PETALING JAYA: Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) will look at introducing rail engineering and big data courses among others under its 10-year development blueprint, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       "I suggested that the TAR UC branch in Pahang should introduce rail-related courses as there will be a surge in demand for skilled workers, including rail engineers, once megaprojects like the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is completed," the MCA president said in a Facebook post after chairing the TAR UC Education Foundation Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday (Jan 6).

       Dr Wee, who is also Transport Minister, said that the move will help create more locally trained professionals.

       "Instead of looking for foreign support, we should train more local professionals in this field.

       "With the rapid development of the Internet, courses covering big data and related industries will also be popular," he added.

       Dr Wee said this was among several matters that came up for discussions during the meeting with the trustees which also included upgrading TAR UC to a brand new university.

       "To achieve this goal, a lot of preparation work is needed, such as increasing the number of teaching staff, bringing in highly qualified and knowledgeable professors and lecturers while designing new courses that will meet the future needs of students and industry," he added.

       Dr Wee said that construction works for a proposed new RM176mil seven-floor student centre at TAR UC Kuala Lumpur main campus, had begun following the groundbreaking ceremony last October.

       "This project is expected to be completed in 2024 to provide a new learning space to the students.

       "I would like to express our thanks for all the support towards TAR UC, which allows it to continue flourishing," Dr Wee added.

       Dr Wee had announced during the groundbreaking ceremony last Oct that TAR UC was on track to become a “full-fledged university”.