From left: Vooi, Loh, Lim Guat Yen, Dr Lim, Prof Goi, Prof Ewe, Prof Chuah, Prof Li Guozhong, Tang, Prof Xin, Prof Li Yanhong , Irene Wong, Lim Jia Jia and Zhang

Delegates from Guilin University of Technology (GUT), China visited UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 11 June 2019. During the visit, a discussion was held between both parties to further discuss areas of collaboration.

The delegates from GUT were its Secretary General Prof Li Guozhong, President’s Office Director Tang Zhuangdong, Human Resource Director Prof Xin Lizhang, College of Environment Science and Engineering Vice Dean Prof Li Yanhong and College of International Education Vice Dean Zhang Xiaopeng.

Welcoming the delegates on behalf of UTAR were its President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Dean Prof Ir Dr Goi Bok Min, Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Ir Dr Lim Jee Hock, Centre for Extension Education Director Lim Guat Yen, Assistant Manager Vooi Wen Kei, Department of Student Affairs Head of Sungai Long Campus Loh Nyuk Leung, Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC) Assistant Manager Lim Jia Jia and Division of Programme Promotion Deputy Director for International Student Recruitment and Business Development Irene Wong Hong Lei.

Also joining from Kampar Campus via video conference were Division of Community and International Networking Deputy Director Dr Chen I-Chi, DSSC Head of Kampar Campus Hee Chwen Yee, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Deputy Director Dr Chong Yee Lee, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Yap Vooi Voon, FEGT Deputy Dean Dr Lo Po Kim, Academics Ts Dr Lam Sze Mun and Dr Sin Jin Chung.

The meeting began with the video presentations of both universities. It provided both parties with a better understanding of the structures and programmes that both universities offer to their students as well as the achievement that both universities have made since their establishment. It was then followed by Prof Chuah and Prof Li Guozhong sharing UTAR’s and GUT’s background and their campuses respectively.

In the mid of meeting

During the meeting, Prof Li Guozhong said, “I hope that we could organise a student exchange programme for undergraduates and master students, which I believe would take about one semester or a year. On top of that, we would like to have a collaboration with UTAR on doctoral and master’s joint training programmes that are related to environmental expertise, civil engineering and architecture, to name a few. We would also like to extend our invitation to UTAR PhD students and lecturers to do post-doctoral research at GUT which generally takes about two to three years. Wages will be offered to the selected candidates. GUT attaches great importance to scientific research. Hence, I hope that both our lecturers could collaborate together on scientific research.” Meanwhile, he also hoped that the short-term student training programmes conducted by both universities will be continued. At the same time, he also expressed his feeling of close familiarity with UTAR due to the absence of language barrier.

Prof Chuah agreed with Prof Li Guozhong and said, “It is our pleasure to have a collaboration with GUT on scientific research, especially when we can consider doing research on ‘Microwave Remote-sensing’. On top of that, we do organise ‘English Teaching Skills Training Programme’ for university lecturers. Hence, we always welcome GUT lecturers who wish to undergo training for a minimum period of one month with us. Furthermore, we may also consider having a collaboration on dual-certificate programme for our master’s students. I believe this will attract both university students to study as well as the lecturers to work together on papers. This will benefit not only both universities but benefit them in terms of internationalisation as well.” Meanwhile, Prof Chuah also shared with the delegates the history of New Village and said, “Nowadays, I realise most of the students are active on social media which cause them to lack face to face communication with the people around them. Thus, our new village project aims to bring the students to visit the new village to provide them with a better understanding of the Malaysian Chinese history and its specialities as well as helping them to improve their communication skills. Hence, I would also like to invite students from GUT to visit UTAR and participate in our project as well.”

Prof Ewe, on the other hand, said, “We may also consider sending two to five students each year to GUT as exchange students. Currently, we are doing co-teaching through video with other foreign universities, hoping that both universities can develop learning exchanges. So far, the method is workable. The students were able to make friends and it has promoted mutual visits to each other’s university. Besides, some assignments can be assigned to both university students to complete together. Thus, in my opinion, we may also consider organising a co-teaching session, starting with one or two hours.”

The meeting was followed by a souvenir exchange between both universities and a group photography session.

Prof Chuah (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Prof Li Guozhong

Prof Li Guozhong (right) presenting a token of appreciation to Prof Chuah

Visit strengthens ties between UTAR and GUT