Visit by Jiangsu Normal University

Delegates from Jiangsu Normal University with UTAR staff

Delegates from China’s Jiangsu Normal University and their associates visited Sungai Long Campus on 1 August 2016 to explore collaborative opportunities and promote mutual understanding.

The delegates from Jiangsu Normal University were Council Chairman and Mencius Institute Honorary Dean Prof Xu Fangming, Department of Publicity Minister Meng Zhaoxue, School of Historical Culture and Tourism Dean Prof Zhang Wende, School of Chinese Language and Literature Assoc Dean Prof Wang Yanfang, and International Office Secretary and Assistant Researcher Zhang Xiaoran. Their associates included Mencius Clan Association of China President Meng Shuqin and Secretary Meng Qin; Ideal Jacobs (Malaysia) Corporation Berhad Managing Director and CEO Ben Meng and Secretary Jasmine Jiang.

Prof Ewe (left) presenting souvenirs to Prof Xu

The delegates were welcomed by UTAR Vice-President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Division of Community and International Networking and Institute of Management and Leadership Development Director Prof Cheng Ming Yu, Centre for Extension Education Director Lim Guat Yen, and Department of Chinese Medicine lecturer Judick Yap Wei Hoong. Also presented from the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) were Dean Dr Chong Siou Wei, Deputy Dean Dr Tee Boon Chuan, Department of Chinese Studies (Sungai Long Campus) Head Dr Chin Chong Foh, Assoc Prof Dr Liau Ping Leng, Dr Pua Shiau Chen, and lecturers Ng Bung Chen, and Tiong Ee Ping.

Prof Ewe expressed his warm welcome to all the delegates and said, “I am looking forward to future cooperation with Jiangsu Normal University. There are many students from various faculties interested in taking part in exchange programmes abroad. Besides that, I am also looking forward to the opening of the Mencius Institute at UTAR Kampar Campus as it is a great honour for UTAR to host the first Mencius Institute outside of China. When I last visited Xuzhou last time, I found that Xuzhou was a very beautiful city; and because of the culture and spirit of Confucianism, Xuzhou had a very strong cultural heritage. So I hope that our students have the opportunity to visit Xuzhou to gain a cultural experience.”

Prof Ewe receiving a token of appreciation from Prof Xu

Prof Xu said, “Nine students were sent to UTAR for research purposes a few months ago a few still remain for some unfinished work. I think all nine students enjoyed their time in Malaysia. The main purpose of my visit is to gain knowledge on UTAR, and at the same time to understand the development and integration of the Malaysian higher education sector. I have come to  realise there are a number of similarities between UTAR and Jiangsu Normal University, therefore I hope our collaboration in future can be a win-win situation, long lasting and meaningful.”