TAR UMT Sabah campus a ‘significant milestone’, says Dr Wee

KOTA KINABALU: The launch of the Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology’s (TAR UMT) campus in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is a “significant milestone” for the institution, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

TAR UMT had provided quality education in Sabah for the past 22 years, growing from only 22 students in 2002 to more than 500 students now, he said.

“From having just four programmes at the diploma and certificate levels in 2002, prospective students can now choose to study in one of the three undergraduate and eight diploma programmes offered at the Sabah campus,” Dr Wee said.

The MCA president had earlier attended the launching of the new campus in Kota Kinabalu, along with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor who officiated the event.

Hajiji was reported earlier saying the opening of the campus fits in well with Sabah’s aspiration to develop a quality human capital pool.

The chief minister also said TAR UMT’s “Beyond Education” philosophy that emphasises academic excellence, nurtures important competencies and develops civic values in its students was holistic and empowering.

Agreeing with Hajiji, Dr Wee said the establishment of the campus is in line with the state’s plan in the Sabah Development Corridor and Sabah Structural Plan 2033 to “prepare the much-needed skilled workforce for the further development of the state.

The TAR Education Foundation chairman also conveyed his gratitude to the Sabah government for its support for TAR UMT that had facilitated its growth over the years.

“In 2022, the Sabah government has set up the Sabah Education Foundation for students pursuing tertiary education. A total of 12 students from TAR UMT Sabah are also recipients of this financial aid.

“As the chairman of the Board of Trustees of TAR Education Foundation, I expressed my sincere gratitude to the Sabah government for its strong and continuous support.”