UTAR Alumni

MARCH 2016

CNY lunch with alumni

UTAR alumni had a networking Chinese New Year lunch at UTAR Sungai Long Campus Multi-purpose Hall on 27 February 2016. The lunch was organised by the Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP) and it was hosted by UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato? Dr Chuah Hean Teik. Also present was Vice-President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Dr Teh Chee Seng, DARP Head Lim Swea Jen, Deans of Faculties, lecturers, staff, and students.

The lunch started with the auspicious Prosperity Toss or commonly known as Yee Sang in Chinese and as expected it was accompanied by shouts of good wishes, good luck, and prosperity for the rest of the year. Besides seizing the opportunity for a Chinese New Year get together, the lunch also aimed to foster togetherness and networking among the alumni and with the university staff.

Prof Chuah welcomed the alumni and said, ?It?s always a pleasure to meet our UTAR alumni and to catch up for a chat to see how you?re doing at work, to hear of the progress that you are making, and to update you on the university?s developments. I hope all of you will continue to become valued members of our vibrant alumni community and that you will continue to contribute to the university and inspire your juniors in UTAR.?

UTAR Alumni Association President Koh Fook Huat commented that he was happy to meet everyone and aims to work harder to bring more UTAR graduates together and to participate in the alumni events. He hopes more graduates would return to provide support to the juniors at the university by giving feedback and updates on the industry and employment.

UTAR alumnus Brandon Tan, the Talent Acquisition Manager at Iconix Consulting, enjoys his work very much and is thankful for the education and training received at UTAR. Another alumnus Gary Lai, owner of Binatek Technology which he founded in Kuantan, came all the way to Sungai Long for the lunch. He was happy to catch up with other graduates and network with entrepreneurs like him.

Alumna Ting Zhao Song gave a short talk on her experience as a Special Officer to Deputy Education Minister YB Senator Chong Sin Woon. She talked about how she boldly approached the Senator for a job while at Ipoh and she finally got it. She advised other graduates to seek their own success by taking the effort to seize opportunities that are available in the industry. She said, ?There isn?t a standard method to secure a job, but UTAR has taught me to be courageous and positive when it comes to chasing my own career. I learnt to be independent and I sharpened my skills through participation in various campus activities. I feel very confident of myself now and what I can do to help others.? She elaborated that working with the ministry taught her a lot about how hard people work and how dedicated people can be.

Goh Cher Hou and Nurul Izwazi binti Mohd Nor gave a creative and melodious a capella performance during the lunch. Their harmonious voices were truly entertaining. After the lunch, the annual general meeting for the UTAR Alumni Association was convened.

Group photo with UTAR President

From right: Gary Lai, Looi Heng Keat, Woo Chuan Siang, Tan Boon Chun, Ting Chung Soon, and Brandon Tan

Goh Cher Hou (left) and Nurul singing a capella

Ting Zhao Song talking about her work experience