Visit by SMU

From left: Long, Dr Lim, Zhang, Jing, Prof Ewe, Wu Ni, Dr Mah, Dr Sia, Lang, Dr Pok and Liu

Delegates from Southwest Minzu University (SMU) visited Sungai Long Campus on 2 July 2018.

Visiting on behalf of SMU were Division of Academic Affairs Director Wu Ni Wu Qie, School of Chemistry and Environment Protection Engineering Dean Jing Xiaoming, School of Management Dean Liu Xiaohong, School of Life Science and Technology Vice Dean Long Zhangxin and Division of International Cooperation and Exchange Department Vice Director Lang Yuping. They were accompanied by Liu Xue Educational Service Center (M) Sdn Bhd Director Zhang Chi.

The delegates were cordially welcomed by UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Dean Dr Sia Bee Chuan, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science’s (LKC FES) Student Development and Industrial Training Deputy Dean Dr Lim Jee Hock, LKC FES Department of Chemical Engineering Head Dr Mah Shee Keat, and FAM MBA/MBA (Corporate Governance) Programme Head Dr Pok Wei Fong.

Also joining the discussion from Kampar Campus via video conference were Faculty of Science Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng as well as Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology’s R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Deputy Dean Dr Lo Po Kim.

Speaking at the discussion, Prof Ewe introduced the two UTAR campuses and shared various programmes offered by the University along with the various areas where both universities could potentially work together. He said, “This visit marks the beginning of our new cooperation. It is indeed a good start. We can proceed further with easier collaboration such as a short-term student exchange programme.” He hopes that the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be the next step, to have a deeper and more substantial level of collaboration between the two universities.

Endorsing Prof Ewe’s statement, Wu Ni expressed his willingness to promote collaborations in different fields that will have a positive impact on both sides. “We are appointed by our principal to seek potential cooperation between the two universities, to complement each other and to make progress together.” He reinforced several times, during his speech, his attachment to Malaysia and his hope to build a closer tie with UTAR. He also mentioned that the programmes offered in UTAR were similar to SMU.  The university also offers Chinese medicine programme, which focuses not only on traditional Chinese medicine but also Tibetan medicine and Yi medicine.

Founded in 1950, SMU is one of the top Chinese minority universities in China with 56 nationalities. The university reflects a broad cultural diversity including rich minority customs, the literature, etiquette, folk arts, music, dance, food and medicine, to name a few. The main campus of the University is situated in Wuhou District and another two campuses are in Shuangliu county and Taipingyuan. In addition, the university has a wild research station named “Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Ecological Environmental Protection and Advanced Technology for Animal Husbandry” which is located in Hong-yuan County, Sichuan province.

Prof Ewe (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Wu Ni

Prof Ewe (left) receiving a token of appreciation from Wu Ni