Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=88177

ACG Fiesta 2017


Committee members, performers and special guests of ACG Fiesta 2017

The UTAR Asian Cultural Society of Sungai Long Campus held a cosplay event titled “Anime, Comic & Games (ACG) Fiesta 2017” at Sungai Long Campus from 21 to 22 January 2017. The fiesta acted as a platform for cosplayers to network and showcase their creativity.

“Cosplaying is an excellent opportunity to connect with those who share similar interests, and a chance to be the character you love. Through this fiesta, I hope more people will learn to appreciate and adopt this subculture,” ACG Fiesta 2017 Chairperson Goh Jun Kian said.


Participants showing off their costumes


Dance performance by BeatFang (left) and Kiseki (right)

The fiesta featured special guests such as AbamApam, Angie, and Lea & Mikki, as well as the GG Twins as the emcees for the event. Among the fun activities were a Cosplay Cafe, solo and group cosplay competitions, a talent competition, mini concerts, various game booths, and a haunted house.


Some of the costumes in the group competition

Goh said around 900 participants from the public showed up. “According to their feedback, most of them are looking forward to next year’s fiesta.”

Cosplay (コスプレ), a contraction of the words costume and play, is a performance art where a participant (known as a cosplayer), dresses up in costumes and accessories to represent a specific character from manga, anime, comic books, cartoons, video games, films or television series.


Special guests Lea & Mikki conducting a makeup tutorial


Cosplay Café hostess welcoming patrons

Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=88185

Emerald Most Cited Article

Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Senior Lecturer Garry Tan Wei Han and PhD candidate Tan Boon In added feathers in their caps when their research paper titled “King’s Biscuits Berhad: Crafting the Next Move?” was recently awarded the “Most Cited Article" by Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies (EEMCS) journal, Emerald (UK).

Also co-authored with Prof Ooi Keng Boon of UCSI University, the paper was based on a real-life case involving a leading biscuit manufacturer in Malaysia where it has grown over the years. It incorporated the concept of environment scanning in response to the economic challenges faced in the confectionery industry.“The scenario, market structure and the competitors referred to in the case are all real. The case was made even more compelling as it brought in the scenario of the Asian financial crisis when the ringgit was depreciated in 1997/1998,” said Boon In. He added that the case did not adopt the actual name of the manufacturer as most companies in Malaysia are still conservative in their approach and as such, a pseudonym was adopted instead.

According to Wei Han, who also serves as a reviewer for EEMCS, the “Most Cited Article” is based on the number of citations published in the last three years sourced exclusively from Crossref, an official Digital Object Identifier (DOI) Registration Agency of the International DOI Foundation. “The case study is targeted at undergraduate and postgraduate management students undertaking courses such as marketing, branding and strategy. Instructors can download the case with teaching notes and lead students to discuss how to strategise for future planning,” explained Wei Han.

EEMCS is a digital collection of peer-reviewed teaching case studies focusing on business decision making and management in global markets. The case studies can be used in classrooms to help students develop skills in decision making, collaboration and problem solving.

“King’s Biscuits Berhad: Crafting the Next Move?” can be read here and downloaded here. Click here to view the commendation letter.


Boon In (left) and Wei Han all smiles displaying their commendation letter

Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=88195

Alumna crowned Astro Star Quest champion


ASQ 2016 Champion Wengdyy Ooi

Advertising graduate Ooi Wen Lih, or popularly known by her stage name Wengdyy Ooi, was crowned Champion at the Astro Star Quest (ASQ) 2016 on New Year’s Eve at Desa ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur. She walked home with a cash prize of RM50 000 and a luxury car.

“I am honoured by the judges’ decision! This is truly the best starting point in my career,” she said. Ooi beat four other finalists, Eugene Wen Keng Soon, Steve Eer Xiao Hui, William Tan Kian Hong, and Brian Chew Yi Bin in a 20-minute action-packed performance to win the competition.

Ooi discovered her passion for singing through her family’s love for music when she was five. “Setting foot on stage is my childhood dream, because I want to use it to spread positive energy and motivate people through my voice,” she continued.


Wengdyy in an elaborate outfit during the show

She also credited her success to past performances she gave on campus. “Through my experience, I’ve learnt that my mentality affects every performance. Therefore, I always treat each performance as my first, to keep myself fresh and excited.”

Ooi recently participated in the Hong Kong for the TVB International Chinese New Talent Singing Championship 2016 held on 19 February 2017. “As for the next step, I hope to have more performing opportunities, as well as creating and releasing my own material,” she said.

“No matter what your dreams are, as long as you are willing to take the first step, put in effort and persist through hardships, it will produce results,” she advised. Follow her musical journey here.


Wengdyy with international artiste and ASQ 2016 judge Nicholas Teo

Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=88220

Talk on the beauty of Malaysia


Well-known travel columnist Chok Yen Hao

Chok Yen Hao was invited by the Institute of Chinese Studies’ (ICS) Chinese Arts Unit and the UTAR Photography Society to present a talk titled “The Most Beautiful Scenery (回眸家乡最美的风景)” at Heritage Hall, Kampar Campus on 20 February 2017.

Chok is a well-known travel columnist, best-selling author for Malaysian travel guide books, and host for 8TV’s travelogue series “Homecoming”. His published books include Discover Malaysia English version, Discover Malaysia Chinese version (《发现大马》, 《发现大马2》), Travel Guide to Malaysia (《自游马来西亚》) and Short Trips in Malaysia (《在地小旅游》).

The talk aimed to provide a better understanding of our beautiful scenery in Malaysia. During the introductory session, Chok shared on his travel experiences and the meaning of travel. He began his backpacker life in 1997 and journeyed 50 days in China with a friend. In 1998, he went solo to Europe for 21 days. For him, one of the most striking experiences during his journeys was his inability to answer well the questions posed by people from other countries about Malaysia. Therefore, he made up his mind to explore our beautiful land and introduce it to all, especially to the citizens of our nation.

He said, “I like to join campus sharings, because this will allow me to interact with young people with all kinds of interesting ideas.” He advised, “Travel, not in pursuit of photos for social media or stamps on your passport, but to open your eyes and heart to all the experiences the world has to offer.” At one point, he told of experiencing the funerary customs in Bali during a visit. Wholeheartedly immersing himself in the local culture, he got to know the reason behind the custom of laughing during funerals and the belief of reincarnation after death in Bali.

He asked, “Do you know your homeland well?” By using photographs and videos, he shed light on rarely known places in Malaysia, such as Kahang Organic Rice Eco Farm in Johor, Tambunan Terraced Paddy Fields, Bohey Dulang Island and Kundasang in Sabah, Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Kemasik and Teluk Mak Nik in Terengganu, and Kuala Sepetang in Perak. He said, “It seems like you are in Bali when you are in Tambunan, while the cow farm and environment in Kundasang make you feel like you are stepping foot on New Zealand. Much of the scenery in foreign countries can be found in Malaysia and there are many unique cultures, attractions and places in our beautiful homeland that are highly recommended.”

Later on, he introduced some heroes who are committed to promoting and protecting our land. They were Ah Yao from Gunung Pulai Rainforest Tea House, a nature lover who promotes the natural life; Alex Lee from Terrapuri Heritage Village, a heritage protector of the rich architectural and cultural heritage of Terangganu; and Dr Wong Siew Te and his team from The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, who rescue and conserve the Bornean sun bear in Sabah. From the stories shared, the audience were motivated by their efforts to protect and maintain our beautiful homeland.

During the Q&A session, the audience asked questions related to travel, dreams, the value of life and home. The talk ended with an autograph session.


ICS Dr Yap Siew Chin presenting a token of appreciation to Chok, while Organising Chairperson Tan Hong Jie looks on


Chok with the participants


Lucky students with autographed copies of Chok’s books

Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fc...contentid=88216

UTAR launches Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre


From left: Datin Paduka Chew, Datin Paduka Tan, Prof Chuah, Dato’ Sri Liow, Tun Ling and Dato’ Hou with MCA’s donation

As a tribute to one of the country’s founding fathers and the first President of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), UTAR launched the Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies (TCLC) in its Sungai Long Campus on 28 February 2017.

Present at the launch were the guest of honour Transport Minister Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, UTAR Chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and spouse Toh Puan Ena Ling, granddaughter of Tun Tan Cheng Lock Datin Paduka Tan Siok Choo, TCLC Steering Committee Chairman-cum-UTAR Council Member Senator Dato’ Hou Kok Chung, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Senator Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, TCLC Chairperson Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun, Tun Tan’s family, as well as guests from MCA, UTAR Council and Board of Trustees, University of Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, New Era University College, and Chinese associations.


The VIPs officially launching the centre


Prof Chuah thanking MCA and Tun Tan’s family for their support

Speaking at the launch, Prof Chuah thanked MCA for their donation of RM1million to the TCLC in support of further research and to meet the centre’s goals and objectives. “It is very important to rediscover the missing parts of our history and culture, as well as the legacy of Tun Tan Cheng Lock and our founding fathers. Therefore, TCLC will conduct research on Tun Tan Cheng Lock’s life, values and political contributions, and on Tun Tan Siew Sin’s contributions during his tenure as the Finance Minister of Malaysia. The centre will also expand its role to research on past Malaysian leaders, nation building and contemporary socio-political issues. It will benefit the greatest number and widest variety of people and contribute to the development of our communities and nation.”

Prof Chuah also announced that the centre currently has 80 members from various faculties in the university, and all interested academics are welcome to submit their proposals to conduct research for the centre. “We also welcome researchers from all fields to be part of the centre’s exciting initiatives and we look forward to possible collaborative efforts with our partners including MCA. All the research outcomes and knowledge will be disseminated to the general public, with hopes that they will inspire the younger generation to take up leadership roles and encourage them to contribute in nation building,” said the president.


Datin Paduka Tan citing the legacy of Tun Tan

Datin Paduka Tan enthused, “My sisters, Siok Eng and Siok Lee, and I would like to thank Dato’ Sri Liow, Tun Ling and UTAR for deciding to name this centre after our grandfather, the late Tun Tan Cheng Lock. It is an honour that Tun Tan would have appreciated tremendously.” Citing the background of Tun Tan’s legacy, she said, “While much has been written about Tun Tan’s involvement in politics, little is known about his entrepreneurial forays, first in rubber planting and later banking.”

She explained, “Due to the lack of financial resources to study law at a university, Tun Tan highly valued a university education, reflected in the fact that he sent his children to the US and UK for their tertiary education. Conversely, my grandfather was a staunch follower of Confucius. One of the most important rituals that he observed strictly was the ancestral remembrance ceremony; a rite that he instilled in his son Tun Tan Siew Sin whom in turn impressed on my sisters and I to continue the traditional Confucian ritual. Above all, Tun Tan ingrained in his children a key Confucian ethic — the worst transgression a son or daughter could commit is to bring dishonour to the family.”


Dato’ Sri Liow emphasising the importance of unity in Malaysia

Also speaking at the launch was Dato’ Sri Liow who said, “Tun Tan was the founder and the first president of MCA and we are proud to have this centre set up in honour of Tun Tan and his immense contributions to our country. He was a prominent public figure who was committed to championing the rights and social welfare of the Chinese community in Malaya. Most importantly, he was devoted to building a multiracial system of governance in order to raise the harmoniousness of race relations in Malaya. It is undeniable that he was one of those leaders who believed that moderation was the only way for Malaya to move forward.”

The guest of honour further said, “In recognition of Tun Tan’s immense efforts and to continue his incredible legacy, MCA is proud to donate RM1million to the TCLC at UTAR. The donation will fund various activities and research in areas such as the thoughts and ideas of Tun Tan and our founding fathers, the history and contributions of Malaysian Chinese, nation building, ethnic relations, social policies and much more.”

He also advised, “I hope that our youths will be inspired by the deeds of Tun Tan and be motivated to emulate this patriotic spirit of togetherness among us all, especially in a multiethnic country like Malaysia. By understanding the past, we can plan and act in the present in anticipation of future challenges and growth. If we want to know how and why our society is the way it is today, we have to look into our history for answers and that is why we need to properly document our past and seek solutions for the future. It is with great hope that the TCLC will inspire the younger generation to contribute to building a better Malaysia through Tun Tan’s vision — uniting our multiethnic society to build a greater nation.”

The TCLC’s vision is to be a centre of excellence that spearheads research for the betterment of Malaysia as a nation. Visit the TCLC’s official website for more details:http://research.utar.edu.my/TCLC/index.html .


The guests admiring the exhibition on Tun Tan

I would like to ask, if I were to apply for an undergraduate programme in UTAR and I would like to go for the August intake instead of May, isit possible to apply now? The application form I found on UTAR website is for May intake

Also, I'm aware that if I apply online, I'll have to pay an amount of RM60 for application. Is it the same as the application through other ways like mail?

Thanks in advance! ^^

For your info, UTAR intake are January, May and October respectively.

If you want to apply for October intake, it is better to apply on June

Yes, RM60 is applied for both online and mail postage.

Why is there so little discussion on UTAR courses and intake in this thread? UTAR is a good university with a nice campus and very reasonable fees but it is not given due consideration by students. Apparently students prefer unis with foreign sounding names despite most of them being price gouging profit motivated enterprises with limited campus facilities. For Engineering UTAR charges 1/4 of Monash Malaysia. The epitome of crass commercialization is Sunway Uni charging parents a fee to attend their children's graduation. Yes, this is a fact; I was there myself.

Students, you are not going to get a better education at one of the foreign sounding private unis compared to UTAR. In terms of employer acceptance UTAR loses to none of them. So do give UTAR a chance instead of making your parents cough up big money for Taylor's Monash, Nottingham or Sunway.

I see. Thank you so much!

Actually, I wonder why UTAR is not discussed more? Are their courses good? I hear that they have a policy of taking in up to 90% of those that apply for their courses and than proceed to fail those that don't make their standards along the way. So, easy entry but difficult pass.

Being a not-for profit education institute, their fees should be lower than those for-profit education institute like Taylors, Inti, Sunway, etc. But how is the quality of the courses? You still need money to pay for and keep good lecturers, good facilities and maintain standards.

Any facts or evidence that UTAR graduates are accepted by the private sector? I seem to hear INTI advertising daily on the radio that their graduates get jobs easily after they graduate. Is that true or just advertising hype?

Will be interested if UTAR students or graduates can answer these questions.

Actually, I wonder why UTAR is not discussed more? Are their courses good? I hear that they have a policy of taking in up to 90% of those that apply for their courses and than proceed to fail those that don't make their standards along the way. So, easy entry but difficult pass.
Answer: As a UTAR student, my course (Mechatronics Engineering) is on par with other private universities in terms of syllabus. Currently, UTAR admission rate is 80-90% (Source: http://www.4icu.org/reviews/3233.htm), it is true that student need to work hard to pass exam. Some of my coursemates have been dropoff from UTAR due to unable get CGPA 2.0 for two consecutive semesters.


Being a not-for profit education institute, their fees should be lower than those for-profit education institute like Taylors, Inti, Sunway, etc. But how is the quality of the courses? You still need money to pay for and keep good lecturers, good facilities and maintain standards.
Answer: In recent QS World University Rankings by Subjects 2017 (Published on 8th March 2017), UTAR is ranked 351-400 for Electrical & Electronic Engineering (Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-...cal-electronic) , and 451-500 for Computer Science & Information Systems (Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-...mation-systems). As a non for-profit university established just 15 years since 2002, make it to the world ranking have proved its standards.

Any facts or evidence that UTAR graduates are accepted by the private sector? I seem to hear INTI advertising daily on the radio that their graduates get jobs easily after they graduate. Is that true or just advertising hype?
Answer: Refer to QS University Asian Ranknigs 2016 (Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-...-rankings/2016) in terms of employer reputation, UTAR is ranked 9th in Malaysia (Behind UM, USM, UTM, UKM, UPM, UiTM, UUM and UTP). Meanwhile INTI is not even in the list.

Hope my answer solve your doubts.

This post has been edited by cnvery: Mar 12 2017, 09:50 AM

As part of the selection panel for new staff in my engineering company (staff strength about 50) I can say that we put UTAR graduates on par with other private universities.

UTAR charges a fraction of what many private universities charge. If you can study in UTAR there is no need to pay highly for a foreign sounding uni in the hope of getting better job prospects. This does not exist. Even Spore employers gladly accept UTAR degrees.

I see a trend of some private universities increasing their fees by about 10% every year. They may be pricing themselves out of the market as income is not keeping up with escalating fees. The next generation of parents will find it very hard to afford Taylor's, Monash, Sunway or Nottingham to mention a few examples.

Practically 100% of students in private unis are non-Malays, mainly Chinese. With birth rate of non-Malays decreasing and their limited ability to attract international students due to lack of good ranking is their future bright?


This post has been edited by kluseng: Mar 12 2017, 01:53 PM

Good to hear that UTAR students are well regarded in the private sector. Well, after the explosion of private and semi-public universities in the last 20 years, I would presume that we are heading towards a shake up where there will be consolidation of these universities in the future.

It depends on what international students we are talking about. Most of the international students that I seem to see around are from Africa, Asia and Middle East, and not exactly from the developed areas either. As long as the universities provide a reasonably priced education (in their eyes), they will still come. Singapore seems to attract students from developed countries such as Europe, Japan, USA. So, there's a clear distinction of what type of students are being attracted to Malaysia and Singapore.

Thank you for your answers. I hope UTAR continues to do well, nationally and internationally.

Regarding the pre-university course for foundation in science, is the quota only 50 students?

Hi, sorry to bother you again. I forgot to ask if there's any other way to apply for the October intake now, besides waiting till June arrive?? I would be obliged to apply now than later

Thanks for your sharing

Thanks for your wishes

Nope, UTAR foundation have more than thousand students studying Foundation in Science or Arts.

Not sure, you may ask UTAR directly by phone.

Alright, thanks You're so helpful T_T If I have any other enquiries about UTAR, I hope you wouldn't mind me to look for you

Sure, I am willing to help

What do you mean only 50 students? That figure is too little to even sustain the university haha.