UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat visited three universities in Hainan, namely Hainan Normal University (HNU), Hainan University (HU) and University of Sanya (USY) in China from 10 to 14 December 2019 to enhance mutual understanding and promote further cooperation. With him was Division of Community and International Networking Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn.

On 11 December 2019, the UTAR delegates were warmly welcomed by HNU President Lin Qiang and his team. Both parties exchanged the historical overview of their respective universities, the current developments and the implementation of international programmes. During the meeting, Prof Ewe also presented the UTAR corporate video to enhance the HNU team’s understanding of the University. The two parties conducted an in-depth discussion and reached a preliminary cooperation intention on student exchanges, study tour, PhD study, mutual credit recognition and research collaboration. The event also witnessed both parties exchanging a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and student exchange agreements with one another.

On the same day, another visit was made to Hainan University where Prof Ewe had a meeting with HU Vice President Fu Guohua. Both parties also took the opportunity to sign an MoU with one another. Introducing the development of the university, Prof Ewe said that the signing of the agreement is of great significance in promoting the ASEAN-China relationship in relation to the Belt and Road Initiative. Emphasising on the historical relationship between Malaysia and Hainan, Fu Guohua hoped to have an extensive and in-depth cooperation with UTAR, with the belief that the effort would strengthen the international development of both universities.

Attending the third forum on ASEAN-China Private Higher Education Development and Cooperation, and the first annual meeting of ASEAN-China Alliance of Private Higher Education Institutions (ACAPHEI) on 12 December 2019 at USY, Prof Ewe and other participating universities were seen signing an MoU as a sign of cooperation among the signing parties. On the following day, Prof Ewe met with USY President Prof Lu Dan to discuss staff training on quality assurance, PhD study, USY recruitment and other issues.