KUALA LUMPUR: Many Malaysians, especially the Chinese, owed their academic achievements to MCA through the Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC).
MCA president and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said TAR UC has benefited Malaysians by providing quality and affordable education.
“Because of MCA’s strong visionary leadership, TAR UC has nurtured and produced more than 180,000 high-calibre graduates.
“Many of them have risen up to become prominent national and industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs and eminent professionals not only in Malaysia but across the world,” he said.
Liow, who is also the university college's chairman, was speaking at the graduation ceremony of TAR UC students in Setapak here today.
Founded in 1969 by MCA as the Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC), it boasts a good track record which enabled the MCA to set up Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) in 2002.
In 2013, TARC itself was upgraded to University College status.
Liow noted that year after year, its students won trophies, awards and prizes in competitions and external examinations.
Apart from the academic aspect, TAR UC does not neglect its social responsibility for the community.
The Bentong MP pointed out that there are 32 interest-free student loan funds today, set up mostly by its alumni, to help those who need financial assistance to pursue their higher education.
"Since the fund’s inception in 1979, a grand total of more than RM32 million in student loan funds have been disbursed to more than 12,000 TAR UC students.
“In 2017, we had disbursed RM1.2 million to 148 students, a testament to our ongoing pledge of providing accessible education to the needy,” he said.
TAR UC, which will be celebrating it’s 50th anniversary n 2019, is planning develop a 20.2ha piece of land near its campus, which will allow for more student facilities and training centres.
TAR UC has a student body of over 28,000 in six campuses nationwide which include its Main Campus in Kuala Lumpur and five branch campuses in Penang, Perak, Johor, Pahang and Sabah.