UTAR alumni reconnect and celebrate shared achievements at Alumni Get Together 2026

UTAR reaffirmed the enduring strength of its global alumni community during the UTAR Alumni Get Together 2026, held on 28 February 2026 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. Organised in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration, the annual gathering brought together alumni, university leaders, staff and students in a vibrant evening of reunion and engagement that underscored the University’s commitment to sustaining meaningful alumni relationships while strengthening its professional and industry-linked network.

The event welcomed a total of 178 attendees, including alumni, guests, staff and performers, with 127 alumni and participants forming the core of the celebration. The strong turnout reflected the continued loyalty of UTAR graduates and their commitment to remaining connected with the University community.

Among the distinguished guests present were UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Faculty of Education Dean Dr Wong Sien Biang, Faculty of Chinese Studies Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Dean Ir Prof Dr Chang Yoong Choon, Faculty of Accountancy and Management Dean Assoc Prof Dr Pok Wei Fong, and Head of the Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP) Ms Tan Cheng Wah. Their presence highlighted the University’s strong institutional support for alumni engagement initiatives.

Ms Aw explaining the importance of alumni connections

The evening commenced with a welcome address by UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia (UAAM) President Ms Aw Chan Yann, who emphasised the importance of alumni connections in supporting professional development and strengthening the UTAR community.

Reflecting on the significance of reunion during the festive season, she remarked, “Chinese New Year is about reunion, and tonight truly feels like a big reunion dinner.” She added that while alumni may have ventured into different industries and paths, their connection with UTAR remains strong. “Alumni are not just former students. We are ambassadors of UTAR in every industry, every company, and every part of the world.”

Following her remarks, the opening address was delivered by 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.

In his speech, Prof Choong emphasised that the strength of a university is reflected not only through its academic programmes and facilities but also through the achievements and character of its graduates. “Across business, technology, healthcare, education, engineering and entrepreneurship, you continue to elevate UTAR’s reputation through your professionalism and integrity,” he said while acknowledging the contributions of UTAR alumni across diverse sectors.

The official opening ceremony featured a festive cake-cutting session sponsored by UTAR alumni, symbolising prosperity, unity and continued success for the UTAR community. The celebratory moment was accompanied by an energetic lion dance performance presented by UTAR students, adding cultural vibrancy to the occasion.

From left: Ms Aw, Prof Goi and Prof Choong officiating the event

Guests were then treated to a series of lively performances that showcased both student and alumni talent. The evening began with an energetic 24 Festive Drums performance by UTAR students, followed by a dynamic alumni performance by Puan Intan Azura Al Zahra binti Abdullah, recipient of the UTAR Outstanding Award 2025 (Sport Achievement), who delivered an entertaining Beyblade-themed showcase.

Musical performances further enriched the evening, including heartfelt singing by Cik Nurul Izwazi Binti Mohd Nor and festive Chinese New Year songs performed by Mr Lim Zhi Xiang, recipient of the UTAR Outstanding Award 2024 for Sociality, Humanitarianism and Volunteerism, together with invited guests. The programme also featured an engaging pre-recorded showcase by the UTAR Art and Craft Society as well as captivating diabolo performances by students, reflecting the diverse creative talents nurtured within the UTAR community.

Interactive games and networking activities encouraged lively engagement among attendees, reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration that defines the UTAR alumni network.

The event also included an exciting lucky draw session made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners. The grand prize, an air fryer, was sponsored by Morse Electronics Sdn Bhd, while additional prizes included an Alumni Annual Dinner 2026 dinner voucher sponsored by DARP and towels sponsored by OXwhite (Synergy Four Sdn Bhd).

UTAR also expressed its sincere appreciation to corporate partners and supporters whose contributions helped make the event a success. These included Hanabi, YC Bersatu Biotech Sdn Bhd, OXwhite (Synergy Four Sdn Bhd), Morse Electronics Sdn Bhd and the UTAR Art and Craft Society for their valued support. The University also expressed gratitude to alumni contributors from the Material and Manufacturing Engineering Class of 2005 and the Construction Management Class of 2004 for their generous sponsorship and continued engagement with their alma mater.

Such contributions reflect the strong culture of giving and collaboration within the UTAR community, where alumni and industry partners actively support initiatives that benefit students and the wider university ecosystem.

Beyond celebration, the evening reaffirmed the vital role alumni play in strengthening UTAR’s development ecosystem. Through mentorship, internship opportunities, industry advisory roles and collaborative projects, alumni continue to bridge academia and industry while supporting the University’s mission to deliver future-ready education.

The UTAR Alumni Get Together 2026 concluded on a warm and celebratory note, leaving attendees with renewed friendships, expanded professional connections and a strengthened sense of belonging within the UTAR family.

As UTAR continues to expand its academic, research and global engagement initiatives, the University remains committed to deepening its partnerships with alumni worldwide. The achievements and contributions of UTAR graduates will continue to serve as a powerful testament to the University’s enduring impact on industry, society and future generations.