The visitors, UTAR staff and students at the Heritage Hall Building
A group of visitors from Meizhou, China visited Kampar Campus on 5 June 2018. The visit aimed to build rapport and promote mutual understanding between UTAR and Meizhou as well as discuss opportunities for future collaboration between both parties.
The visitors were Meizhou Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (Meizhou FROC) Vice-Chairman Zhang Ying Hong and Secretary General-cum-Office Director Cai Yuwen, Meijiang Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese Chairman Zeng Xiao Li, Jiaoling Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese Chairman Lin Xiaohong, Xingning Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese Chairman Liu Ling and Dapu Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese Chairman Fan Chun Fang.
The visitors were cordially welcomed by UTAR Planning and Development Committee Advisor-cum-Meizhou Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese Honorary Chairman Tan Sri Hew See Tong and Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, accompanied by UTAR Council Member Hew Fen Yee, Institute of Chinese Studies’ (ICS) Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Dr Wong Wun Bin, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Dean Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, FBF Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Peter Tan Sin Howe, Division of Programme Promotion (Kampar Campus) Head Tan Choon Wah and Department of International Student Services (Kampar Campus) Head Ngan Mun Wai.
Prof Choong welcoming the visitors
The meeting commenced with the presentation of UTAR’s corporate video and Prof Choong’s welcome address. Prof Choong gave a brief introduction of UTAR and said, “We welcome potential collaboration and also students from Meizhou to pursue their study in UTAR. Apart from the academic learning, they can also learn about the customs and traditions of Malaysia. We have formed close relationships with China’s higher learning institutions and have carried out various collaborations, including student exchange programme in short-term and long-term study.” He suggested that the collaboration between both parties in these areas can be considered.
Zhang expressing his gratitude to UTAR and Tan Sri Hew
Expressing his gratitude to UTAR for the warm welcome, Zhang said, “We are impressed by the Kampar Campus’ beautiful scenery and environment, an ideal place to study. Besides, I heard Chinese speaking Hakka, Cantonese and Mandarin during our visit to Ipoh and Kampar, so there were no barriers in communication. It felt like we were still in China.” He also gave a brief introduction about Meizhou City’s history, culture, development, as well as the introduction and scope of the Federation.
On behalf of the delegation, he thanked Tan Sri Hew for his coordination and also for providing an opportunity for Meizhou students to study in UTAR. To the students, he advised, “Cherish and appreciate the opportunity to study in Malaysia. Also, study hard and strictly observe discipline, so you can contribute back to your hometown and the society in the future.”
Dr Wong and Dr Au Yong gave a brief introduction of the programme and researches in ICS and FBF respectively because most of the Meizhou students were enrolled in that programme. Dr Wong revealed, “ICS’ research on Hakka Cultural Studies is still at its infancy, hence we are looking forward to carrying out research cooperation related to Hakka Cultural Studies with universities and organisation in Meizhou, to contribute to the research of Hakka Cultural Studies.”
Dr Au Yong said, “FBF’s programmes use English as the medium of instruction. This will help to improve the students’ ability to use English and form a strong international competitiveness in the future. Our master’s programmes are conducted in a small class size and teachers can optimise personalised attention for each student.”
During the discussion, both parties discussed the possibility of potential cooperation, such as student exchange programme, research project, double-degrees, credit transfer, cultural studies and issues related to UTAR intake and application.
With the meeting marking the beginning of much future collaboration, both parties welcomed every opportunity to cooperate with each other.
Click here for more events between UTAR and Meizhou/ JYU in the past:
The visitors taking a group photo at one of the famous spots in Kampar Campus – Bronze Sculptures
Visiting the UTAR Gallery
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