MoU inked to promote China-ASEAN relationship

From left: Lim, Prof Ewe and Prof Chi

UTAR officially inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dezhou University, China (DZU) and Farlim Group (Malaysia) Bhd at Sungai Long Campus on 21 December 2018. The MoU aimed to promote collaboration between UTAR, DZU and Farlim Group.

From left: Lim, Prof Ewe, Prof Chi and Dr Gao

Signing on behalf of UTAR was its Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat. DZU was represented by its Vice President Prof Chi Yijun while Farlim Group (Malaysia) Bhd was represented by its Executive Director Lim Chu Dick. It was witnessed by DZU Office of Cooperation and Development Director Dr Gao Guowu.

Also present at the signing ceremony were DZU College of Mathematical Science Director Dr Xu Fengsheng, College of Environment and Resources Planning Vice-director Dr Liu Fugang, Office of International Exchange and Cooperation Section Chief Dr Hou Zhigang, Farlim Group (Malaysia) Bhd China-ASEAN Business Association Executive Secretary Fung Vun Keat, UTAR Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Division of Programme Promotion Director Lee Choy Fong, Centre for Extension Education (CEE) Director Lim Guat Yet, Faculty of Creative Industries Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Lee Lih Su andCEE Business Development and Administration and Operation Unit Assistant Manager Vooi Wen Kei .

Prof Ewe welcomed the delegates and said, “Shandong, China is a major province of education and Malaysia has a great enthusiasm for education as well. We have about 1,000 students participating in the inbound and outbound student exchange programme every year, hence we always welcome DZU’s students to UTAR. When they come to Malaysia and start to connect with the ASEAN countries, it will give them a better understanding of the ASEAN community which consists of more than 600 million people.

He added, “Shandong province is the birthplace of Confucius and Confucianism. Hence, our students will definitely be interested to pay a visit to Shandong as they have great respect for Confucius. I believe it will be a good idea to organise students and lecturers exchange programme. Besides, it would be great if we could organise activities like English training classes and International forum at the ASEAN and China Cultural and Commercial Centre which would benefit the students from ASEAN and China.” Meanwhile, he also shared with the delegates about UTAR being appointed by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs P.R. China as one of its training units and expressed his eagerness to collaborate with DZU and Farlim Group to further enhance the China-ASEAN relationship under the influence of OBOR initiative.

Prof Chi agreed with Prof Ewe and said, “It would definitely be great to organise students exchange programme. We could make an arrangement for a winter or summer camp, which could benefit the students in terms of expanding their cultural experiences. On top of that, we would like to invite UTAR lecturers for a short teaching programme as well. Also, it would be great if our students could further their postgraduate or master studies in UTAR.” He also extended his invitation to UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik and Prof Ewe to visit DZU someday.

Fung, on the other hand said, “I hope today’s MoU will not only further enhance our education system but will also move towards business, economy and culture.” At the same time, he also extended his invitation to UTAR and DZU to attend forum and seminars which are planned to set out in April next year.

A souvenir exchange session between Prof Ewe, Prof Chi and Lim took place. It was followed by a group photo session before the meeting ended.

Souvenir exchange between Prof Ewe (left) and Prof Chi

Souvenir exchange between Prof Ewe (right) and Lim

Lim (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Prof Chi

From left: Vooi, Lee Lih Su, Lim, Lee Choy Fong, Fung, Lim, Prof Ewe, Prof Chi, Dr Gao, Dr Xu, Dr Lai, Dr Liu and Dr Hou