Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology

History

In the early years of Malaysian independence, there was a lack of opportunity to pursue higher education. An institution of higher learning was suggested by Malaysian Chinese Association president Tan Siew Sin. Tan initially suggested the Chinese-language Merdeka University, which was rejected by the government. As a compromise, an English-medium college was proposed. In April 1968, Tan appointed a working team (chaired by Khaw Kai Boh) to make recommendations for an institution of higher learning.

Its blueprint was submitted to the government, and received the support of Minister of Education Mohamed Khir Johari. The working team estimated that it would require RM 20 million to set up the college, and the government agreed to provide the financial assistance on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman consented to the college being named for him.

TAR College began operations on 24 February 1969 with its School of Pre-University Studies and an initial enrollment of 764 students. A 15 September 1972 Instrument of Government provided the legal framework for the administration of the college. To raise funds for a campus in Kuala Lumpur, the MCA launched a national fundraising campaign in 1972 led by MCA publicity director Lee San Choon.

In February 1973, the government approved the allocation of land for the main Kuala Lumpur campus in Setapak. The ground-breaking ceremony was officiated by Rahman in August 1973. Phase one, including an administrative building, a library, two laboratory blocks, one large and eight small lecture theatres and a canteen, was completed in 1976.

Fundraising activities in the 1990s, such as the nationwide TAR College Fund-Raising Campaign, Taxithon, Walkathon, TAR College Torch Run and Motorthon, were led by TAR College Council chairman Ling Liong Sik. Expansion continued under the leadership of TAR College Council chairmen Ong Ka Ting and Chua Soi Lek.

Since its 2013 upgrade to a university college and 2022 upgrade to a full-fledged university, the institution continued its steady development and expansion. The latest infrastructure development, a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a new Student Centre at the Kuala Lumpur Campus was held on 30 October 2021.

Targeted to be completed in early 2025, this Student Centre is a dedicated hub for students’ activities. The Student Centre is a seven-storey building with total built-up area of 1,470,832 sq ft comprising 1,408 car parking lots.

Institutional awards

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Notable alumni

• Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang (2018–Present)
• Chong Eng, Penang State Executive Councillor (2013–2023)
• Teresa Kok, Member of Parliament of Seputeh (1999–Present)
• Salahuddin Ayub, Minister of Domestic Trade and Living Costs (2022–2023)
• Teo Kok Seong, Negeri Sembilan State Executive Councillor (2018–Present)
• Liow Cai Tung, Johor State Executive Councillor (2018–2020)
• Gan Mei Yan, actress and host
• Karen Kong Cheng Tshe (龚柯允), singer
• Wayne Chua Poi Suan (蔡佩璇), actress
• Roger Tan Kor Mee, lawyer

References

References

1. "TAR UC Celebrated University Status with Logo Design Competition". TARC.
2. "Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology".
3. "Kho Sok Kee, vice president of administration and facilities development, TARUMT {{!}} ACCA Global".
4. "Liow: TARUMT hopeful of gaining university status".
5. (30 December 2012). "Southeast Asian Personalities of Chinese Descent: A Biographical Dictionary". ISEAS Publishing.