UTAR Vice President selected for
2026 UAiTED Faculty Exchange Scholarship

UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong was selected as a recipient of the 2026 UAiTED Faculty Exchange Scholarship organised by the University Alliance in Talent Education Development (UAiTED), in recognition of his academic contributions and commitment to advancing international academic collaboration.

The UAiTED Faculty Exchange Scholarship is an international academic mobility initiative aimed at promoting cross-border research collaboration, scholarly exchange, and talent development among member universities within the UAiTED network. Through the programme, selected scholars are provided with opportunities to engage in academic exchange activities, strengthen research partnerships, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration with institutions across the region.

Prof Choong was among a distinguished group of scholars selected for the 2026 cohort, which comprised recipients from renowned universities and higher education institutions across Asia. The selection reflects not only the recipients’ academic achievements and leadership, but also their potential to contribute meaningfully to international research collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the scholarship, Prof Choong said, “I am truly honoured to be selected as a recipient of the 2026 UAiTED Faculty Exchange Scholarship. This opportunity serves as a valuable platform to strengthen academic networking and foster collaborative engagement with scholars from leading universities across the region. I look forward to meaningful knowledge exchange and exploring potential research collaborations that will contribute to the advancement of higher education and student development.”

Elaborating on the significance of the programme, he said, “Programmes such as the UAiTED Faculty Exchange Scholarship strengthen regional and international academic partnerships by promoting collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and interdisciplinary engagement among universities. These initiatives create valuable opportunities for academics to share expertise and develop collaborative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development.”

He added that international academic exchanges play an important role in broadening perspectives, encouraging innovation, and enhancing institutional partnerships in an increasingly interconnected global higher education landscape.

Sharing his views on student development, Prof Choong remarked, “International exposure is important in developing globally minded graduates with broader perspectives, cross-cultural understanding, adaptability, and leadership skills. Such exposure complements academic learning and helps students become more resilient, innovative, and socially responsible in an increasingly interconnected world.”

UAiTED is an international university alliance established to cultivate talent development and academic cooperation among higher education institutions. The alliance comprises universities from various economies and regions, providing a platform for collaborative initiatives in education, research, innovation, and cultural exchange. Through programmes such as the Faculty Exchange Scholarship, UAiTED continues to strengthen academic connectivity and encourage collaborative solutions to regional and global challenges.

Commenting on the significance of the recognition for the University, Prof Choong said, “This achievement reflects UTAR’s strong commitment to internationalisation through active global academic engagement, research collaboration, and talent development. It also demonstrates the University’s continuous efforts in expanding international partnerships and strengthening its global academic presence.”