UTAR signs MoU to enhance international collaboration

From left: Prof Ewe and Prof Huang displaying the signed MoU

UTAR and the College of Humanities and Sciences of Guizhou Minzu University, China (HSGMU) officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 25 November 2019 at Sungai Long Campus.

The signatories were UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and HSGMU Vice President Prof Huang Wei. It was witnessed by UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang and HSGMU Office of International Exchange and Cooperation Deputy Director Li LiYa.

From left: Prof Ewe and Prof Huang signing the MoU

Also present at the event were HSGMU Faculty of Economics and Management Head Chen Weihong, Culture and Communication Faculty Head Zhou Lingyu, UTAR Division of Community and International Networking Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Institute of Chinese Studies Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Tee Boon Chuan, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Ir Dr Lim Jee Hock, Faculty of Creative Industries Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Lee Lih Su and Head of Soft Skills Competency Department of Sungai Long Campus Fook Oi Yee.

The MoU aimed to initiate joint projects involving international collaborative research and to share expertise and joint development of research between both universities. Besides, it also aimed to facilitate academic development exchanges, study visit, students exchange and internship between UTAR and HSGMU.

Prof Ewe speaking at the ceremony

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Ewe said, “UTAR’s vision is to be a global university of educational excellence with transformative societal impact. To ensure this vision becomes a reality, UTAR since its inception in 2002, has vigorously sealed MoUs and MoAs with over 370 foreign and local university partners and business partners which have unlocked multiple opportunities ranging from staff and student exchange to joint ventures in research. Such joint initiatives have resulted in many positive outcomes such as students of both countries being exposed to cultural and experiential learning through exchange programmes, staff working together for joint researches, sharing of resources and other remarkable achievements.”

Prof Ewe added, “Of UTAR’s many university partners from all over the world, over 70 of them are institutions of higher learning from China. Such an extensive network clearly reflects the importance and significance of these ties forged with UTAR throughout the years. Today, it is with great honour and delight that we officially welcome HSGMU into UTAR’s growing list of partnerships. I strongly believe that this MoU will pave the way for a rewarding journey for both UTAR and HSGMU. This will enable us to work even more closely than before in creating platforms that will enrich both staff and students’ academic experience, as well as empower them to explore learning opportunities beyond the classrooms.”

Prof Huang thanked UTAR for the warm welcome and great hospitality. She said, “We are grateful and honoured to be here today. HSGMU has always placed emphasis on exchange of expertise. We send our students and lecturers out frequently for cultural exchange. Hence, we would like to welcome UTAR staff and students to HSGMU. I hope through this signing of MoU, we can both increase the expertise of our academic staff and enhance the experience of our students.”

The signing ceremony ended with a souvenir exchange between Prof Ewe and Prof Huang, followed by a group photography session.

Prof Ewe presenting the token of appreciation to Prof Huang (right)

Prof Ewe (left) receiving a souvenir from Prof Huang

From left: Fook, Lee, Dr Lim, Dr Tee, Dr Lai, Prof Ewe, Prof Huang, Zhou, Chen and Li