Celebrating Achievements Beyond Education

If you look at him in class, Diploma in Business Economics student Looi Kai Xu might look like just one of the many Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) students who is aspiring to focus on his studies and graduate successfully.

But on the volleyball court, Kai Xu is an elite athlete who has already represented TAR UMT and Malaysia at the international level, most recently at the Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships 2023 and SEA Games 2023 in Cambodia. He was also part of the TAR UMT Volleyball team that was crowned Men’s Champion at the Varsity Volleyball Championship (VVC) 2023 and Kejohanan Bola Tampar Piala YB Zahir Hassan Wangsa Maju KLVA-TAR UMT Kuala Lumpur tournament.

TAR UMT’s approach to a holistic education experience through its ‘Beyond Education’ principle has allowed students like Kai Xu to pursue their tertiary studies while still honing their individual talents, skills and passion via other avenues outside of the class like sports.

“I appreciate the fact that at TAR UMT I am able to further my studies and still compete at the national and international levels. Thanks to this freedom, I am always motivated to do well in class and on the court. I’m looking forward to be able to represent TAR UMT and Malaysia again soon, possibly in the next SEA Games in 2025,” said Kai Xu.

Just like Kai Xu, fellow volleyball player Yong Jia Tian from the Diploma in Accounting programme has been called up to represent Malaysia before. The two-time SEA Games participant has also made TAR UMT proud as part of the team that won the Masiswa-Taylor’s Invitation Female Volleyball Championship 2023 Women’s Champion title and Bronze medal at the 9^th Sukan Institusi Pendidikan Malaysia (SIPMA) 2023.

“TAR UMT does not only focus on providing us with quality education but equal emphasis is also given to our extra-curricular activities to ensure we have a balanced campus lifestyle. As an athlete, it is also great to have facilities such as covered volleyball courts where we can practice without worrying about weather conditions. This convenience allows me to bring out the best in myself on the court,” said Jia Tian.

Kai Xu and Jia Tian are just two of the many students who have demonstrated their unique talents by participating and winning in various competitions, tournaments and contests throughout 2023.

To appreciate its students’ dedication and effort in representing TAR UMT at national and international level competitions, the University aptly ushered 2024 in a celebratory spirit by honouring its many student achievers from last year with a ‘Tea Time with Chairman: Celebration of TAR UMT Winners’ event on 3 January 2024 hosted by Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), TARC Education Foundation. He was joined by Datuk Seri Yew Teong Look, Member of the BOT, TARC Education Foundation, and Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT.

Addressing the student achievers, Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee said: “These students are proof that TAR UMT is not just about producing graduates - it is nurturing well-rounded individuals that excel not only in classrooms but also on the fields, courts, arenas and stages where they are capable of showcasing their talents to the world while becoming beacons of inspiration to their peers.”

“TAR UMT has always strived to build a vibrant campus community that is well balanced and capable of maximising character development for all its students. Our TAR UMT winners today have demonstrated that a healthy mind comes from a strong body, and their achievements in their respective disciplines will help them compete and do well in taking on the challenges in the 21^st century,” said Prof Ir Lee.