Guangxi University visits for student exchange agreement

Guangxi University Council Chairman, who is also the Vice Chairperson of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Guangxi Committee Liu Zhengdong visited UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 8 November 2017 to exchange the Student Exchange Agreement with UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik.

Seated, front row, far left: Section-Chief Tang, Dean Jiang, Prof Ewe, Prof Chuah, Chairman Liu, Dean Qin, Dr Sia, Prof Goi, Dr Chong and Dr Yapp

Together with Chairman Liu during the visit were Guangxi University Department of International Exchange Director Huang Liyun, Law School Dean Jiang Chao, International Education College Dean Qin Chengqiang, China-ASEAN Research Institute Vice Dean Liang Shuhong, and Secretary Office of President’s Office Section-Chief Tang Tongsheng.

Welcoming the Guangxi University delegates with Prof Chuah were UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Division of Community and International Networking Director-cum-Institute of Management and Leadership Development Director Prof  Dr Cheng Ming Yu, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Dean Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Dean Prof Ir Dr Goi Bok Min, Institute of Chinese Studies Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Dean Dr Sia Bee Chuan, FAM Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Chong Shyue Chuan, Faculty of Creative Industries Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Aloysius Yapp, and Centre for Extension Education Director Lim Guat Yen.

Prof Chuah welcomed Chairman Liu and said, “Internationalisation is a new trend in education sector now. We believe providing an international collaboration and exchange platform for our students will guide them to expand their international human network. Regarding the student exchange programme with Guangxi University, we hope to provide a comprehensive platform for both universities’ students to explore the culture, education and specialities of Malaysia and China. We will also provide a special-designed course or programme for the exchange students to make sure they have a practical and useful exchange period in UTAR.  We also hope to guide the students to gain more knowledge and understanding regarding Malaysia’s multi-racial culture and the development of ASEAN. I also wish to express my gratitude to Chairman Liu for his kind presence to UTAR for exchanging the Student Exchange Agreement.”

Chairman Liu said, “The purpose of my visit is to promote the collaboration and any kind of opportunity for furthering Guangxi University’s collaboration with UTAR. This is my first time visiting UTAR, and also the first time meeting our students overseas. Besides that, I am truly grateful that Guangxi University and UTAR share lots of common interests that can lead to more collaboration opportunity. I understand that there are 30 students who are here currently on a study tour in UTAR. I am also glad to hear that our students in UTAR are having a great time here. I urge all our students to explore the Malaysian culture, the success story of UTAR and the knowledge delivered by UTAR lecturers as much as you can, because it is a great honour to be the first batch of Guangxi University students to undergo this study tour in UTAR. I hope our students from Guangxi University will not disappoint the UTAR lecturers and students.”

Guangxi University student Cai Shangbin remarked, “The study tour enhanced my international exposure. I am glad that I visited Malaysia and took part in the study tour at UTAR because the UTAR students and lecturers were very friendly and kind to assist me whenever I faced any problems here.”

UTAR and Guangxi University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 5 April 2011, with the aim to promote the exchange of faculty for joint teaching and research programmes and the exchange of undergraduate students. The newly signed agreement will be emphasising the exchange programme for undergraduate and postgraduate students for the length of one semester or up to one academic year. On 29 October 2017, UTAR received a group of 30 students from Guangxi University for a two-week English Immersion Programme. Besides that, UTAR and Guangxi University have also actively fulfilled the MoU signed, including visiting professors, research programmes and study participation in study tours and academic camps.

Guangxi University delegates and UTAR representatives exploring more collaboration opportunity

Chairman Liu (second from left) and Prof Chuah exchanging the agreement while Prof Ewe (far right) and Dean Qin look on

Prof Chuah (second from right) presenting souvenir to Chairman Liu

Chairman Liu (second from left) presenting souvenir to Prof Chuah

The delegates interacting with the exchange students from Guangxi University

Cai thanked UTAR for the wonderful study tour