Alumni of the SOT ED3 Class of 1986/89 returned to TAR UMT to celebrate 40 years of friendship. Mr Chua is seated second from right, and Mr Wong is seated fourth from left.
“Without TAR College opening its doors, there is absolutely no chance for me to seek a bright future for myself.” Such is the reflection of Mr Chua Sew Phen of the Electronic Diploma 3rd (ED 3) Year Class 1986/89 of the School of Technology at the then Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TAR College), emphasising how education transformed his life and opened doors to new opportunities.
His reflection resonated as 77 alumni from the same batch gathered at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) on 9 May 2026, to celebrate 40 years of friendship. It was a memorable gathering, rekindling memories from their TAR College days and celebrating bonds that have stood the test of time. A true epitome that ‘Once a TARCian, Always a TARCian’, the planning of the reunion was led by its Organising Chairman, Mr Wong Kian Wei, with Mr Chua as the reunion coordinator, together with a dedicated organising committee. Their efforts took several months to track down classmates, reconnecting old friends and bringing everyone together once again for a great fellowship of food, karaoke session, and campus tour.
A highlight of the gathering was the group meeting up with their then lecturer, Mr Chan Kum Wing, who is also the former Vice President of TAR UMT. As stories resurfaced, many were transported back to their student years — sharing lecture notes, preparing for examinations and forming friendships that remain strong four decades on.
Beyond celebrating cherished memories, the group of TARCians also chose to give back. Grateful for the opportunities TAR College had given them, they collectively raised RM111,631 to establish the TARC ED3 Class of 1986/89 Student Loan Fund, supporting financially challenged students in pursuing their education at TAR UMT. The group proudly shared that it is a privilege to give back to help many more students obtain quality tertiary education at TAR UMT.
Mr Wong (second from left), accompanied by Mr Chan (leftmost), presenting the mock cheque for the student loan fund to Associate Professor Dr Chook Ka Joo, Vice President of TAR UMT and Mr Johan Lim Kii Geat (rightmost), Director of the Department of Alumni Relations.
