Berita Kampus

Fond Farewell for Principal

A lotus flower is a symbol of all that is true, good and beautiful, representing good fortune, peace and enlightenment. Our past principal, Ms Yoong Lai Thye is an embodiment of all that is famously linked to the lotus flower and more. She not only represents a true leader in the face of adversities or challenges but also of someone who is pure in spirit in helping others.

Ms Yoong Lai Thye, the principal of TAR College was given a grand farewell on the day before her retirement and also on her retirement day at the Main Campus in Setapak. After more than three decades of fruitful stewardship, Ms Yoong retires as the principal of TAR College.

Being a true leader, Ms Yoong is the heart and soul of the College and it is not difficult to see why. She is a true-blue Tarcian who has the rare distinction of having gone full circle, first as a TARC student, then as a TARC lecturer, then as the Head of School of Business Studies, advancing to be the Vice Principal and reaching the pinnacle of TAR College as the Principal in 2002. So dedicated is she to the TARC mission, that she breathes, talks, strategises TARC all the time.

On the night of the farewell dinner on 15 August, Ms

Leong Eng Yee, the Director of CPE said: “Ms Yoong Lai Thye leaves behind an indelible mark, on the College as an institution, as well as on each and everyone of us, individually, who has worked with her. It is very easy to recognise the hallmarks of Ms Yoong. She is a CEO who has an immense sense of duty. Her passion, tenacity and determination as a leader and as Principal is unwavering. She is very focused and steadfast in whatever she sets out to achieve. All of us are amazed at her boundless energy and drive.”

Her dedication, consistently cheerful demeanor, and the way she cared for her staff and students shone through her actions. So much so that a TARC student scholar remarked that Ms Yoong may appear stern, but she sees students not as who they are, but as what they can be. She exhorts everyone to excel and be the best that they can be.

All her students and staff gave her a rousing send-off by cheering her on with the words “ai de gu li” over and over again. Since time immemorial, TAR College students have been using this phrase when the occasion calls for it. It meant “encouragement with love” in Mandarin and it was only appropriate that our beloved principal was given a fitting farewell.

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