An artist who is also a successful entrepreneur, Dato' Ch'ng Huck Theng, unveiled a painting he presented to his alma mater at the UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College's 2022 Convocation ceremony on Sunday 6th November.
Ch'ng, an alumnus of University of Wollongong, presented his painting titled "Family", a contemporary depiction of a rooster guiding a family of hen and chicks. This 122cm-long oil-on-canvas was painted in the year 2000.
"A strong family is the fundamental strength of any society. “Families can be formed out of any relationship as long as the group shares a common perspective and, in this instance, I found a family while studying in University Of Wollongong. I drew this painting more than 20 years ago but since then, I could not find the right people to present it to, until now," said Ch'ng.
A celebrated painter and sculptor, Ch'ng is the President of the Association of Tourism Attractions Penang, Penang Art Society and Penang Antique Collectors Association.
He is the Executive Director of Ghee Hiang, the famed Chinese pastry shop that began in 1856. He also runs many other businesses and social enterprises.
Between 1991 and 1995, Ch'ng did his Foundation Studies, Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Management at UOW in Australia. He admitted that at the time, he did not consider himself to be "studying material" until after his father persuaded him to study at UOW. He said he experienced a turning point in his life then and found value in pursuing academic knowledge.
Ch'ng presented his painting to UOW Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Patricia Davidson and delivered a speech as an alumnus to the 741 graduands who received their scrolls that day. The ceremony, which took place at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre held special significance for all students since it is the first face-to-face Convocation since the pandemic hit.
A delighted Professor Davidson, who is also a UOW alumnus herself, expressed her appreciation to Dato Ch’ng for the meaningful gift to UOW. She said that Ch’ng is a shining example of how UOW provides a fertile ground for transformation in an individual to achieve great heights. Indeed, I share the same sentiments expressed by Ch’ng that the time spent at UOW has benefitted me greatly and I am happy to be back to serve my alma mater as the Vice Chancellor and President” she said.
Officiating at the Convocation ceremony in Penang were the UOWMKDU Chancellor Datuk Seri (Dr.) Michael Yam, UOW Vice Chancellor and President Professor Patricia Davidson, UOWMKDU CEO cum UOWGE CEO Asia Ms. Jennifer Ng, UOW Pro Vice Chancellor (Global) Professor Dr. Wilma Vialle and UOWMKDU Penang University College Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Chong Beng Keok.
The Convocation ceremony in the UOW Malaysia KDU Selangor campus took place a day earlier on Saturday 5th November at the Glenmarie campus, where a total of 1,133 graduands received their scrolls.
For more information about UOW Malaysia KDU and UOW Australia study options, please visit www.uowmkdu.edu.my.
This content is provided by UOW Malaysia KDU.
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