TAR College had the honour to be selected as the host of IBM SmartCloud Camp which was held from 23 – 25 February 2012. The purpose of the camp was to develop talents for cloud computing which is an emerging field particularly in the developing economies. The event was also supported by Multimedia Development Corporation, which is the authority in the coordination, promotion and development of the IT industry in Malaysia, and OneCore Corporation Berhad, IBM cloud specialty business partner.

To the uninitiated, cloud computing refers to both the applications delivered as services over the Internet and the hardware and systems software in the datacentres that provide those services1. Cloud computing is a growing market and gaining popularity which will promise a whole host of career opportunities.

There was a rigorous screening process involved before the Camp took place. Contestants had to register with ‘developerWorks’, an online community set up by IBM to provide individuals with interest in IT developments a haven for them to exchange ideas and share knowledge. They would then be put through cloud training either online or face to face. Then they would have to take a compulsory online quiz after which top 200 contestants would receive complimentary IBM certification. The top 100 scorers from the certification would only then proceed to the SmartCloud Camp.

The camp brought together 62 students from TAR College as well as local institutions of higher learning who are the best and the brightest in the field to network with industry experts. In the course of 3 days, the participants were broken into 12 teams and given case studies for them to come up with technical solutions. Thereafter, they would be required to do a presentation to a panel of judges. The individuals who formed the judges were as follows:-

• Mr Long Fong Yee (Manager, ISV & Developer Relations, IBM Malaysia)
• Mr Ku Chuan Cherng (Country Cloud Leader, IBM Malaysia)
• Ms Jessie Teoh Poh Lin (Senior Lecturer, TAR College)
• En Abdul Shukri Jamaluddin (Technical Director, One Core Corporation Berhad)
• Mr Ang Kah Heng (Senior Executive, Policy & Strategy, Talent Department, Multimedia Development Corporation)

All the participants waited with bated breath for the winners to be announced. The eventual winner was Friendship team who selected the Infrastructure as a Service (‘IaaS’) scenario. TAR College student, Yeoh Tan Chin Aun, won the runner-up together with his teammates in Sunny Cloud team.

Brimming with joy, he said ‘I am so excited to have won the runner-up. This camp is an eye-opener to me as I have learnt so much from the experts. I would like to thank my lecturers for their guidance and support in helping me to win the prize. Should there be a sequel, I am sure TAR College will do even better’.

Source
1  Quoted from Technical Report No. UCB/EECS-2009-28 entitled ‘Above the Clouds: A  Berkeley View on Cloud Computing’ by University of California Berkeley Reliable  Adaptive Distributed Systems Laboratory.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1   :  Mr Long Fong Yee (Manager, ISV & Developer Relations, IBM Malaysia) giving his welcome speech before the camp started

Photo 2   : Left to right: Ms Lim Mei Shyan (Head of Computer Science Division, TAR College) receiving a token of appreciation from Mr Long Fong Yee.

Photo 3   :  All the groups cracking their heads to come up with the perfect technical solutions to the case studies

Photo 4   : The participants taking a group photo as remembrance

Photo 5   : TAR College student, Yeoh Tan Chin Aun (second from left), standing next to Mr Ang Kah Heng (leftmost) from MDEC, as well as his team-mates to receive their awards as the 1st runner-up.

Sport and Exercise Science Society of TAR College held the first seminar for the year on 23 February 2012 with the aim of updating the knowledge in various disciplines of sport sciences for academicians, researchers, coaches, physical educators, fitness instructors, students and athletes.

The seminar revolved on 3 areas which were delivered eloquently by the experts from the University of Sydney. Dr Kieron Rooney spoke on ‘Substrates and Bi-products, Metabolic Factors Regulating Fuel Utilisation during Exercise’ whereas Associate Professor Martin Thompson elaborated further on ‘What Limits Endurance Exercise in the Heat?’. Dr Patricia Ruell, on the other hand, delivered her talk on ‘Prevention of Heat Stroke – Can Heat Shock Proteins Help?’.

The seminar saw an attendance of 105 comprising students and staff not only from TAR College but from other institutions as well such as International School of Kuala Lumpur, Segi University College, Sunway University College, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Pacesetter, Selangor Chinese Recreational Club and Football Association of Selangor. Such turnout reflects well on the reputation of TAR College being the premier educational institution in Malaysia.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 : From left: Ler Hui Yin (Advisor and lecturer in Sports and Exercise Science, TAR College), Dr Ng Swee Chin (Head, School of Arts & Science, TAR College), Associate Professor Martin Thompson (University of Sydney), Dr Tan Chik Heok (Principal of TAR College), Dr Kieron Rooney (University of Sydney), Dr Patricia Ruell (University of Sydney), Dr. Loke Chui Fung (Head, Division in Chemistry and Biology, TAR College), Chan Kai Quin (Advisor and lecturer in Sports and Exercise Science, TAR College), Joseph Cheah Chun Huay (Chairman of Sports and Exercise Science Society, TAR College)

Photo 2:   Associate Professor Martin Thompson giving his talk on “What Limits Endurance Exercise in the Heat”

Photo 3:    Dr Patricia Ruell delivered her topic on ‘Prevention of Heat Stroke – Can Heat Shock Proteins Help?’

Photo 4   : Dr Kieron Rooney presenting his materials in subject of ‘Substrates and Bi-products, Metabolic Factors Regulating Fuel Utilisation during Exercise’

On 15 February 2012, a delegation from Queen’s University Belfast (‘the University’), visited Tunku Abdul Rahman College (‘TAR College’). The delegation of 5 persons was led by Professor Sir Peter Gregson, Vice Chancellor of the University and they were accompanied by a representative from the University’s office in Kuala Lumpur.

During the visit, both the University and TAR College signed a Memorandum of Understanding (‘MOU’) for the purpose of promoting co-operation between the two institutions. The MOU was an offshoot from a Memorandum of Agreement (‘MOA’) which was signed in 2011 in which certain Advanced Diploma holders from TAR College will be able to pursue relevant Masters programmes at the University. The momentous event was witnessed by the senior management of TAR College as well.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1:  From left: Dr Tan Chik Heok (Principal) exchanging MOU with Professor Sir Peter Gregson (Vice Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast)

Photo 2:
Front row from left: Professor Stan Scott (Head of School of Electronic, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen’s University Belfast), Mr Alan Preece (Director, Marketing & Recruitment, Queen’s University Belfast), Dr Tan Chik Heok (Principal, TAR College), Professor Sir Peter Gregson (Vice Chancellor, Queen’s University Belfast), Professor Alan Marshall  (School of Electronic, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen’s University Belfast), Mr  Chan Kum Wing (Vice Principal, Academic & Facilities Development, TAR College)

Back row from left: Ms Choo Poh Kheng (Bursar, TAR College), Ms Kho Sok Kee (Vice Principal, Collaboration, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, TAR College), Mr Trevor Newsom (International Advisor to the Vice Chancellor, Queen’s University Belfast), Dr Oo Pou San (Director, Centre for Continuing & Professional Education, TAR College), Dr Chua Ping Yong (Head, School of Technology, TAR College), Dr Ng Swee Chin (Head, School of Arts & Science, TAR College), Ms Phoong Huei Ling (Registrar, TAR College) and Ms Kong Tzer Miin (Manager, Queen’s University Belfast Malaysia Office)

Photo 3: The visitors from Queen’s University of Belfast were impressed by the achievements of TAR College

Tunku Abdul Rahman College (‘TAR College’) and Sheffield Hallam University (‘SHU’) took their collaboration to a new level recently by setting up SHU’s regional office at TAR College Setapak Main Campus in Kuala Lumpur on 13 February 2012. The opening of the regional office was held together with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on offering two new SHU programmes – Masters of Science in Cost and Project Management, and Project Management.

The auspicious event marked a milestone in TAR College – SHU collaboration; an innovative arrangement by the college in paving the way for students to gain a relevant Bachelor Honours Degree and now Masters Degree. The partnership, since June 1999, has benefited more than 7,000 Advanced Diploma students in gaining the relevant Bachelor Honours Degree through the innovative pathway of a one summer semester conversion programme at SHU. The TAR College graduates following the pathway may continue with postgraduate studies

In a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dr Tan said “We are pleased to witness this momentous milestone in our collaboration with SHU. The opening of the SHU regional office will certainly bring our partnership to a new level which is in line with the commitment of TAR College in providing affordable quality education to meet the human capital needs of the country”.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1:  Professor Cliff Allan (1^st from left, Deputy Vice Chancellor, SHU) and Dr Tan Chik Heok (2^nd from right, Principal, TAR College) cutting the ribbon to officiate the opening of the SHU regional office. Looking on were Mr James Richardson (2^nd from left, Director of International Development, SHU), Professor Sylvia Johnson (3^rd from left, Pro-Vice Chancellor, SHU) and Dr Oo Pou San (1^st from right, Director of Centre for Continuing and Professional Education, TAR College)

Photo 2:   From left: Professor Cliff Allan (Deputy Vice Chancellor, SHU) exchanging MOU with Dr Tan Chik Heok (Principal, TAR College)

Tunku Abdul Rahman College (‘TARC’) held its first alumni homecoming for this year at the Setapak Main Campus in Kuala Lumpur. Themed as the “43rd Anniversary and Chinese New Year Alumni Homecoming”, the event, a joint initiative of TARC and the Federation of Tunku Abdul Rahman College Alumni Associations (FTARC AA) aimed to further strengthen the alumni relations through a reunion for all in coming together as one united family to celebrate the College success, to network and to reminisce the old college days.

Highlights of the activity packed programme were the informative video on college achievements, the mesmerizing students performances in solo singing, choir, Chinese orchestra, wushu plus the presentations of mementos to the present Principal Dr Tan Chik Heok, ex-principals and previous presidents of the FTARC AA in recognition of their support to the college. More than 1,000 attendees, comprising mainly alumni, college officials, staff and students attended the event.

Adding to the festivity of the night were the performances of lively acrobatic lion and dragon dances together with the God of Prosperity which drew thunderous applause from the crowd. There was also a cake-cutting ceremony and passing the hat around for donation and contributions to assist in TARC mission of providing affordable education to many deserving students who would otherwise have no chance to continue their tertiary education due to financial constraints.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1: Dr Tan presenting his speech to more than 1,000 attendees

Photo 2: A team of TARC students performing Chinese orchestra for the audience

Photo 3: The cake-cutting ceremony with all the present VIPs

Photo 4: The award-winning student choir crooning for the alumni with gusto

Photo 5: The God of Prosperity leading the lion and dragon to greet the attendees

SPUS recently held the October/November 2011 Cambridge AS & A Level High Achievers Certificate Presentation at College Hall, attended by more than 200 SPUS students, parents, College Senior Officials and staff.

Tan Zhai Gen was awarded the Best Overall Performance in Cambridge International A Level Science. Chong E-Yang and Phoebe Yong Suyi are achievers for Best Overall Performance in Cambridge International A Level Arts. The Best Overall Performance in AS Level Science and Arts awards were presented to Ng Kar Yen and Janise Ong Li Ting. 79 A Level students obtained 3’A’s/3’A*’s and above in the Cambridge A Level examination while 37 AS Level students achieved 3’a’s and above.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1: Group photo of High Achievers with TARC Senior Officials

Photo 2: From left to right, Ms Looi Li Chin, Head of SPUS, Chong E-Yang and Phoebe Yong Suyi (Best Overall Performance in Cambridge International A Level Arts - both achieved 3’A*’s), Tan Zhai Gen (Best Overall Performance in Cambridge International A Level Science - 4’A*’s) and Dr Tan Chik Heok, TAR College Principal

Photo 3: From left to right, Ms Looi Li Chin, Head of SPUS, Ng Kar Yen (Best Overall in AS Level Science – 5’a’s), Janise Ong Li Ting (Best Overall in AS Level Arts – 4’a’s & 1c) and Dr Tan Chik Heok, TAR College Principal

To benefit students in gaining more information about studying abroad, the Centre for Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) has organized a one –day Student Placement Day at the College Hall, KL Main Campus.

More than 800 students, parents and lecturers attended the event to seek advice on registration, course fees and other study options. A highlight was the specially arranged talks on admission by the members of the participating universities.

31 organizations comprising foreign universities (from the UK, Australia, Ireland, Singapore, Canada and US) and education service providers participated in the event.

Note: Refer to the flyer below on the left – A poster showing the details of the participating universities.

 

Our College Principal, Dr Tan Chik Heok and senior management staff had a strategic meeting with five senior officials from LJMU (Liverpool John Moore University), UK to review the direction and progress of the TARC- LJMU collaboration.

The meeting concluded with a slide presentation and a cake cutting to commemorate the successful partnership which has paved the way for our Advanced Diploma students to be awarded the relevant LJMU Honours degree upon successful completion of a one- semester degree conversion programme at LJMU.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1:  Dr Tan Chik Heok, TARC Principal receiving a souvenir from Michele Ibbs, LJMU Pro Vice Chancellor

Photo 2: (Left to right)
Front Row
Ms Phoong Huei Ling (Registrar), Ms Lim See Wah, Vice Principal (Administration and External Relations), Ms Kho Sok Kee, Vice Principal (Collaboration, Innovation & Entrepreneurship), Michele Ibbs (Pro Vice Chancellor, Marketing Commercial and International), Dr Tan Chik Heok (TARC Principal), Professor Diane Meehan (Dean of Technology and Environment), Mr Chan Kum Wing, Vice Principal (Academic & Facilities Development)

Second Row
Ms Choo Poh Kheng (Bursar), Ms Say Sok Kwan  (Head, School of Business Studies), Julie Hargreaves (Head of Academic Partnerships and International Recruitment), Ms Looi Li Chin (Head of School of Pre-University Studies)

Third Row
Jeffrey Soong (Regional Director, South East Asia), Dr Chook Ka Joo (Director of Quality Assurance), Dr Chua Ping Yong (Head, School of Technology), Mr Lee Hwee Chuin (Head, School of Social Science and Humanities), Dr Oo Pou San (Director, Continuing and Professional Education), Jon Barret, Commercial and International Director, Dr Ng Swee Chin (Head, School of Arts & Science), Ng Kim Hong (Director, Department of Development and External Relations)

Photo 3: TARC Senior Management Staff taking group photographs during the cake cutting ceremony.

Photo 4: The 10 years successful partnership between TARC and LJMU was marked by the cake cutting ceremony.