Graduates rejoicing at the 2024 convocation at TAR UMT Penang in Tanjung Bungah.
WOO Yu Beng, the older brother of a set of triplets, wants to set a good example for his siblings when it comes to studies.
Yu Beng, 20, who recently graduated from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) with a diploma in Computer Science, is hoping his siblings will also pursue their higher education at TAR UMT.
He said the triplets who were in Form Four were nearly given up for adoption 16 years ago due to poverty.
“They have different ambitions, but I hope they will consider TAR UMT,” said Yu Beng.
He was among 10 graduates who won the Book Prize award at the university’s Penang branch convocation ceremony at its campus in Tanjung Bungah.
A total of 821 graduates earned their scrolls in degree and diploma courses at the ceremony held in Dewan Tan Sri Loh Boon Siew.
Yu Beng, who has been interested in computers since young, said he chose to pursue his education at TAR UMT after checking out other universities and institutions.
“I was not sure if I wanted to study Form Six or pursue a diploma course.
“After surveying, I was comfortable with TAR UMT because it was not only affordable, but I also received a full scholarship,” said Yu Beng, who was working part-time with a start-up company while studying.
He said he planned to continue working full-time with the same company for a few more years.
His siblings are brother Yu Choy, 18, and the triplets Yu Fook, Yu Keong and Yen Fong.
The triplets made news in 2008 when their father Woo Kwee Fatt, now 73, and his Indonesian wife Ely Woo, now 46, almost gave up the three babies as they struggled to make ends meet. But thanks to Good Samaritans, they could remain together.
(From left) Chng, Yu Beng and Cheah chatting after receiving their Book Prize at the graduation ceremony.
During the Covid-19 movement restrictions in March 2020, Kwee Fatt lost his job as a coffeeshop assistant while Ely, the sole breadwinner, worked as a janitor earning RM1,500 a month.
Social worker and former Pengkalan Kota area community service chairman Lee Thuan Chye set up the Wong Kwee Fatt Trust in 2008 to help the family until the siblings turn 18 in 2026.
Since 2008, the family has been receiving RM1,000 a month to cover the triplets’ expenses.
Another Book Prize award winner, Chng Ziqi, 23, a Bachelor in Accounting and Finance graduate, said when searching for a good accounting course, she came across TAR UMT that was known for its accounting course.
Chng, who was also working part-time while pursuing her degree course, plans to sit for her ACCA examination after graduation.
“I found that my studies here carried a lot of value and quality as most of the graduates are quickly hired by companies,” she added.
V. Nishendran, 25, also a Bachelor in Accounting and Finance graduate, said it was “not all study and no play” at the university as students were encouraged to enjoy their academic journey and support each other by sharing their achievements. It also equip them with good values as they step into the working world.
International Business Management graduate Cheah Poh Hong, 24, another Book Prize winner, was proud to be recognised as a TAR UMT graduate.
She said the university was not only prestigious but one that emphasised on students developing skills, values and character.
“During these three years here, the university offered me opportunities to widen my scope of knowledge, especially in the areas of business operations, communications and marketing,” said the youngest of three children.
In his speech, TAR UMT president Prof Datuk Dr Lee Sze Wei advised graduates to remember the core values the university had instilled in them, such as integrity, excellence and commitment to continuous learning, as the values would be their compass to navigate complexities and strive to make a change.
“The knowledge and skills you have gained is more than academic achievements, they are the tools that will empower you to shape the future,” he said.
Also present at the convocation were TAR UMT Penang branch head Prof Dr Toh Guat Guan and other heads of schools.
