UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN

Pro-Chancellor of UTAR

Tan Sri Dato’ Wong See Wah

Biography


Early Life and Education

YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Wong See Wah was born on 21 January 1946 in Negeri Sembilan. Of Hakka descent, he received his professional training at the Malayan Teachers’ College, Penang, where he obtained a Certificate in Teaching.
He began his career as an educator, serving as a teacher prior to entering public life in 1982. His formative years in education deeply influenced his leadership philosophy, which is grounded in clarity of thought, disciplined administration, rational inquiry, and a strong sense of public responsibility. These principles would later define his contributions in government, political leadership, corporate governance, and education development.

Political Career

Tan Sri Wong’s political career spanned over two decades, during which he served at both state and federal levels.

  • State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Kuala Klawang (1982–1986) and subsequently Peradong (1986–1990); during this tenure, he was appointed as a Member of the Negeri Sembilan State Executive Council
  • Member of Parliament for Rasah (1990–1999)
  • Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (1990–1995)
  • Deputy Minister of Finance (1995–1999)

As Deputy Minister of Finance, he played a key role in communicating the Government’s economic recovery measures to the business community, helping to sustain confidence and stability during one of the most challenging periods in Malaysia’s economic history.

Leadership and Service

Following his retirement from active politics, he transitioned into corporate governance and served in leadership roles within several major public-listed companies, including:

  • Independent Non-Executive Chairman, IJM Plantations Berhad (2007–2018)
  • Independent Non-Executive Director, Unisem (M) Berhad (2006–2018)
  • Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Astramina Group Berhad (2019–present)

Across these roles, he has consistently advocated sound governance, prudent financial stewardship, and sustainable development.
He also served as Executive Chairman of Nanyang Press Holdings Berhad (2001–2006/2007) and the Chairman of Yayasan Nanyang Press, where he strengthened philanthropic initiatives including dialysis aid, medical fundraising, and disaster relief efforts, reinforcing the foundation’s role in community welfare.

Contributions to Education

Education has remained central to Tan Sri Wong’s lifelong service. A steadfast advocate for equitable access to quality education, he played a significant role in the establishment and development of UTAR, including securing the University’s licence, shaping its funding framework, supporting nationwide fundraising initiatives, and promoting scholarship and interest-free loan schemes to expand access to tertiary education. He also mobilised philanthropic support for the development of the Kampar and Sungai Long campuses, was instrumental in establishing SMJK Chan Wa II in Seremban, and has long supported Tunku Abdul Rahman College (now TAR UMT), championing affordable higher education through initiatives such as KOJADI.

Honours and Recognitions

In recognition of his distinguished public service, Tan Sri Wong has received several honours:

  • Dato’ - Darjah Setia Negeri Sembilan (DSNS) – 1987
  • Tan Sri - Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) – 2006

These awards reflect his longstanding contributions to national development, governance, and community service.

Family and Pro-Chancellorship

Tan Sri Wong is married to Puan Sri Wu Shya Kwee, and they are blessed with three children and eight grandchildren.
A strong advocate of Chinese culture and sports, he has served as Honorary Advisor to the Malaysian Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Association and remains a patron of the sport. The “Tan Sri Wong See Wah Cup” Chinese Chess Tournament is recognised nationally.
In recognition of his decades of service to education, governance, and institutional development, UTAR appointed Tan Sri Dato’ Wong See Wah as Pro-Chancellor on 13 January 2026.