University sets up scholarship in name of murdered Sibu woman

From left: Yap, Desmond, Ching Ching and Tieng at the press conference.

SIBU, Nov 23: Chang Jung Christian University (CJCU), Taiwan has set up a scholarship under her name and also designating Oct 28 as Campus Safety Day in remembrance of their student Sibu-born Irene Chung who was killed on Oct 29.

Speaking at a press conference here today, CJCU International consultant, Datuk Thomas Tieng said that among several initiatives, CJCU is also planning to name a boulevard on campus after her and install a metal sculpture of her likeness.

Also present at the press conference were Chung’s father Desmond, mother Ting Ching Ching and the family’s lawyer, Yap Hoi Liong.

“Chung’s friends have also gifted a goldcrest cypress sapling, which means ‘steadfast friendship’, to CJCU. They hope that the tree would grow up on the campus to keep the students and faculty company,” he said.

Tieng asserted that the loss of Chung has been an unbearable sadness for the students and faculty at CJCU. However in the midst of tragedy, CJCU hopes to use it as impetus for the school, government, and community to create a safety net to ensure and maintain a secure environment for all. The university, he added, will continue to be vociferous on behalf of the students and faculty on the issue.

Meanwhile CJCU has retained the president of Taiwan Bar Association, Lin Ruey-Cheng, with the legal matter. In light of the situation, the Dean of Student Affairs, the Dean of General Affairs and the Director of Military Training Office had announced their resignation in order to take responsibility for campus security.

“The president of CJCU has also requested the board to recommend reprimand. CJCU has held several meetings with Tainan City government, local police, and community leaders to discuss improvements to safety measures,” Tieng added.

Among the steps taken to reinforce security include the creation of an AI (Artificial Intelligence) safety centre, formation of night patrol team, improvement of the campus’ security equipment and environment, strengthening lateral communication with the police, and the installation of a 24-hour response system to promote campus safety.

Chung, 24, a student of Chiang Jung Christian University in Tainan, Taiwan was reported missing on the evening of Oct 28. She was found dead the next day and an arrested suspect had confessed to her murder. According to a CNA report, the suspect admitted to killing the woman by strangulation and disposing of her body.

Her parents, Desmond and Ching Ching travelled to Taiwan on Oct 30 following news of her death to bring her remains back in an urn. Chung was laid to rest at Nirvana Memorial Park here on Nov 21. ā€” DayakDaily