Freshies posing for the year’s new intake photo at the Penang campus.
UNIVERSITY life is one of the most exciting and memorable time for a young person as they stand on the brink of waning adolescence and burgeoning adulthood; a time of forging lifelong friendships and expanding worldviews.
First-year student Chong Wei Jia is looking forward to campus life as he embarks on his three-year software engineering degree course at the Penang branch campus of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT).
The 19-year-old from Seberang Jaya, who is among 1,100 new students for the July intake, said he was looking forward to making new friends.
“I chose TAR UMT located in Tanjung Bungah to further my studies as I’ve only heard good things about the courses, which are internationally recognised.
“My brother recently graduated from here with an accounting diploma, and he encouraged me to enrol,” he said when met at the start of orientation week at Dewan Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew.
Another student, ET Kang, 18, from Simpang Ampat, shared the sentiment and said she was also eagerly anticipating meeting and making lifelong friends while studying for her accounting diploma.
TAR UMT staff and students inside the Dewan Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew during orientation week. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
TAR UMT Penang branch campus head Assoc Prof Dr Janice Toh Guat Guan, in her opening speech, said the university’s commitment extended beyond the students’ academic experience.
“We strive to create a platform that nurtures the students’ entrepreneurial spirit, encourages industry engagement and fosters a global mindset.
“Everyone is encouraged to register for the university’s in-house programme called iSpark, which has been designed to connect, inspire and empower young entrepreneurs.
“It provides a vibrant ecosystem where one can share ideas, learn from industry experts, network with like-minded individuals and transform dreams into reality through workshops, mentorship opportunities, access to funding and a supportive community of passionate individuals,” she said.
Toh says TAR UMT has produced more than 27,000 graduates since 1994.
Toh said TAR UMT was dedicated to providing its students with industry engagement activities that would broaden their horizon and offer them a real-world perspective.
“Through internships, industry partnerships, collaborative projects and skill enhancement modules, we aim to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world.
“These activities will not only enhance one’s practical skills but also provide invaluable insights into the dynamics of various industries.
“Seize these opportunities, embrace challenges and allow yourself to grow personally and professionally,” she said.
Toh also said that in today’s interconnected world, having a global mindset was more crucial than ever before, and TAR UMT recognised the significance of preparing its students to thrive in a diverse and globalised society.
Chong, 19, is looking forward to life as an undergraduate.
“We encourage you to take advantage of our international exchange programmes, opportunities to study abroad and attend cultural events that will expose you to different perspectives, cultures and ways of thinking,” she told the students.
“Students should remember that they are not alone on this journey as TAR UMT is not merely a university; it is a family and a community that supports and nurtures one’s aspirations.
“Embrace diversity and this sense of community and collaboration, for it is through these connections that one will create lifelong friendships and forge meaningful partnerships,” she added.
Also present was Student Representative Council president Kenneth Leng, who urged students to abide by the disciplinary rules and regulations of the university at all times.
Toh said the Penang branch campus, TAR UMT’s largest of six campuses nationwide, had produced more than 27,000 graduates since 1994, contributing to the much-needed talent pool for local industries in Penang and nearby states.
ET Kang, 18, hopes to make lifelong friends while studying.
The campus is expecting an additional 300 students in July and some 200 to 300 in November, she said.
She added that the November intake was still open, and July 25 would be the last day to apply for a place at the university.
For details, call TAR UMT’s admissions department at 0111-082 5618.
