TAR UMT undergraduates turning up in full force to support their university.
IT was a proud moment for the Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) family when a film on their alma mater hit the big screens.
The gala night to celebrate the movie titled The Story of TARCians saw some 1,500 attendees flocking to a cinema for the premiere screening in Kuala Lumpur.
Tan Siok Eng (in red) and Datin Paduka Tan Siok Choo (in blue), whose father Tun Tan Siew Sin co-founded TARC together with Tan Sri Khaw Kai Boh, were among guests. With them are (from second left) TAR UMT president Prof Datuk Lee Sze Wei, vice-president Dr Chook Ka Joo and chief financial officer Moses Ooi.
Among them were former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and his wife Toh Puan Ena Ling, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong as well as TAR UMT Board of Governors and TAR UMT Alumni Council chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.
Dr Ling (seated, left) being greeted by chan (right) at the gala night.Looking on is dr Ling’s wife, Ena (centre).
The documentary film, spearheaded by its alumni council, is the first to be produced by a Malaysian university.
The movie tells the tale of TAR UMT, which began as Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC) in 1969 to uplift underprivileged students by providing them with affordable tertiary education.
Dr Wee (centre) hails TAR UMT as an important institution that allows deserving ones to obtain higher education. Behind him are Chan and MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon as they greet movie-goers at the cinema hall.
It was later upgraded to university college status in 2013 and was then known as Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC).
(From left) 988 DJ’s Jaydern Khoo Jian Hao, Chrystina Ng Woei Shiuan and Neng Yi Qian showing their support at the event.
In 2022, it was elevated to a full-fledged university and is now known as TAR UMT.
Actors Alvin Wong (left) and Tony Eusoff at the gala premiere of The Story of TARCians–KAMARUL ARIFFIN/Thestar
The movie also paid tribute to those involved in setting up TARC, especially its founding fathers Tun Tan Siew Sin and Tan Sri Khaw Kai Boh, who persevered in making the institution a reality amid a turbulent political backdrop, including the May 13 riots in 1969.
Movie goers lining up to redeem their tickets at the gala premiere of The Story of TARCians. —LOW LAY PHON/The Star
The 76-minute film dives into the early days of how TARC was established, by going in-depth into the emotions, challenges and obstacles faced by its founders and stakeholders.
Nearly 1,500 people comprising TAR UMT students past and present turned up for the film premiere.
The Story of TARCians began screening nationwide on Dec 5 and is now showing at major cinemas across the country.
