Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) in collaboration with Huaqiao University (HQU), UTAR and Tang Chinese Education & Technology Ltd (Tang C.E.) launched the “Belt and Road Initiative: ‘Internet+’ Chinese Education Smart Teaching and Learning Scheme” at Sungai Long Campus on 27 July 2017.
Launching of “Belt and Road Initiative:
‘Internet+’ Chinese Education Smart Teaching and Learning Scheme”
MCA President cum Transport Minister Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai was invited to grace the ceremony, together with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia His Excellency Dr Huang Huikang, MCA Vice President cum UTAR Council Member Dato’ Senator Dr Hou Kok Chung, HQU President Prof Jia Yimin, UTAR Acting President Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Perfect Pentagon Sdn Bhd President cum Huaqiao University Board of Director Member Dato’ Woo Swee Lian, Tang C.E. Chairman Fay Liu, the United Chinese School Teachers Association of Malaysia President Dato’ Ong Kow Yee as well as guests from MCA, HQU, Tianjin University, Beijing Jiaotong University, Northwest University, Tang C.E., UTAR staff and students.
Prof Ewe said, “The cooperation between Malaysia and China, under the Belt and Road initiative, has involved in the political, economic and educational aspects. Today’s event has unlocked a new collaboration in Malaysia’s secondary schools that could benefit our young generation. So, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the MCA, Huaqiao University, Tang C.E. and UTAR staff for their contribution and cooperation in organising this meaningful event, particularly in our Malaysia’s Chinese Education field. I am truly grateful that UTAR could be part of promoting this important scheme.”
Prof Jia expressed his congratulations for the launch ceremony and said, “HQU is an international university, which is set up by the Chinese government and takes the nurturing overseas Chinese and Chinese youths as its objective. HQU is also the main base for the Chinese government to carry out Chinese language education programmes in overseas and it is one of the first educational institutions that was given an excellent review for the regular undergraduate course teaching assessment held by the Chinese Ministry of Education. For more than half a century now, the HQU has developed into a comprehensive institution of higher education capable of offering programmes in 12 disciplines. We hope that we will be able to promote and improve the Chinese language in Malaysia together with the efforts from MCA, UTAR and Tang C.E.”
H.E. Dr Huang remarked, “For a long period of time, Malaysian Chinese forefathers have promoted Chinese education locally with their admirable vision, knowledge, talent and perseverance. Political parties have also committed to maintain and upgrade the status of Chinese education. With the increasing international status of China, the Chinese language and education are being widely acclaimed in the world. The rapid development of relations between China and Malaysia in several sectors will also provide new development and collaboration opportunity in Chinese education.”
In his speech, Dato’ Sri Liow said, “MCA as the frontrunner of ethnic education, has been going all-out in defending and developing Chinese education. We are always exploring and thinking about innovating the Chinese education. Therefore, MCA is committed to taking the responsibility to lead the development and innovation in Chinese education. With the formalisation of Malaysian Chinese education informatisation project, we have taken the very first step in upgrading both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of Chinese education in Malaysia. This is merely a tiny beginning for the Chinese education innovation project. Moving forward, MCA hopes to expand the ‘internet+’ to all SJKCs, all secondary schools and even universities.”
From left (clockwise): Prof Ewe, Prof Jia, Dato’ Sri Liow, H.E. Dr Huang
At the moment, 14 national or national type secondary schools, Chinese independent secondary schools and a university were selected for the pioneer project, to use the “internet+” platform to conduct classes relating to the Chinese language.
The list of the participating schools and the university is as follows:
|
- Chong Hwa Independent High School, - Kuala Lumpur - SMJK Chan Wa, Seremban - Kuen Cheng High School, Kuala Lumpur - SMJK Katholik (Petaling Jaya) - Tsun Jin High School, Kuala Lumpur - Chong Hwa High School, Kluang - Shen Jai High School, Ipoh |
- Chung Hua High School, Seremban - SMJK Khai Mun, Bentong - SMK Seri Kembangan - SMJK Jit Sin, Bukit Mertajam - Sekolah Menengah Keat Hwa (P), Alor Setar - Foon Yew High School, Johor Bahru - Yong Peng High School - Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) |
Presentation of plaque to the 14 secondary school representatives and UTAR
In order to provide the most suitable Chinese education teaching and learning scheme to the local Chinese institutions, Tang C.E. also held a discussion forum to meet with the representatives from 14 secondary schools and the university right after the launch ceremony. The objectives of the discussion forum were to understand the needs and wants of the local Chinese institutions, to discuss the foreseen problems and to introduce the schemes launched in China.
Tang C.E. Chairman Fay Liu remarked, “With nearly 100 million learners of Chinese language around the world, the demand for qualified teachers of Mandarin and quality Chinese education provider is increasing throughout the years. Tang C.E. aims to create and publish a localised and customised courseware for Malaysian Chinese education sector by using the Tang C.E. Network Platform. Malaysian teachers and students will be able to access to the world’s largest Chinese language resource centre. Teachers and students will also be able to experience ‘Real-time Video Classroom’, which simulates a traditional classroom environment that brings teachers and students from all parts of the world together. As a result, they will be getting a deeper interaction and easier operation.”
Assoc Prof Chong (standing in the middle) introducing the Chinese education development in UTAR
Group photo after the discussion forum
On the following day, 29 July 2017, Fay Liu and the delegates from Huaqiao University, Beijing Jiaotong Univesity, Northwest University and Tang C.E. paid a visit to Sungai Long Campus to meet the lecturers and staff.
Receiving the visitors on behalf of UTAR were UTAR Acting President Prof Ewe, Division of Community and International Networking Director Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, Institute of Chinese Studies Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Chong Shyue Chuan, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Postgraduate Programmes Head cum Centre for Cancer Research Chairperson Prof Dr Lim Yang Mooi, Faculty of Creative Industries Master of Communication Programme Head Dr Tham Jen Sern, and FAM Department of International Business lecturer Dr Ma Guoxin.
During the visit, Prof Ewe introduced the current web learning system including Web Based Learning Environment (WBLE), WBLE 2, OpenLearning, Google applications and social media discussion group to the visitors. He said, “UTAR lecturers are communicating with students in a more friendly and easy way. Nowadays, the technology is so advanced and I’m glad that UTAR staff and students have adapted to the new technology instantly. So, we encourage lecturers to communicate with students by making use of the technology available. I am looking forward to the future collaboration between the Malaysian universities, the Chinese universities and the technology providers.”
Tang C.E. Chief Executive Officer Li Jingsong remarked, “Tang C.E. can be easily accessed on telecommunication devices. We will also provide the teaching and learning contents according to the local needs and wants to ensure the users benefit from our system.”
The visit ended with a souvenir presentation and a group photo session.
UTAR representatives with Tang C.E. delegates
Tang C.E. was founded in 2006 and it is the sole company in China that integrates Chinese education research, product development and network promotion to provide global Chinese education services. Tang C.E.’s experts in Chinese education and from the telecom and IT industries have used the latest teaching methodologies and cutting-edge technology to establish the “Tang Chinese Education Network Service System”. It is the first external education network service system in the world which allows users to upload content, cooperate, improve their skills and benefit together.
© 2019 UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN DU012(A).
Wholly owned by UTAR Education Foundation Co. No. 578227-M LEGAL STATEMENT TERM OF USAGE PRIVACY NOTICE