New milestone: TAR UMT board member Wong Cheng Siung (second from left), Prof Yu (fourth from left), Chan (sixth from left), Wang (sixth from right), TAR UMT president Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei (fourth from right) and ESSB director Datuk Tee Choon Hock (second from right) cutting the ribbon in conjunction with the Malaysia-China (University-Industry Collaboration) Talent Development Programme Batch 1 opening ceremony at TAR UMT. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The first batch of 13 undergraduates from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) will get to pursue their preferred courses following sponsorships from a Chinese firm and an educational institution.
Thanks to Eastern Steel Sdn Bhd (ESSB) and the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), five students will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering in a twinning programme.
They will spend two years in TAR UMT and another two years at USTB in China, with their tuition fees, accommodation and allowance paid for.
Eight others will pursue a four-year degree course in accounting and finance at the TAR UMT with all tuition fees covered.
The students received a special offer letter, witnessed by officials from ESSB and USTB, during the Malaysia-China (University-Industry Collaboration) Talent Development Programme Batch 1 opening ceremony at TAR UMT here yesterday.
Ng Jun Zhi, 18, said he looked forward to learning and excelling in metallurgical engineering at the university.
“The course started earlier this month and I am excited to continue. I am thankful for this opportunity, as I think my SPM results were just okay,” he said.
The second of three siblings from Mentakab, Pahang, was also chosen as the student representative to deliver a speech at the ceremony.
Ng said he and his friends felt proud and honoured to be awarded the opportunity.
“We would like to thank Eastern Steel for the support, which allows us to enrol in the university of our choice and study in the course we want.
Top tier: The 13 undergraduates from TAR UMT who get to pursue their preferred courses following sponsorships from an educational institution and a company in China. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
“The bonded scholarships not only lessen the economic burden of our families, but more importantly, give us the strength and courage to go after our dreams.
“We pledge to make good use of our time to seek knowledge, achieve outstanding results and contribute to the company upon graduation,” he added.
Ng said the ceremony also marked a significant start of a journey for all of them to learn and appreciate friendship and teamwork, and pursue excellence.
Also present at the ceremony were TAR UMT board of governors chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, USTB vice chancellor Prof Yu Chengwen, ESSB chief executive officer Wang Shenghua and other guests.
In his speech, Chan said the ceremony was a significant milestone for the university.
“This signifies the great start of collaboration among TAR UMT, USTB and ESSB. This is also an important juncture for TAR UMT on its international talent development pathway.
“From here, the students are embarking on a brand-new university journey, facing new challenges and opportunities.
“I hope all of you will appreciate this opportunity and have a great learning experience by utilising the university’s resources and facilities, while achieving higher skills and capabilities,” he added.
Chan said USTB and ESSB were not only important partners of TAR UMT, but also integral players in promoting Malaysia-China economic and education development.
“Moving on, I hope we will have more collaboration and explore more projects that benefit the people of both nations, strengthening our long-lasting bond,” he said.
Prof Yu, in his speech, called on students to cherish the opportunity by progressing and cultivating their global perspective.
“This programme is a model for China-Malaysia educational exchange and an important step in cultivating international talent. We believe it will contribute to global talent development.
“Our goal is to nurture high- quality talent with an international outlook, innovation and social responsibility,” he added.
Wang, meanwhile, said he was happy to see the first batch of students commence their lectures after ESSB proposed an international talent programme to USTB and TAR UMT in 2022.
“Over the past two years, with TAR UMT’s help, Eastern Steel has selected 15 outstanding students from across Malaysia as international talent trainees.
“I hope you will focus on your studies and contribute to Malaysia’s steel industry. Be good seniors and role models for the next batch of trainees,” he said.
