The Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP) hosted the Alumni Get Together with President: Chinese New Year (CNY) Celebration on 13 January 2018 at Sungai Long Campus. The event was supported by the UTAR Alumni Association.

Present at the event were UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and spouse Toh Puan Ena Ling, the President Ir Prof Academician Dato' Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Vice Presidents Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei and Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, and UTAR Alumni Association President Koh Fook Huat and Vice President Nurul Izwazi binti Mohd Nor. Also present were UTAR alumni, staff, the Student Representative Council (SRC) and some graduating students.

Speaking at the dinner, Tun Ling welcomed the alumni for the 'homecoming' and for staying connected to their alma mater. The Chancellor said, "I am glad to see so many alumni gathering here today and keeping the alumni network strong. At this gathering, we will learn about the latest developments of the university as well as the achievements that the university has made. It is important that we do not forget the supporters, donors and every individual who have contributed to UTAR to ensure the sustainable growth of the university."

Prof Chuah said, "It was a good year for UTAR as the university celebrated its 15^th Anniversary in 2017. It was also in 2017 that the university had a string of accomplishments and awards both locally and internationally. UTAR is indeed proud of its international rankings by the Times Higher Education as well as for being awarded the self-accreditation status from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency of the Ministry of Higher Education. UTAR garnered recognitions due to the support of all staff, students, the alumni and the community. We hope to continue striving forward for better improvements through various forms of effort such as the establishment of a teaching hospital, research, publications and community projects."

The inaugural Alumni Business Networking Dinner was also held in conjunction with the CNY celebration. It was a platform for networking, sharing and learning among the UTAR entrepreneurs, professionals and SME workers. The Alumni Business Networking Initiative Team Member Gordon Low said, "We want the alumni to explore business opportunities as well as build network and meet new business partners through this platform. In the future, we will establish various interactive platforms such as exhibitions, business seminars and a business networking portal to allow our members to share their business ideas and resources."

The event also included various performances by the alumni and students. Besides, Jobstreet Student Ambassador from UTAR, Lim Yiren also briefed the fellow graduating students and alumni on industry placement and career opportunity.

English Language graduate Tan Wei Keong said, "This is my first time joining an alumni event at my alma mater. I studied in the UTAR Kampar Campus until the year 2014. It is great to visit a different campus as an alumnus. I will join the alumni events again." UTAR Alumni Association Secretary Aw Chan Yann who is also a UTAR Psychology graduate said, "I am proud to be a UTAR alumna. I feel grateful that the UTAR alumni are supportive towards the alumni events and stay connected with the university. There will be more events in the future such as gatherings and overseas trips. We hope to see more alumni join and keep in touch with one another through these events."