Discussing collaboration opportunities with NPU

Front row, third from left: Yang Jin, Nie Xuan, Tian Wei, Dr Yong, Yu Hui, Han Zhen and Tian Jian with the participants

Delegates from the Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), China, visited UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 5 April 2019.

Present were School of Aeronautics Senior Engineering Tian Wei, School of Foreign Studies Assoc Prof Tian Jian, School of Aeronautics Assistant Researcher Yu Hui, School of Humanities, Economics and Law Prof Yang Jing, School of Software and Microelectronics Assoc Prof Nie Xuan and International College Staff Han Zhen.

Welcoming the delegates on behalf of UTAR were its Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Director Assoc Prof Dr Yong Thian Khok, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Ir Dr Lim Jee Hock, Faculty of Accountancy and Management Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Pok Wei Fong, Faculty of Creative Industries Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Loo Hong Chuang and Division of Community and International Networking (DcInternet) Assistant Manager Liu Dan, UTAR lecturers and students.

The visit aimed to further explore the structures and programmes that both universities offer to the students through video presentations. It also aimed to discuss possible cooperation in the future in terms of student exchange, study tour and internship programme. On top of that, the visit also aimed to introduce the government scholarship programme provided to UTAR students to pursue postgraduate studies in NPU.

In the mid of meeting with delegates from NPU

During the meeting, Dr Pok said, “We welcome NPU students who wish to participate in the student exchange programme or wish to have internship experience with us. I suggest we could collaborate on “2+2” dual-degree programmes. NPU students who wish to participate will be required to study in China for two years before continuing another two years in Malaysia. If students have taken similar subjects in their respective university, they don’t have to study again but simply transfer credit. Once the students have met the expectations set by both universities, they will receive dual certificates from China and Malaysia.”

Dr Lim continued, “Based on the programmes offered by NPU, I believe the “2+2” dual-degree programme is workable. This is because NPU’s School of Mechanics, Civil Engineering and Architecture do offer courses that are suitable for our Civil Engineering students.”

Tian Wei, on the other hand, agreed and said, “We should hold another discussion on this matter, especially on the course arrangement and credit transfer, so that we can proceed with the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the dual-degree programme. For the first two years, we will focus on the foundation and professional foundation courses. Whereas in the last two years, we will focus on the professional course. Hence, we shall arrange a proper discussion on the teaching plan and course arrangement together.”

Han Zhen introducing the NPU Campuses

Meanwhile, Han Zhen gave a brief introduction on the NPU campuses which were located at Chang'an and Youyi. He also shared with the students about the campus life, facilities and services provided to the students, the culture in China, student activities and companies who offer internship or other opportunities to NPU’s International students. “Students exchange programme helps to create a platform to train the students’ ability, also to build up their network connection. This is helpful especially when students are looking for job opportunities in China or Malaysia in the future,” he said.

He then introduced the scholarship, “Currently, there are two categories of scholarship, which are Government Scholarship and President Scholarship offered by NPU. The average grade to apply for the scholarships is CGPA 3.4. Apart from that, a language proficiency certificate is required as well. There are two levels of scholarship offered to the students. For full scholarship, the tuition fees, living cost, accommodation and health insurance are waived. Whereas for a partial scholarship, only tuition fee is waived. However, students who do not meet CGPA 3.4 are still encouraged to apply for it.”

A souvenir exchange session then took place between Dr Yong and Yu Hui. It was followed by a group photography session before the meeting ended.

For more information on the scholarship, kindly visit DcInternet or visit NPU’s Facebook page.

Dr Yong (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Yu Hui

Yu Hui (right) presenting a token of appreciation to Dr Yong