FOR A GOOD CAUSE: A representative from Rumah Kanak-Kanak Kuching (left) receiving the contribution from Salahuddin (centre), Khairuddin (second left) and Hatta (third left).
KUCHING: The Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Hall (DeTar Putra) at Unimas represents another event space available in Kuching and Samarahan.
The hall would not only benefit Unimas but the community at large as well, said Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Hamid, vice chancellor of Unimas, at the official launching ceremony by head of state Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin yesterday.
He said the building would not be confined to convocation ceremonies and other internal events.
“It is available for rent to those who need it for events such as conventions, seminars, exhibitions and even weddings,” said Khairuddin.
“This will also help Unimas to generate its own income from the rentals.”
IT’S OFFICIAL: Salahuddin (third left) showing the plaque he has signed, accompanied by Hatta (left) and Khairuddin (second left) while their spouses look on.
DeTar Putra’s two-level main hall has the capacity to accommodate 4,000 people at any one time, while its three banquet halls can accommodate up to 2,000 people.
Khairuddin said before the coming into being of this hall, it had been an annual challenge for the university to accommodate their convocation needs in view of the growing number of graduates over the years.
“During the 9th Malaysian Plan, the building project was approved and construction began in 2008. It was completed last year at a cost of RM66.85 million,” he said.
“Equipped with the latest technology and vast event space, it will surely provide a comfortable venue for all suitable events.”
In addition to launching the hall, Salahuddin, in his capacity as Unimas chancellor, also presented contributions to 11 welfare organisations.
The contributions were from proceeds raised during Chancellor Concert 2011.
Rumah Kanak-Kanak Ajibah Abol Sri Aman, Taman Seri Puteri Kuching, Pusat Pemulihan Samarahan, Sekolah Tunas Bakti, Rumah Seri Kenangan Sibu, Autism Association Kuching, Dyslexia Association Sarawak, Rumah Kanak-Kanak Kuching, National Cancer Society Sarawak Branch and Special Olympic Chapter were given RM5,000 each while Unimas Welfare Fund received RM15,000.
Also present at the ceremony were the head of state’s wife Toh Puan Norkiah, Unimas Board of Directors chairman Datu Dr Hatta Solhi and wife Mariam Dawood, and Khairuddin’s wife Datin Dayang Mariani Abang Zain.