UTAR and Dezhou University from China virtually signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) via Zoom on 11 May 2021 to formalise the partnership.

Signing the MoU were UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Dezhou University President Zhao Shengcun (赵胜村).

The MoU aimed to initiate a  mutual credit recognition between Dezhou University and UTAR, and establish an institute, named “Institute of Chinese Language and Cultural Exchange, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman - Dezhou University (拉曼大学-德州学院中国语言文化交流学院)”. The joint projects aimed to provide opportunities for UTAR and Dezhou University students to attend courses and exchange resources from both universities.

Through the MoU, the two parties will work closely on joint projects involving collaborative research and share expertise. The projects will also aid in strengthening international collaboration and promoting cultures, education, scientific research, as well as the establishment of an overseas internship training base for Chinese language.

Emphasising the importance of international collaboration among the higher learning institutions, Prof Ewe said, “Today is the 50th anniversary of Dezhou University in China. On behalf of UTAR, I would like to congratulate Dezhou University for its brilliant achievements in academic and research. I hope that UTAR and Dezhou University will maintain a close partnership in the future. This is a good opportunity for both parties to come together to share knowledge and expertise for a win-win partnership.”

On behalf of Dezhou University, Zhao enthused, “We are very glad and excited to have this collaborative programme with UTAR. I hope the partnership between UTAR and Dezhou University would support each other in talent cultivation and resource sharing where both parties could share the positive results and benefits.”

Also present at the signing ceremony were Dezhou University Vice President Li Yongping (李永平)， Dezhou University International Exchange and Cooperate Centre Department Director Du Yali (国际交流合作处处长杜亚丽), Dezhou University Academic Affairs Office Deputy Director Liang Yuhua (教务处副处长梁玉华), Dezhou University School of Literature and Journalism Dean Huang Jinyuan, (文学与新闻传播学院院长黄金元), Dezhou University School of Foreign Languages Deputy Dean Zhang Jinhui (外国语学院副院长张锦辉), Dezhou University International Exchange and Cooperate Centre Department Deputy Director Lining (国际交流合作处副处长李宁), Dezhou University International Exchange and Cooperate Centre Department Chief (国际交流合作处科长王翠), and UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang, UTAR Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, UTAR ICS Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Dr Wong Wun Bin and UTAR Division of Community and International Networking (DCInternet) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn.