UTAR and Xiamen University Team Up for International Conference on Malaysia-China Relations

UTAR and Xiamen University, China jointly organised the International Conference on Malaysia-China Relations: Challenges and Opportunities at UTAR Petaling Jaya Campus on 16 and 17 July 2010. The Opening Ceremony for the International Conference was graced by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education Malaysia Dr. Hou Kok Chung.

UTAR Vice President of R&D and Commercialisation Prof. Dr. Lee Sze Wei in his welcoming speech expressed that ideas, views and thoughts exchanged during the conference would help Malaysia and China explore and understand the friendly relationship between both countries and promote ways to further work together to build a solid platform for the future.

In his speech, Dr. Hou Kok Chung applauded the praiseworthy efforts of UTAR and Xiamen University in organising the conference. He said, "It is timely and important to promote and enhance Malaysia-China studies."

A total of 30 speakers from countries including Malaysia, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan participated in the conference. Presentations in various areas pertaining to Malaysia-China relations such as the challenges and opportunities in the relationship, cultural interaction in arts and literature, regional security, and economic challenges and opportunities were made.

The first keynote speaker, Prof. Wang Gungwu, Chairman of the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore and also Chairman of UTAR International Advisory Council, spoke on the 'Reflections on a Historical Relationship.' The second keynote speaker, Prof. Li JianFa, Vice President of Xiamen University touched on the relationship between Malaysia and China for the past 36 years under the leadership of Tun Abdul Razak until Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Sponsors for the conference were Asian Center for Media Studies, Hai-O Group, Sin Chew Daily and Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).