UTAR staff honoured for dedication and excellence at Awards Ceremony

UTAR paid tribute to the commitment and outstanding achievements of its staff during the UTAR Staff Awards Ceremony 2025, held on 6 May 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

The event was attended by UTAR Council member Datuk Lim Si Cheng, President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice Presidents Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min and Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Registrar Ms Loh Siaw Yien, Division of Human Resource Director Ms Marchie Lim Pin Sim, as well as faculty deans, directors, heads of departments, award recipients and staff.

Expressing his appreciation to all staff members for their unwavering support and contributions to the University’s growth and excellence over the years, Prof Dato’ Ewe, said in his speech, “It is with great pride that I congratulate this year’s Excellence Award recipients in the categories of Innovation, Research, Teaching, E-Learning, and Staff Service. As you receive your awards, I encourage you to lead by example, sharing your knowledge, guiding your colleagues, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This recognition is a testament to your hard work and dedication. May it inspire you to reach even greater heights in your performance and continue striving for excellence in all that you do.”

The awards presented comprised the 10 Years Long Service Award, 20 Years Long Service Award, and several Excellence Awards, given in recognition of staff members who demonstrated outstanding performance, leadership, innovation, and commitment in their roles. A total of 133 staff members received the 10 Years Long Service Award, while 49 were honoured with the 20 Years Long Service Award, reflecting their steadfast loyalty and dedication to the University.

Puan Nur Almass Balkis binti Mat Saad, Senior Assistant Manager from the Division of Corporate Communication and Public Relations, who received the 10 Years Long Service Award, reflected, “I’m truly grateful to have spent the past 10 years with UTAR. It has been a meaningful journey filled with growth, learning, and lasting memories. Thank you, UTAR, for the unwavering support and the opportunities provided. As I look forward to the next chapter, I carry with me the experiences and values gained, hopeful for new challenges and continued growth ahead.”

One of the recipients of the Teaching Excellence Award, Dr Wong Lih Lih from the Institute of Chinese Studies, shared, “Teaching is a job I truly love. Being recognised while doing what I love is a joy twice over, a gift so clear. I’m grateful to my students for constantly inspiring me and allowing me to grow through teaching. Some who once sat in my class now walk beside me as friends or partners in art and education. They share verses that time cannot surpass or guide young minds with their own hearts. May this light and warmth continue to spread and remain ever bright.”

Encik Mohd Naqdyuzen bin Nordin from the IT Infrastructure and Support Centre, a recipient of the UTAR Staff Service Excellence Award, shared his heartfelt appreciation for the recognition. He said, “Thank you for this recognition. I appreciate the opportunities and the trust placed in me. This award motivates me to continue giving my best.”

The event concluded with a group photograph session and a lunch gathering, fostering camaraderie among UTAR staff across departments and faculties.

The UTAR Staff Awards Ceremony is a key annual event that underscores the University’s commitment to recognising and appreciating the invaluable efforts of its staff in building a vibrant and thriving academic community.

The list of Excellence Awards winners is as follows:

UTAR Teaching Excellence Award (in no particular order)
a) Category of Pure Sciences
1. Assoc Prof Ts Dr Pua Chang Hong, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES)
2. Puan Nur Amalina Hafiza binti Ahmad Nizar, Centre for Foundation Studies (Sungai Long Campus)

b) Category of Applied Sciences and Technology
3. Dr Aun Yichiet, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT)
4. Ms Yeoh Li-Cheng, Centre for Foundation Studies (Sungai Long Campus)

c) Category of Engineering
5. Ir Ts Wong Chee Fui, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES)
6. Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Joshua a/l Jaya Prakash, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT)

d) Category of Medicine and Health Sciences
7. Dr Sangeetha a/p Arullappan, Faculty of Science (FSc)
8. Assoc Prof Dr Yang Zao, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS)

e) Category of Arts and Social Science
9. Encik Afi Roshezry bin Abu Bakar, Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS)
10. Dr Hooi Chee Mei, Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI)

f) Category of Communication, Business and Management
11. Ms Audrey Anak John, Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS)
12. Dr Liew Feng Mei, Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF)

g) Category of Arts & Creativity
13. Dr Wong Lih Lih, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS)

UTAR E-learning Excellence Award (in no particular order)
a) Category of Science, Engineering and Technology
1. Ir Ts Wong Chee Fui, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES)
b) Category of Management, Accountancy, Business and Finance
2. Ms Foo Pik Yin, Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF)

c) Category of Social Science, Arts and Humanity
3. Encik Wan Muhammad Haziq Sidqie bin W. Husin, Centre for Foundation Studies (Sungai Long Campus)

UTAR Research Excellence Award
Category of Science, Engineering, Technology and Medicine
1. Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Tham Mau Luen, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES)

UTAR Top Researcher Award 2024
Category of Science, Engineering, Technology and Medicine
1. Ir Prof Dr Lim Yun Seng, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES)

UTAR Innovation Excellence Award
1. Ir Prof Dr Chee Pei Song, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES)
2. Prof Ts Dr Lim Eng Hock, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES)
3. Dr Tan Chun Hui, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES)

UTAR Staff Service Excellence Award (in no particular order)
Administrative Staff (Category A)
1. Puan Hamiza Zaira binti Hamzah, Manager, Registrar’s Office (RGO)
2. Mr Hwong Guo Fu, Senior Assistant Manager, Department of Estates and Facilities (Sungai Long Campus)
Support and General Staff (Category B, C and D)
3. Encik Mohd Naqdyuzen bin Nordin, Senior Computer Technician III, IT Infrastructure and Support Centre (ITISC)

UTAR Research Centre Excellence Award 2024
In the Field of Science and Technology
1. Centre for Cancer Research (CCR) – Dr Teoh Hoon Koon, Chairperson

Special Mention: UTAR’s Most Improved Research Centre 2024
In the Field of Arts, Social Sciences & Humanities
1. Centre for Economic Studies – Dr Chen Fanyu, Chairperson

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