UTAR signs pact with CFAM to unleash creative talents in media industry

Prof Ewe (left) and Lai exchanging the Mou

UTAR and Chinese Film Association of Malaysia (CFAM) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 3 March 2020 at Sungai Long Campus to boost the nation's creative industry through the expertise of both the university and the industry.

The MoU is set to work on facilitating industrial study visits for students and staff to enhance learning experiences for professional development and curriculum development. Other potential collaboration initiatives include industrial placement for students, exchange of information, sharing of knowledge, conducting workshops and talks as well as participating in creative events. Both parties hope that this MoU will contribute and be beneficial to the nation in terms of education and social development.

The signatories were UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and CFAM President Lai Chaing Ming while the witnesses were UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang and CFAM Vice President Keoh Chee Ang.

Prof Ewe said as he welcomed the guests, “I believe CFAM and UTAR share the same principles and sentiments in driving educational excellence and at the same time to promote university-industry collaboration. I am positive that this joint partnership will provide a more supportive environment for our students as well as academics to develop the relevant technical skills further and to enhance their creativity to generate great productions in future.”

“CFAM was established in 2012 to promote local Chinese film and TV industry and talents. Currently, our members are actively involved in production companies in Malaysia. With this MoU signing, we can create more chances of learning and practice for young people through the sharing of experiences from the senior professionals in the industry. We hope that by providing a platform for learning and hands-on experience, students will be able to have a glimpse of the real world and with proper teaching and exposure, we believe this will lead to better development of the media industry in the future,” said Lai in his speech.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Deputy Dean for Academic Development & Undergraduate Programmes P. Thinavan, Master of Communication Programme Head Beh Chun Chee, Department of Media Head Anthony Gandolfo Miranti Jr, FCI Specialists I Foo Mei Lee and Kor Eng Choon, Division of Community and International Networking Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Chinese Film Association Malaysia Committee Members Mak Chee Choong and Koon Wei Gee.

From left: Khor, Anthony, Dr Lai, Thinavan, Prof Yow, Prof Ewe, Lai, Keoh, Mak, Foo, Beh and Koon (behind)

Prof Ewe (left) and Lai exchanging tokens of appreciation