UTAR Welcomed Visitors from University of Canterbury, New Zealand

In line with its strategic efforts to increase its alliances with Universities abroad, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) played host to visitors from University of Canterbury (UC), who came all the way from Christchurch, New Zealand, for a friendly visit to UTAR Kuala Lumpur Campus on 27 August 2009.

During the visit, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor and Academic Dean of UC College of Engineering Assoc. Prof. Dr. Richard M. Duke and Assoc. Dean of UC Engineering and Forestry Dr. C Hamish Cochrane were briefed on the history of UTAR, its campuses, courses and achievements. The visitors were also briefed on the various research activities and research centres in UTAR.

The visit included a general discussion between the visitors from UC and UTAR senior officials on the possible collaborative areas that both universities can find common ground. This included suggestions to collaborate in the areas of research and staff exchanges.

Dr. Duke expressed, "I am amazed by the tremendous growth shown by UTAR although being a fairly new University. I am impressed by the new and exciting initiatives taken by UTAR, some of which are in the areas of research."

"UTAR shares some common areas of interests in research with UC. I can foresee possible research collaborations between both universities in the areas of nanotechnology, environmental engineering and environmental science sustainability, such as in forestry," he elaborated.

Dr. Duke added, "Some of the areas that we can work on are in providing talks to UTAR students on forestry, environmental engineering, electronics and electrical vehicles." He also extended a warm welcome to UTAR students to continue their Postgraduate studies and to pursue their research in UC.

"UC offers a number of scholarships for deserving students to continue their Postgraduate and PhD studies. UTAR students are welcomed to apply for these scholarships if they wish to further their studies in UC," Dr. Duke said.

The visitors also toured UTAR Kuala Lumpur Campus and viewed the facilities there.

University of Canterbury was established in 1873 and is the second oldest university in New Zealand. The University currently offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in some 50 disciplines and has a number of specialist research centres.