UTAR and Guangdong Roman Technology Company Ltd., China (GDRT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) virtually via Zoom on 18 March 2021 to initiate collaboration between the two.

Signing on behalf of UTAR was its President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat, while GDRT was represented by its CEO Jack Yan You Chun. The signing was witnessed by UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang and GDRT Sales Director John Hu Shun Qiang.

Also present at the event were Former Minister of Transport-cum-Minister of Health Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Imperial Dental Specialist Centre Managing Director Dato’ Dr How Kim Chuan, GDRT Region Sales Manager Li Yan Fei, UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Dean Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, UTAR Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, DCInterNet Deputy Director Dr Chen, I-Chi and DCInterNet Senior Assistant Manager Loi Sien Mun.

In his remarks, Prof Ewe enthused, “UTAR is honoured to collaborate with Guangdong Roman Technology Company Ltd (GDRT), one of the largest personal health care brands and also a national high-tech company in China. Since its establishment, GDRT has continuously innovated and improved technology based on the premise of providing consumers with high-quality personal health care products and services. It has gained a good reputation in China and internationally. I believe that this collaboration will enable more opportunities for students and academician from UTAR to learn from GDRT in terms of scientific and technological innovation research.”

On the other hand, Jack Yan expressed his enthusiasm to have international industry-academia collaboration with UTAR, especially in research studies pertaining to  dental medical equipment. He said, “We are looking forward to having more collaborative activities with UTAR. Through the scientific research studies done by academician or students from UTAR, I believe we could further improve our products in terms of quality assurance and technological innovation.”

Dato’ Sri Liow also congratulated GDRT and UTAR for their collaboration and vision in exchanging knowledge with both parties. He also complimented UTAR as a potential institution, as it is able to become one of the best universities in Malaysia. It has also gained several good rankings internationally in about 19 years’ time.

He added, “It is hoped that UTAR will have greater breakthroughs and development in the field of dentistry and medical treatment. I feel grateful for GDRT’s support. I am convinced that this cooperation will be pleasant and fruitful.”

The MoU aimed to initiate joint projects involving collaborative research and to share expertise and joint development of research. It also aimed to facilitate the industrial study visits of UTAR undergraduate and postgraduate students, besides facilitating mutual visits by staff members of both parties for the purpose of enhancing learning experience, professional development and curriculum development. Last but not least, it also aimed to facilitate industrial placement for UTAR students.

The MoU signing ceremony ended with a group photo session.