Early Life and Education

YABhg Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik was born in Kuala Kangsar, Perak on 18 September 1943. He received his primary education at King Edward VII School in Taiping (1950–1957) and secondary education at the Royal Military College in Port Dickson (1958–1960). He then pursued higher education at the University of Singapore, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 1966.

He began his career as a medical doctor at the General Hospital in Penang (1966–1968) before starting his own private practice in Butterworth from 1968 to 1975.

Political Career

Tun Ling’s political journey began as the Member of Parliament for Mata Kuching, Butterworth, which he retained for three terms beginning in 1974. He held several key roles including:

• Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Local Government & Federal Territory (1976–1977)
• Deputy Minister of Information (1978–1982)
• Deputy Minister of Finance (1982–1984)
• Deputy Minister of Education (1985–1986)
• Minister of Transport (1986–2003)

He served with distinction for over 17 years as Transport Minister until his retirement from politics in 2003.

Leadership and Service

Tun Ling’s leadership was evident early in life. He received the Honours Award from the Outward Bound School in Lumut and was elected President of the University of Singapore Student Union in 1964. He later served as:

• President, Royal Military College Old Boys’ Association (1979–1981)
• Chairman, Asia-Pacific for Communications (1979–1982)
• President, Malaysian Rugby Union (1980–1984)
• Chairman, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Malaysia) and Inter-Parliamentary Union (1987–1992)
• President, Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation (1989–2000)

Most notably, he served as President of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) from 1986 to 2003, contributing significantly to the nation’s political landscape.

Contributions to Education

Education has always been close to Tun Ling’s heart. As Chairman of the Tunku Abdul Rahman College Council (1986–2004), he was instrumental in establishing new campuses in Penang, Perak, Johor, Pahang, and Sabah.

He played a pivotal role in the founding of UTAR in 2002. Tun Ling successfully secured land from the Perak state government for the Kampar Campus. His tireless efforts were credited by many, including Nanyang Siang Pau, which called him the “Father of UTAR’s Development” for his unwavering dedication to educational advancement.

He served as UTAR Council Chairman from 1 October 2002 until 18 January 2017.

Honours and Recognitions

In recognition of his public service, Tun Ling received several national awards:

• Dato’ - Darjah Datuk Kebesaran Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP) – 1982
• Dato’ Seri - Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Perak(SPMP) – 1989
• Datuk Seri - Darjah Gemilang Seri Melaka(DGSM) – 1993
• Dato’ Sri - Panglima Negara Bintang Sarawak (PNBS, Sarawak) – 2003
• Tun -  Darjah Yang Mulia Setia Mahkota Malaysia (SSM) – 2004

In May 2003, he was also named Honorary Life President of MCA.

Academic Honours

Tun Ling has been conferred honorary degrees by several universities:

• Honorary Doctor of Laws, Campbell University, USA (1993)
• Honorary Doctor of the University, Sheffield Hallam University, UK (2002)
• Honorary Doctor of Engineering Management, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (2004)
• Honorary Doctorate in Political Science, Universiti Malaya (2005)
• Honorary Doctor of Education, University of Abertay Dundee, UK (2007)

Family and Chancellorship

Tun Ling is married to Toh Puan Ong Ee Nah, and they have two sons: Ling Hee Leong and Ling Hee Kiat.

In recognition of his exceptional service and contributions to the University, UTAR appointed Tun Ling as Chancellor at its Council meeting on 18 January 2017.