Visit aspires to reinforce areas of collaboration

From left: Chen, Zhang, Prof Goi, Xiang, Prof Chuah, Zhou, Prof Ewe, Dr Yong, Zhao, Dr Lai, Lee, Chen Xi and Dr Chong

Delegates from Liupanshui Normal University, China (LNU) visited UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 3 May 2019. During the visit, a discussion was held between both parties to consider areas of collaboration.

The delegates from LNU were its University Council Chairman Zhou Sibi, Teaching Affairs Office Director Zhao Bimei, School of Education Science and Music Dean Zhang Lin, School of Tourism and History Dean Chen Hongxing, International Exchange and Cooperation Director Xiang Huyue and School of Physical Education Dean Chen Xi.

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, Division of Community and International Networking Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Director Assoc Prof Dr Yong Thian Khok, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Dean Prof Ir Dr Goi Bok Min, Institute of Chinese Studies Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei and Faculty of Creative Industries Deputy Dean  for Student Development and Industrial Training Lee Lih Su.

Also joining from Kampar Campus via video conference were Division of Programme Promotion Director Lee Choy Fong, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Dean Ts Assoc Prof Dr Liew Soung Yue, Faculty of Science Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, FICT Head of Programme for Postgraduate Programmes Dr Khor Siak Wang, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Head of Programme for Master of Engineering Science Dr Khoo Sze Wei and Department of Environmental Engineering Dr Guo Xinxin.

The meeting began with Prof Chuah sharing UTAR’s background and its campuses. It was then followed by a video presentation to provide the delegates a better understanding of the structures and programmes that UTAR offers its students as well as the achievement that UTAR has made since its establishment. During the meeting, Prof Chuah also suggested some potential areas of collaboration that would benefit both parties.

Xiang, on the other hand, expressed his gratitude to UTAR for receiving them with a warm welcome. During the meeting, he also suggested some potential areas of collaboration such as enabling LNU lecturers to further their PhD studies in UTAR and organising a lecturer and student exchange programme. “There is a great demand to pursue PhD among LNU lecturers. Hence, we think this would be a good opportunity and platform for them to further their studies in UTAR while experiencing the cultural differences in Malaysia. Besides, it would be great if we could also organise lecturer and student exchange programmes as it would benefit both the university’s lecturers and students in terms of teaching and studying purposes. I believe it will also broaden up their horizon,” said Xiang. Xiang also expressed his concern over the language barrier that LNU lecturers might face when they pursue their PhD studies in UTAR. 

In the midst of meeting

“We always welcome international students to participate in our student exchange programmes. We have designed English classes for international students. On top of it, we will also bring them to visit the new villages to provide them with the knowledge and experience of our local culture. This visit is indeed a good chance for us to further discuss our collaborations. We should organise some activities in the future to promote the lecturer exchange programme.  It would also be our pleasure to have the lecturers further their PhD studies at our university, as long as they have met the minimum requirement of 5.0 in IELTS. I believe there will be no language barrier since most of our lecturers communicate in Mandarin. They are only required to use the English language when it comes to presenting their papers,” said Prof Chuah. He also shared with the delegates about UTAR being appointed by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs P.R. China as one of its training units.

Coming to Malaysia for the first time, Zhou expressed the feeling of close familiarity the moment he walked into UTAR. He also expressed his intention to further collaborate with UTAR and extended his invitation to Prof Chuah and UTAR lecturers to visit LNU someday.

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

Prof Chuah (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Zhou

Zhou (right) presenting a token of appreciation to Prof Chuah