I-Shou strengthens ties with UTAR

Hosts and guests (from left): Dr Tan, Sakunthala, Tee, Lim, Dr Huang, Prof Ewe, Dr Wei, Wang and Dr Yeh

Four delegates from I-Shou University, Taiwan, Development Vice President and Chair Professor Dr Huang Yung-Sheng, International Affairs Dean Dr Michael Wei Yung-Chung, International Affairs Deputy Dean Dr Jerry Yeh, Research and and International Cooperation Section Deputy Director Jolin Wang visited UTAR at Petaling Jaya Campus on 16 July 2013.

On hand to welcome them from UTAR were Vice President (Internationalisation and Academic Development) Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Division of Community and International Networking Director Dr Tan Sin Leng, Centre for Extension Education Director Lim Guat Yen and Tee Sock Sing from counselling unit.

"Further collaborations will improve the current ties between the two universities," said Prof Ewe who chaired the meeting, adding that UTAR would like to continue the current student exchange programme.  He proposed further collaborative projects on research and student training.  Dr Tan suggested that UTAR students go to I-Shou University for industrial training especially in the steel industry as the Taiwanese university is supported by the E United Group, a successful stainless steel manufacturer.  Lim suggested I-Shou University to send their students for the English immersion programme or summer camp in UTAR.

Representatives of both universities also mentioned the possibility of offering joint and dual degree programmes, and credit transfer.  For UTAR Medicine, Life Science and Chemistry students, Dr Wei proposed a four-year PhD in Life Science postgraduate programme at I-Shou which would be partly taught by external lecturers from John Hopkins University, USA. The meeting ended with both universities agreeing to promote the student and staff exchange programme.