(From left) Prof Vialle, Ng, Prof Chong, Prof Davidson, Ch’ng and Yam showing the painting at the convocation.
ARTIST and entrepreneur Datuk Ch’ng Huck Theng presented one of his paintings to his alma mater University of Wollongong (UOW) at the UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College’s convocation.
The oil-on-canvas work titled “Family” depicts a rooster guiding a hen and chicks.
Ch’ng noted that families could be formed out of any relationship as long as the group shared a common perspective.
“I drew this painting more than 20 years ago but could not find the right people to give it to until now,” he said.
A celebrated painter and sculptor, Ch’ng is the president of Association of Tourism Attractions Penang, Penang Art Society and Penang Antique Collectors Association.
He is also the executive director of Ghee Hiang, the famed Chinese pastry business that began in 1856, and runs other businesses and social enterprises.
From 1991 to 1995, Ch’ng completed foundation studies as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management at UOW in Australia.
He admitted that at the time, he did not consider himself to be a good student.
He experienced a turning point in his life then and found value in pursuing academic knowledge.
Ch’ng handed his painting to UOW vice-chancellor and president Professor Patricia Davidson and delivered a speech to 741 graduates.
The ceremony at Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Penang was the first physical convocation for the varsity since the pandemic hit.
A delighted Prof Davidson, who is also an UOW alumnus herself, called Ch’ng a shining example of how UOW “provides fertile ground for transforming an individual to achieve great heights.”
“My student days at UOW also benefited me greatly,” she said, adding that she was glad to continue serving UOW.
Also attending the convocation were UOW Malaysia KDU chancellor Datuk Seri Michael Yam and chief executive officer Jennifer Ng as well as UOW pro vice-chancellor (global) Professor Dr Wilma Vialle and UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College vice-chancellor Professor Dr Chong Beng Keok.
UOW Malaysia KDU at the Glenmarie campus in Selangor held its convocation a day earlier where 1,133 graduates received their scrolls.
