UTM Alumnus Unveils 1.5 Million Sq. Ft. Hub to Boost Education and Youth in Malaysia

Dr. Wee (second from left) presenting the TAR UMT Arena FIFA-certified football field certificate

19 December 2025

KUALA LUMPUR :  Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong, a distinguished alumnus of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and one of Malaysia’s most esteemed engineers and policymakers, has once again demonstrated his enduring commitment to national development through the official unveiling of the TAR UMT Arena.

Spanning 1.5 million square feet, this pioneering facility is set to redefine Malaysia’s approach to higher education, innovation, and holistic youth development. The event was attended by prominent leaders from the fields of education, industry, and government, highlighting the project’s significance as a major investment in the nation’s future talent.

Dr. Wee’s leadership in this landmark project reflects his lifelong dedication to nation-building through education and innovation. Widely recognised for his tenure as Malaysia’s Minister of Transport from 2020 to 2022, he steered the country’s logistics and transport sectors through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring supply chain resilience and the uninterrupted progress of key infrastructure projects. His strategic guidance has consistently contributed to Malaysia’s development trajectory.

Beyond his role in transport, Dr. Wee has held senior positions including Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, where he championed the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and Deputy Minister of Education, where he focused on improving access and quality in education.

His recent appointment in late 2024 as an investment adviser for the Chinese community in Malaysia, with a particular focus on the halal industry, further exemplifies his ability to bridge engineering expertise with economic foresight, translating technical knowledge into sustainable growth.

Dr. Wee’s career exemplifies that engineering is more than infrastructure; it is about designing opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen nations. Through his leadership across transport, education, and economic policy, he has continuously shaped Malaysia’s path towards a knowledge-driven, innovation-led future.

The TAR UMT Arena is a tangible legacy of this vision, a symbol of Malaysia’s commitment to holistic education, sustainable innovation, and youth empowerment. Dr. Wee’s ongoing contributions inspire a new generation of leaders to think boldly, act responsibly, and serve with purpose in a rapidly changing global landscape.

His extensive career in public policy and infrastructure is rooted in a strong technical foundation from UTM. As a proud double alumnus, Dr. Wee holds both a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a PhD in Transportation Planning, credentials that have profoundly influenced his evidence-based, solution-oriented approach to policymaking.

Currently, Dr. Wee is an active member of several professional engineers’ organisations, including the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (MIEM) and the Road Engineering Association of Asia & Australasia (REAAA). His professional journey, which marries technical mastery with strategic leadership, stands as a testament to the leadership and innovation fostered within Malaysian higher education.

Ultimately, Dr. Wee’s progression from university engineering student to PhD holder, and ultimately to a national minister and educational leader, exemplifies UTM’s vision of cultivating graduates who integrate scientific knowledge, innovation, and social responsibility for the betterment of Malaysia.