Shu-Te and Tunghai universities visit UTAR

Delegates from Shu-Te University (STU) and Tunghai University (THU) from Taiwan visited UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 22 March 2016 for collaborative opportunities.

The delegates were STU’s Vice-President Prof Yen Jih-Rong and its Visual Communication Department representative Dr Kung Tiwan. The visit also saw the presence of THU's Office of International Education and Programmes Dean Prof Yen Hong-Wei and delegates from THU Alumni Association of Malaysia.

Welcoming the visitors on behalf of UTAR was President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, accompanied by Vice-Presidents Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei. Also present at the meeting were Faculty of Accountancy and Management Dean Dr Sia Bee Chuan, Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Dean Dr Chin Yee Mun, Division of Community and International Networking Director Assoc Prof Tan Sin Leng, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Dr Yong Thian Khok, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Dr Tee Boon Chuan, ICS Department of Chinese Studies Head Dr Chin Ching Foh, FCI Department of Game Studies Head Tan Han Keong, FCI Department of Early Childhood Studies Head Jamela Begam Binti Oli Muhamad, LKC FES Master of Architecture Programme Head Ar Liaw Kok Chuan, and LKC FES Department of Sustainable Design Dr Lim Poh Im.

Prof Chuah enthused, “There are multiple prospective collaborative areas that could be materialised with both universities. Some of the fields of study that we can further look into are game studies, multimedia and game design, arts and social sciences, early childhood education, global economics, and logistics.” He proposed, “Besides regular student exchange programmes, we could send more UTAR students to STU and THU for outbound internship or teaching practice. We also welcome STU and THU’s students to UTAR for similar programmes, and UTAR New-Village community projects.”

Expressing his consent to materialise the proposals, STU’s Prof Yen said, “Such programmes are hands-on experiences which facilitate students’ learning beyond the classroom’s four walls. These meaningful learning experiences will help students to develop a sense of relevance to what they have learnt in classes and books. I truly appreciate these ideas and wish to collaborate with UTAR in the foreseeable future.”

Prof Yen from THU said, “UTAR has been our good partner for exchange programmes. Through today’s discussion with the UTAR faculty members, we are very interested in UTAR’s architecture programme. We will further explore potential collaborative opportunities in this academic discipline and explore prospects on internship programmes with UTAR.”

Citing that UTAR has currently signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 38 Taiwanese universities, Prof Chuah added, “Following successful collaborations on several projects and exchange programmes with Taiwanese universities, we wish to further strengthen our relationships with current and prospective partner universities to boost our international learning platform. These are priceless learning opportunities for our students to explore foreign culture through real-life experiences and learn from international peers.”

From left: Prof Ewe, Dr Kung, Prof Chuah, Prof Yen from STU, Prof Lee, and Dr Tan

 

Prof Chuah (fourth from left) presenting souvenirs to Prof Yen from THU accompanied by delegates from THU Alumni Association of Malaysia and UTAR

UTAR FCI and Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) members paid a visit to STU in May 2015 to explore collaborative opportunities in areas such as Game Design and Counselling. On the other hand, UTAR signed a MoU with THU on 20 December 2010 and has regularly partnered with them for student exchange programme.