A group of delegates from Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences (YASS) paid a visit to Sungai Long Campus on 18 December 2019. The delegates were comprised of YASS China (Kunming) Institute of South Asian and Southeast Asian Studies Vice President Prof Wang Wencheng, International Collaboration Office of China (Kunming) Deputy Director, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies of China (Kunming) Assistant Professor Dr Gong Jue and Human Resources Department of China (Kunming) Dr Huang Haitao.

Welcoming them on behalf of UTAR were its Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang, Institute of Chinese Studies Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Belt and Road Strategic Research Centre Chairperson-cum-Institute of Management and Leadership Development Director Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, Centre for International Studies Chairperson Dr Ho Ying Chan, Division of Community and International Networking Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn and Institute of Chinese Studies Contemporary China Studies Unit Head Dr Chin Chong Foh.

The meeting commenced with the presentation of UTAR corporate video to enhance the delegates’ understanding of the overall development of the University. Delivering his remarks, Prof Yow first welcomed all the delegates to UTAR. He then gave a brief introduction on the University and expressed his hope to create a strong bond with YASS for future expansion of collaboration.

Travelling to Malaysia and UTAR for the first time, Prof Wang expressed his pleasure of the visit. He gave an introduction to YASS and explained the key focus areas of the Institute. Suggesting some possible areas of collaboration, he shared his optimism about future collaboration between the two. In-depth discussions were then carried out at the meeting, and both sides agreed to take initial steps to explore potential cooperation particularly in the area of joint research in topics such as Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and culture between the two countries.

The discussion ended with a souvenir exchange between Prof Yow and Prof Wang, followed by a group photo session.