s ICT talent

“There’s a lid for every pot,” and “it takes all sorts to make a world.” Every form of talent and perseverance is unique, and UTAR recognises them. Whether you are an aspiring linguist, engineer, computer whizz, scientist, designer, or healthcare specialist, it takes individuals from all walks of life to pull together and build bridges to shape a brighter future.

The beginning of a student award - to empower and nurture future ICT talents

The beginning of a student award - to empower and nurture future ICT talents
Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Mr Kelvin Pah displaying the signed agreement

On 3 June 2025, UTAR proudly signed a sponsorship agreement with the Co-Founder of SNS Network (M) Sdn Bhd, Mr Kelvin Pah Wai Onn, at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, introducing the Kelvin Pah Award into the university’s diverse awards portfolio that recognises student excellence across disciplines.

The agreement was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Mr Kelvin Pah, and witnessed by Mr Teoh TK.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Mr Kelvin Pah inking the agreement

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Mr Kelvin Pah inking the agreement

This prestigious award aims to honour the scholar spirit, embodying a passion for learning, and an unwavering commitment to knowledge and holistic growth, among students of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT). It aims to recognise and empower students who display exceptional academic performance, leadership qualities, and a strong sense of responsibility towards community and personal development.

More than that, it reflects Mr Kelvin Pah and UTAR’s long-standing spirit of giving back to society, nurturing a sense of compassion and responsibility among future talents, empowering them to one day reciprocate the generosity they have received by uplifting others when they are capable of doing so.

A recipient of the award will be announced once a year, beginning from the August 2025 convocation and continuing at each March convocation from 2026 to 2044. Each year, one outstanding student from FICT will be selected based on their academic performance, active involvement in extracurricular activities, and exemplary conduct within the university. In addition to cash prize, the recipient will receive a gold medal and a certificate, and their name will be proudly displayed on a wall plaque at UTAR, commemorating their achievement.

UTAR is grateful to Mr Kelvin Pah for showing his invaluable support for the development of local ICT talents in the education sector. His generosity not only inspires perseverance and steadfastness among students who are striving for the advancement of technology and society, but it also strengthens the University’s commitment to nurturing leaders of tomorrow.

Prof Dato’ Ewe presenting a token of appreciation to Mr Kelvin Pah (left photo) and Mr Teoh (right photo)

Prof Dato’ Ewe presenting a token of appreciation to Mr Kelvin Pah

About Mr Kelvin Pah Wai Onn

Mr Kelvin Pah Wai Onn is a self-made entrepreneur and the Co-Founder of SNS Network (M) Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNS Network Technology Berhad. The latter is a company listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia.

His history is one fuelled by entrepreneurial dreams and passion for knowledge. Upon completing his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) at SMJK Sam Tet, Ipoh, Perak, Mr Kelvin Pah pursued his tertiary studies at Tunku Abdul Rahman College (KTAR, known contemporarily as Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology).

However, he made the bold decision to leave college to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams in the ICT industry. Despite that, he still committed himself to lifelong learning by juggling between his busy schedule, later completing a part-time International Executive Master of Business Administration.

Mr Kelvin Pah has over 25 years of experience in the ICT products and services sector. He has since participated in various global tech projects and held prominent advisory roles at multiple global organisations, including:

In addition, he is also a firm believer in the philosophy of “giving back to society” and actively supports a wide range of charitable causes, benefiting not just education sector but also social wellbeing. His active philanthropy has helped numerous organisations, including orphanages, elderly homes, churches, and educational institutions.


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