President visits Tsinghua University

Prof Chuah (third from left) with Tsinghua University Vice President Yang (third from right)

UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik visited Tsinghua University in Beijing on 1 September 2017 to promote further research cooperation, as well as to discuss collaboration opportunities and exchanges under the “Belt and Road” initiative.

Prof Chuah was warmly welcomed by Tsinghua University Vice President Yang Bin and Tsinghua University staff and lecturers. Prof Chuah was accompanied by UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei and Gabungan Persatuan Perkembangan Budaya dan Ekonomi Malaysia (GABEM) Vice President Dr Chong Tien Siong during the visit.

In his welcome remarks, Vice President Yang introduced Tsinghua University’s global strategy and the relative results under the Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) partnership, the Schwarzman Scholars programme, and the China-Italy Center of Design and Innovation initiative. He said, “Under the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative that was proposed by the Chinese government, Tsinghua University has laid out a comprehensive plan and action strategy to promote and develop the education and culture exchanges between the economies that are participating in this initiative. Tsinghua University is also working hard to provide talent and intellectual support to ensure that the initiative can be carried out steadily and smoothly.”

Executive Dean of the Institute of the Belt & Road Initiative and Vice Chairman of the Center for China-EU Relations in Tsinghua University, Prof Shi Zhiqin introduced the background of the institute and stated that the institute helps the country to nurture talents in the ”Belt and Road” strategy through the strengths of Tsinghua University.

Prof Chuah said, “Malaysia is placing great emphasis and attention on the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative. Such an initiative creates opportunities for win-win collaborations that are mutually beneficial. In the implementation process, academics and think-tanks in higher educational institutions play a very important role in emphasizing and focusing on the humanities, social, and cultural aspects to promote greater communication between the citizens and the government.”

UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei elaborated that during the discussion with Tsinghua University, there were plans for a series of joint forums on the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative to be held in Malaysia with speakers from both universities sharing their expertise. According to Prof Lee, “The objective is to discuss the various aspects of OBOR between the two nations and the surrounding countries, including discussions on the challenges and opportunities especially for SMEs and SMIs. It is important to have such a forum so that government agencies, businesses and people of both sides understand the opportunities and challenges brought about by the OBOR initiative. It will enhance the understanding of China businesses in relation to the socio-economic aspects of Malaysia and the ASEAN region. This will also strengthen the position and role played by Malaysia as the socio-economic hub for China in this region. We also hope to spur more research and studies to be carried out on various issues pertaining to trade and other social aspects of the OBOR initiative and its implementation in the region.”

During the meeting at Tsinghua University, both parties conducted some in-depth analysis and discussion on specific issues under the “Belt and Road” initiative and enhanced the understanding of the set-up of a think tank and the pursuit of academic research. The discussions also included the directions and plans for future collaborations between UTAR and Tsinghua University.

Group photo after the discussion