YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Chuan striking the gong three times to officiate the launching of the new phase of Penang Branch Campus, while YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Dr Sak Cheng Lum (3rd from left), YBhg Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok (2nd from left), Mr Amos Teoh Eng Hock (leftmost) look on.
The new phase that was launched.
The new library that has been named after YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Dr Sak Cheng Lum.
The signing on the plaque to commemorate the launch of the new phase of Penang Branch Campus.
Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok (rightmost) presenting a souvenir to YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Chuan (centre), while YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Dr Sak Cheng Lum looks on.
YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Chuan (centre) presenting to YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Dr Sak Cheng Lum (leftmost) a souvenir which shows a framed-up picture of the newly built library with YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Dr Sak's portrait beside the building, while Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok looks on.
Unveiling of the plaque at the new library building by the VIPs for the naming of the new library building.
The mixed cultural performances themed "Unity in Diversity" performed by TAR University College students.
In an air of festivity, the grand launching of the new phase of Penang Branch Campus and naming of its new library building took place on 7 December 2015. The launching ceremony commenced with the arrival of Guest-of-Honour, YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Member of TARC Education Foundation, Secretary-General of Malaysian Chinese Association and Minister of International Trade and Industry II, who officiated the launching of the new phase, together with YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Dr Sak Cheng Lum, who was previously the Chairman of Penang MCA and the Council Member of the then TAR College, YBhg Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok, President of TAR University College and Mr Amos Teoh Eng Hock, Head of Penang Branch Campus.
In his speech, YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Chuan commended Penang Branch Campus for its contribution in providing excellent education to the people in the Northern region. He said: "For over 20 years, TAR UC Penang Branch Campus has built a sterling reputation in providing quality and affordable education that has contributed to the development in the Northern region. To date, a total of more than 17,000 students have graduated from TAR UC Penang Branch Campus and with the completion of the new phase, Penang Branch Campus will raise the bar higher in terms of education excellence".
The new phase of development at Penang Branch Campus consists of a 3-storey library building, two 4-storey faculty blocks and a twin lecture theatre hall. The total development cost amounts to RM30 million and the Federal Government has sponsored half of the cost.
As part of the launching ceremony, YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Chuan hit the gong three times, to officially launch the new phase of Penang Branch Campus. He also put his signature on the plaque specially prepared to commemorate the occasion.
In addition to the launching of the new phase of Penang Branch Campus, another momentous event also took place simultaneously which was the naming of the new Library building built in the new phase after YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Dr Sak Cheng Lum in appreciation of YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Dr Sak's initiative and efforts in raising funds for the setting-up of Penang Branch Campus in the 1990s.
YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Chuan also made a special mention on YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Dr Sak's contribution in his speech. He said: "YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Dr Sak was previously the Chairman of Penang MCA and the Council Member of TAR College from 1995 – 2005. He played a significant role in establishing TAR College branch campus in Penang from the inception till the official opening of Penang Branch Campus. YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Dr Sak also chaired the TAR College Penang Branch fund raising committee and together with Penang MCA, many fund-raising initiatives were carried out which included charity sales, concerts, dinners. golf and sport tournaments as well as to successfully rally many guilds, associations and community organisations in Penang to support and be involved in the fund-raising efforts. In view of his immeasurable contribution to TAR University College Penang Branch Campus, it is certainly fitting to hold a naming ceremony of the new Library building today to accord him the rightful honour".
The naming of the new Library building was officiated with the unveiling of the plaque by YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Dr Sak, YB Dato' Seri Ong Ka Chuan and YBhg Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok. Thereafter, they toured around the Library facilities together with all the guests.
Guests who witnessed the significant event consisted of corporate partners,consultants/contractor/vendors, representatives from private institutions of higher learning and MCA Penang State Liaison Committee.
