TAR UMT to become global education hub with campuses abroad, says Dr Wee

KUALA LUMPUR: Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) will spread its wings internationally, especially in the Asean region, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Dr Wee, who is the Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC) Education Foundation board of trustees chairman, said TAR UMT was busy mapping its future as it aspired to become a hub for a global community of learners, collaborators, and changemakers.

In years to come, Dr Wee said the institution envisioned an even bigger international community on TAR UMT campuses.

“The future is exciting for TAR UMT. Our visionary plan, as outlined in TAR UMT’s 10-year roadmap, reflects the institution’s commitment to continuous growth, development, and innovation.

“We will continue to expand our reach internationally, especially in the Asean region as we aim to provide our students with enriching experiences through interactions with professionals and students from different countries and ethnic groups,” he said.

Dr Wee said this in his speech at TAR UMT Kuala Lumpur Campus here, during the 2024 Convocation Ceremony on Saturday (Jan 20).

As TAR UMT continues its growth and evolution, the MCA president announced the establishment of a student centre, scheduled to be completed in early 2025 as a landmark for the campus, describing it as a necessity for a modern and dynamic student hub.

“The student centre comprises a comprehensive SME centre, which is set to be a catalyst for dynamic academia-industry collaboration.

“It will play a pivotal role in talent recruitment while proactively addressing real-world challenges prevalent in the industries.”

With the newly established SME centre, Dr Wee who is also the Ayer Hitam Member of Parliament said various collaboration opportunities await the graduates.

“Together, we can build bridges to empower future graduates and facilitate more seamless transitions from academia to the professional sphere, while benefiting our student community beyond education.

Earlier, the former Cabinet minister presented the graduation scrolls to Master’s Degree graduates.

A total of 4,363 graduates received their scrolls today with 25 graduates with Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree (3,178) and Diploma (1,160).

In addition, 33 special awards from the University’s industry partners, alumni and prominent academic figures were presented to selected graduates for their outstanding achievements.

This round’s convocation also had 133 graduates receiving their Book Prize award.

In sharing words of wisdom with the graduates, Dr Wee reminded them of the importance of building meaningful relationships, saying that this would be vital to their future careers and lives.

“The friendships, guidance, and experiences you have gained during your time at TAR UMT are invaluable.

“Not only have these connections enriched your academic experience, they have also shaped you as an individual,” he said.

Since opening its doors as the then Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC) in 1969 with only 320 students, TAR UMT has now grown to accommodate over 31,000 students in six campuses nationwide, offering over 200 programmes ranging from pre-university to postgraduate levels.