Good job: Dr Wee (middle), Yew (far left) and Prof Lee (far right) posing for a photo with Looi (second from right) and Ler Wei Chun (second from left) who represented TAR UMT in volleyball and beach volleyball at national and international events last year.
THE success of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) students in national and international competitions is proof that the institution produces well-rounded individuals who excel not only in classrooms, but also in extracurricular activities like sports.
TARC Education Foundation board of trustees (BOT) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said this when addressing the varsity’s high achievers at the “Tea Time with Chairman: Celebration of TAR UMT Winners”.
The event was hosted by Dr Wee on Jan 3 to celebrate the students’ dedication and effort in representing the varsity in various events.
These students, he said, are proof that TAR UMT is not just about producing graduates.
“The varsity also nurtures well-rounded individuals who perform well on the fields, courts, arenas and stages where they are capable of showcasing their talents to the world while becoming beacons of inspiration to their peers.
“TAR UMT has always strived to build a vibrant campus community that is well-balanced and capable of maximising character development for all its students,” he said when addressing the students, who had joined and won various competitions, tournaments and contests last year.
TAR UMT’s approach to a holistic education experience through its “Beyond Education” principle has enabled students like Looi Kai Xu and Yong Jia Tian to pursue their tertiary studies while honing their talents, skills and passion.
In class, Looi is just like one of the many TAR UMT students who aspire to excel in their studies.
On a volleyball court, however, the Diploma in Business Economics student is an elite athlete who has represented the varsity and country internationally.
His most recent showing was the Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships in Thailand and the SEA Games in Cambodia.
Looi was also part of the TAR UMT volleyball team that was crowned Men’s Champion at the Varsity Volleyball Championship and Kejohanan Bola Tampar Piala YB Zahir Hassan Wangsa Maju KLVA-TAR UMT Kuala Lumpur tournament last year.
“I appreciate the fact that at TAR UMT, I am able to further my studies and still compete at national and international events. “This motivates me to do well in class and on the volleyball court. I look forward to being able to represent TAR UMT and Malaysia again soon, possibly in the next SEA Games in 2025,” he said.Like Looi, fellow volleyball player Yong from the Diploma in Accounting programme has represented the country. The two-time SEA Games participant made TAR UMT proud when her team won the Masiswa-Taylor’s Invitation Female Volleyball Championship 2023 Women’s Champion title and bronze medal at the 9th Sukan Institusi Pendidikan Malaysia (SIPMA) 2023.
“TAR UMT not only focuses on providing us with quality education, but also ensures equal emphasis is given to our extracurricular activities to ensure we have a balanced campus lifestyle.
“As an athlete, it is great to have facilities such as a covered volleyball court, where we can practise without worrying about weather conditions. “This convenience allows me to give my best,” said Yong.
Also present were BoT member Datuk Seri Yew Teong Look and TAR UMT president Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei.
“Our TAR UMT winners today have demonstrated that a healthy mind comes from a strong body, and their achievements in their respective disciplines will help them compete and do well in taking on the challenges in the 21st century,” said Prof Lee.
More than 100 students attended the event to celebrate their sterling accomplishments.
