UTAR and Wannan Medical College (WNMC) officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 19 December 2019 at Sungai Long Campus.

The signatories were UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and WNMC President Prof Liao Shengbao. The signing ceremony was witnessed by WNMC Vice President for Academic Development Prof Zheng Lan Rong and UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang, who also represented Prof Ewe at the event.

Also present at the event were WNMC Director of Foreign Affairs Office Zhao Mei, WNMC Dean of Graduate School Liu Xiaoping, WNMC Vice Director of Scientific Research Office Zhu Zaiman, WNMC Deputy Director of YiJiShan Hospital Shi Lianghui, Vice Director of International Education Center of Education Group of AHNU Zhang Wannian. Other UTAR representatives present at the ceremony were Director of Division of Community and International Networking Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Deputy Dean of Academic Development and Undergraduate Programme of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) Prof Dr Ng Teck Han, FMHS Head of Chinese Medicine Department Assoc Prof Dr Te Kian Keong.

The MoU aimed to initiate joint projects involving international collaborative research in the medical field 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 WNMC.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Yow 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 memorandum of agreements 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 Yow 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 WNMC 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 WNMC. 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.”

On the other hand, Prof Liao expressed his gratitude to UTAR for the warm welcome and great hospitality. He gave a brief introduction on WNMC by introducing their well-known medical courses and discussed possible ways that both institutions can work together in the medical sector. He said, “We are grateful and honoured to be here today. Hope that through this collaboration we can strengthen the tie between the two institutions which could benefit both staff and students. We welcome UTAR staff and students to WNMC as the visit can provide a better understanding for future collaboration.”