A group of delegates from Tzu Chi paid a visit to UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 6 January 2020. The delegates consist of Tzu Chi Education Foundation CEO Prof Wang Pen-Jung and his spouse Lee Liow Shiow, Tzu Chi Education Foundation Office of CEO Director Dr Chien Tung-Yuan, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology Office of Humanities Director Dr Cheah Lee Hwa, Tzu Chi University Office of International Affairs Section Chief Tan Chi Keong, Tzu Chi Senior High School Affiliated with Tzu Chi University Principal Lee Lin Hui and staff Hong Rohn Tresn, Tzu Chi KL & Selangor Deputy CEO Sio Kee Hong and his spouse Assoc Prof Dr Chee Hui Yee, volunteers from Tzu Chi International School Kuala Lumpur Soon Kean Beng, Ng Cheng Wee and Ng Chiang Lay.

Welcoming them on behalf of UTAR were its President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) Dean Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng, Division of Community and International Networking Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, FMHS Postgraduate Programmes Head of Department (HOD) Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi, Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Department of Early Childhood Studies HOD Jamela Begam binti Oli Muhamad, Department of Student Affairs Senior Assistant Manager Tan Chin Yee, FCI tutor Shu Bo Yue, Department of Soft Skills Competency Assistant Manager Choon Wen Kie.

Expressing his delight and honour to receive the Tzu Chi delegates, Prof Ewe said it was a privilege for UTAR to have Tzu Chi as its collaborative partner. “It is like meeting up with old friends again. UTAR and Tzu Chi had been memorandum of understanding (MoU) partners since 2014. I believe there are still plenty of areas in which we can work together and I look forward to discussing further on this later.” The meeting commenced with the presentation of UTAR corporate video to enhance the delegates’ understanding of the overall development of the University.

Prof Wang extended his appreciation to UTAR for its warm hospitality. He said, “It is always nice to see old friends that share the same enthusiasm for the students in the education industry. For our visit this time, I hope to discuss further on our existing collaborations as well as exchange in both education and research.”  Prof Wang, Tan and Cheah gave an introduction about Tzu Chi and explained the key focus areas of the Institute. Sharing some possible areas of collaboration such as simulated surgery (silent mentor program) that was adopted by University of Malaya (UM) , he shared his optimism about future collaboration between the two.

An in-depth discussion was carried out between the two parties, which promoted the exchange of information. Among the possible areas of collaboration discussed were simulated surgery (silent mentor program), staff and student exchanges, study tour, academic activities, research colloquium and internship.

Meeting then ended with a souvenir exchange, followed by a group photo session.