BJTU meets UTAR President

From left: Dr Foo, Dr Lim, Dr Yong, Prof Andy, Prof Goi, Dr Lai, Prof Chuah, Prof Guan, Prof Zhang, Dr Pok, Prof Zhu and Prof Yan

Delegates from Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU), China visited Sungai Long Campus on 17 August 2018.

Visiting on behalf of BJTU were its Vice President Prof Guan Zhongliang, School of Economics and Management Dean Prof Zhang Qiusheng, National Training and Service Center of Rail Transportation Technology Director Prof Zhu Xiaoning and Office of International Affairs Director Prof Dr Yan Xuedong.

Welcoming the delegates on behalf of UTAR were President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Dean Prof Ir Dr Goi Bok Min, Division of Community and International Networking Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Centre for Railway Infrastructure and Engineering Chairperson Prof Dr Andy Chit Tan, R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Dr Yong Thian Khok, Student Development and Industrial Training Deputy Dean Ir Dr Lim Jee Hock, MBA/MBA (Corporate Governance) Programme Head Dr Pok Wei Fong and Department of International Business lecturer Dr Foo Meow Yee.

The ongoing discussion

After expressing his welcome to the delegates, Prof Chuah gave a brief introduction on the background and the current development of UTAR. He also shared the overall idea of Chinese development in Malaysia and further discussed the potential collaborations that could enhance students’ experiences in both countries. “I would like to encourage more exchanges between the two universities. I hope our students and lecturers can gain more valuable experience and exposure to the international practices in order to be competitive globally,” he said. He then proposed to collaborate on credit transfer; a system in which the university permits its students to undertake courses and gain educational experience at another university.

Agreeing with Prof Chuah, Prof Guan voiced his interest to collaborate together, especially in the area of railway. He said that the railway sector is essential for both countries, hence the new relationship of both universities would play an important role in the development of the sector. The discussion also included an active interaction session featuring reports from the representatives of both universities and questions about the potential collaborations. It ended with a souvenir exchange, followed by a group photography session.

Prof Chuah (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Prof Guan

Prof Chuah (left) receiving a token of appreciation from Prof Guan