Berita Kampus

Reaping the Fruits of Labour – Jubilant Graduations at TAR College

On 27 May and 17 June this year, TAR College was abuzz with activity as graduates and their parents thronged the campus for the Convocation ceremonies. The happy faces of the students said it all. This was the climax of the years of hard work and late nights spent studying for examinations and fine-tuning important assignments.

This round of convocations saw the graduations of the College Advanced Diploma and the Campbell University Bachelor of Science degree programme students.

Advanced Diploma Convocation

The Advanced Diploma Convocation was held in two sessions due to the large number of graduands. A total of 1,908 students graduated from the Advanced Diploma after 4 years of rigorous and comprehensive studies and training.

We were curious what the graduates had to say about their experiences in TAR College and managed to catch up with a few of them amidst the frenzy of photograph taking and congratulatory handshakes. Tan Eng Choun, an Advanced Diploma in Technology graduate was full of praises for the College. “The quality of the lecturers and facilities are top-notch and I’m glad that the College keeps its fees at such an affordable level.” Eng Choun is heading for Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom to pursue the honours degree conversion programme.

Another graduate, Janice Chik, had some important advice for her juniors: “Apart from studying hard, you must also make it a point to go for all your classes and participate in all your laboratory work.”

Proud moment …. Stella flanked by her father (back, right) and Head of the School of Technology, Mr Chan Kum Wing (back, left) posing with (seated from left): Council Member Professor Madya Dr Rujhan, Council Chairman Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Ting, and Principal Ms Yoong Lai Thye.

While Eng Choun and Janice may be elated, Stella Wong Hwei Lian was over the moon as she not only graduated, but was the winner of the Professor Chin Fung Kee Memorial Prize in Building and the CIOB Malaysia Book Prize.

The modest Stella said she was pleasantly surprised to win the awards. She added, “I am currently working at Sentoria Development Sdn Bhd, a job I secured right after completing my course. I have also secured 50% sponsorship from Sentoria to pursue my Master’s degree. I am truly pleased with the College as it has provided me with a great environment for study, and the lecturers are very helpful and professional. One of them even introduced me to my current employer.”

Apart from Stella, Chew Ziling picked up the ACCA Cup, Ng Jian Hui bagged the CIMA Cup, Lim Sze Mun won the MAICSA Cup, and Tong Siaw Hoei grabbed the Dr Teh Hock Heng Memorial Prize in Physics.

All smiles …. A jubilant graduand receiving her scroll from Council Chairman Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting.

Well done!! …. Principal Ms Yoong Lai Thye offering her congratulations and words of advice to a graduate.

The Campbell University Convocation

This year marks the 26th year in the long and rich history that Campbell University shares with TAR College. In his speech, Dr Dennis Bazemore, the Vice-President for Student Life of Campbell University encouraged the graduands to “reach for the stars”.

One of the graduates, Vijaya Balan, a giant of a guy at 6 feet 4 inches, created quite a stir when he stepped up to receive his scroll. The audience applauded enthusiastically at the sight of his imposing figure on stage. Vijaya graduated cum laude for his Bachelor of Science degree. We caught up with Vijaya after the convocation and he shared with us his experiences in TAR College.

BK :	How did you adjust to life on campus?
Vijaya :	Initially, I was a bit apprehensive as the majority of my classmates were Chinese. Once I got to know them better, they were teenagers just like me, interested in the same subjects: sports, computer games, etc. I also bonded with them during our group studies where some of my classmates would congregate at my home. I think studying in groups is a good way to improve oneself as you have the group synergy to drive you ahead.
BK :	What were the activities that you participated in?
Vijaya :	Because of my height, most people would think that my favourite game is basketball, but I actually prefer to work out in the gymnasium and swim.
BK :	Are you employed at the moment?
Vijaya :	I am currently attached with Computer Applied Systems and Engineering which employed me even before they saw my final semester results. I think they employed me based on my previous semester results and on the working experience I accumulated during my 6-month industrial attachment with Formis Software Dynamics.

To Vijaya and all his fellow graduates, we echo Dr Bazemore’s advice to achieve success by “reaching for the stars!!!”

Vijaya posing proudly with his parents and sister after receiving his scroll.

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