After 54 years of providing quality tertiary education, this institution that started as Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR) College is now a University known as Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) following a grand launching ceremony on 5 January 2023.
The ceremony, held inside the Tunku Abdul Rahman Hall in TAR UMT’s Kuala Lumpur Campus, was graced by the royal presence of His Majesty Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al- Musta’in Billah and Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Binti Almarhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj.
His Majesty Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda The Raja Permaisuri Agong were welcomed by the community of TARCians comprising alumni, staff and students, led by Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, TARC Education Foundation and President of MCA, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Chairman of the Board of Governors of TAR UMT, Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, Member of the Board of Governors of TAR UMT and Chairman of the TAR UMT Alumni Council, and Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT. Also in attendance was Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Minister of Higher Education.
His Majesty Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong congratulated TAR UMT and paid tribute to its founders for making this institution a reality during its formation days as TAR College. His Majesty also expressed his hopes that TAR UMT and all the other universities in Malaysia continue to nurture future-proof talents who will contribute to the nation.
The most anticipated moment of the celebration was the royal declaration by His Majesty Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of TAR UMT as a University followed by His Majesty touching the mira ball to unveil the TAR UMT logo. His Majesty then proceeded to sign a plaque to mark the event as a historical moment in TAR UMT’s history books, prompting the hall to erupt into a rousing applause.
In his speech, Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee said: “It is a great honour and joy for us to have the presence of His Majesty Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda The Raja Permaisuri Agong in joining us to celebrate this glorious moment in the history of TAR UMT.
“Today is the milestone achievement that many Malaysians from many generations have been waiting for since this institution was established 54 years ago. What TAR UMT is today was once the vision of the late Tun Tan Siew Sin, the founder of this institution and former President of MCA, to provide the much-needed tertiary education to all Malaysians.
“The journey ahead for TAR UMT in the coming years will be an exciting yet crucial one in taking the institution to a higher level. I call upon all our stakeholders such as alumni, industries, the public and communities to continue your support for TAR UMT to ensure that this institution will be able to serve all Malaysians irrespective of race, creed or class through its quality and affordable education,” said Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee.
Established in 1969 as the then TAR College, the institution grew from strength to strength both in student population and in size, expanding to six campuses spread out across Malaysia, namely Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak, Johor, Pahang and Sabah. Its consistently high-quality tertiary education offerings propelled its upgrading to a University College as TAR University College in 2013.
On 12 April 2022, the institution announced plans to upgrade into a full-fledged University under the TAR UMT name, followed by the launch of the TAR UMT 10- Year Roadmap on 9 July 2022 that will serve as a guideline for TAR UMT’s efforts to become a leading University that is capable of transforming the future. On 7 November 2022, the Higher Education Department under MOHE issued the Certificate of Registration for TAR UMT as a full-fledged University.
His Majesty Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (third from left) touches the mira ball during the TAR UMT official launching ceremony. Accompanying His Majesty are (from left) Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Liow, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled, Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee, and Prof Ir Dr Lee.
About Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)
TAR UMT, formerly known as TAR University College (TAR UC), is a premier institution of higher learning in Malaysia with a sterling track record of excellence. Its brand is synonymous with Beyond Education which focuses on developing competencies and values within the students in addition to imparting academic knowledge and skills to lead them to a fulfilling life and career. TAR UMT is recognised locally and internationally among the academic fraternity and professional bodies, and has educated close to 300,000 graduates, many of whom are eminent leaders in various industries.
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)
东姑阿都拉曼管理及工艺大学（拉曼理工大学）
https://edufair.fsi.com.my/taruc
