UTAR inks MoU with World Research Travel Organization

Aimed at promoting the scientific development of research travel, UTAR and the World Research Travel Organization (WRTO), Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) via Zoom on 22 November 2021.

Under the collaboration, UTAR and WRTO will work together to initiate joint projects involving collaborative research; share expertise and joint development of research; facilitate exchanges of ideas and facilities, including attachment and mutual visits by staff members to pursue research and curriculum development; participate in seminars, conferences, workshops, or any other platforms relevant to the industry; facilitate industrial study visits of UTAR undergraduate and postgraduate students and mutual visits by staff members where appropriate for the purpose of enhancing learning experience, professional development and curriculum development; enable UTAR undergraduate and postgraduate students to participate in events, which will provide them with experiential learning opportunities, as well as providing them with practical training platforms in related areas, and provide placement, internship and/or industrial training to aspiring UTAR undergraduate and postgraduate students related to the areas.

The signing ceremony was held online to commemorate the collaboration between both parties. UTAR was represented by its President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and WRTO Malaysia was represented by its President Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen. Also present to witness the virtual signing ceremony were Vice President of WRTO Malaysia Datuk Rashidi bin Hasbullah, Deputy President of WRTO Malaysia Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin, and WRTO guests.

Staff from UTAR included Dean of Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, FBF Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Yew King Tak, Director of Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Deputy Director of DCInterNet Dr Chen, I-Chi, and UTAR staff.

In his speech, Prof Ewe enthused, “Research plays an important social role by assisting entities and governments in developing policies, products and services that respond to the future success of society and humanity. With the signing of this MoU, I am glad to note that UTAR and World Research Travel Organization Malaysia will work together to initiate collaborative research and share expertise and joint development of research. We will broaden the scope of study and maximise its impact by combining knowledge and expertise from academia and industry. Through this MoU, both parties will also facilitate the exchange of ideas and facilities, staff attachment and mutual visits by staff members to pursue research; and curriculum development, besides facilitating participation in seminars, conferences and workshops that are relevant to the industry.” He added, “UTAR is pleased with this collaboration that enables UTAR students to participate in the events organised by the World Research Travel Organization Malaysia to gain experiential learning opportunities and practical training. I am also glad to note that our students will be exposed to the industry through the industrial placement programme. Our students will be prepared to meet the increasingly challenging and ever-changing industrial requirements through this opportunity.”

Lauding UTAR as a prominent and progressive university with enormous achievements, Tan Sri Ng said, “We are very honoured to be at this signing ceremony today and also look forward to working with UTAR to promote in research and development.” She added, “WRTO aims to set up a worldwide platform for organisations such as camps, informal educational schools and government units, with the ultimate goal of broadening their knowledge through Research Travel. This platform will help us understand global issues such as climate change, natural disasters and sustainable development. The main goal of WRTO is to build up standards of the Research Travel Industry, instructors and hubs. These standards will help connect nature and society. Our purpose also involves developing global collaborations, while simultaneously promoting international exchanges and cooperation in research travel. Our efforts will abide by the constitution, legislation and relevant policies of all countries.”