The Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance pays homage to the late Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow, with a launching ceremony, witnessed by members of UTAR and Public Bank – marking another historic day.

Held at UTAR Kampar Campus on 14 March 2025, the official launching ceremony was attended by Ms Teh Li Shian Diona, the daughter of the late Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr 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 Dr Ling Liong Sik and spouse Toh Puan Ena Ling, UTAR Chancellor, Tan Sri Dato Dr Sak Cheng Lum and spouse Puan Sri Irene Sak,  UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, and Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, President of UTAR.

Also present were UTAR Council Members Tan Sri Fong Chan Onn, Datuk Lee Leck Cheng, and Mr Hew Fen Yee with spouse Mrs Hew, Mr Ong Wee Tiong, UTAR BOT Secretary, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, distinguished guests from Public Bank, UTAR Faculty Deans, staff, and students.

The honorary naming of the faculty is a recognition of Ms Teh Li Shian Diona’s remarkable philanthropic donation of RM50 million towards the UTAR Education Foundation, which will serve as an endowment fund for UTAR student scholarships. Her generosity is an extension of her father’s belief on the importance of education and its transformative power – an important advice from her father that she remembers very dearly.

The late Tan Sri Teh’s advocacy on education in UTAR began from his substantial donations of RM20 million to UTAR in its early years of establishment, supporting the University in its effort to make education accessible to all, and achieving dreams possible. In further enriching the academic landscape, the Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow Chair in Banking and Finance was established in 2009, in the Kampar Campus, through the significant contribution of RM1.25 million from Public Bank Berhad. This enabled the appointment of a professor and the conduct of applied research in banking and finance, and substantiate the University’s commitment to advancing knowledge in banking and finance.

His belief in education to progress society is manifested again when the Public Bank Top Achiever Award was introduced in 2021, to recognise students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence and soft skills – an embodiment of his vision to promote excellence among students, and nurture talents. This vision expanded with the donation of RM2 million towards the development of the UTAR Hospital last year, solidifying its role as a teaching hospital that will nurture practising medical students into medical specialists who will serve the nation, and the hospital’s vision to be a pillar of health in its community.

Today, Ms Teh Li Shian Diona carried forward her father’s philanthropic spirit, and her substantial contribution will enable UTAR to solidify its effort and continuous commitment to provide equitable and affordable quality education, and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all – a testament of the university’s contribution to creating a sustainable world through the transformative power of education.

Ms Teh Li Shian Diona said, “This is not just a donation, it is a legacy in motion.  This endowment will never run dry; its principal remain intact, while its returns will fund scholarships year after year, generation after generation. It ensures that countless students will have access to the education they deserve, free from financial burdens.”

“This initiative is more than just financial assistance, it carries a deeper message. It is a promise to rewards perseverance, to nurture ambition, and to create opportunities for those who dare to dream and work hard,” she continued.

Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat expressed, “The late Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow’s belief that education is the foundation upon which lasting impact is built, is echoed in our hearts today. The naming of this faculty in his honour is more than upholding his belief; it also ensures that learning as a lifelong pursuit will continue to inspire, evolve, and shape the course of history. Today, this faculty stands as a symbol of his values and inspiration that will motivate students to strive for excellence, nurture their talents and skills, and channel their intellect toward meaningful contributions to society and the nation.”

Adding to the celebration was the unveiling and launching of the Public Bank Scholar Debit Card; a 2-in-1 card that integrates student identification with a debit card function, providing greater convenience for UTAR students. As part of Public Bank and UTAR’s collaborative initiative, this card will enable students to enhance financial accessibility and convenience, making everyday transactions smoother and more rewarding.

Prior to this, a lecture theatre in the faculty named in honour of the late Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow was launched last year, together with the unveiling the Wall of Fame poster of the late Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow’s legacy.