In conjunction with 2022 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week (CAECW 2022), UTAR collaborated with Shanghai Ocean University, China (SHOU) and Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China (GZUTCM) to bring forth a four-day virtual camp themed Exploring Food Nutrition and Health, and Food Culture of Malaysia and China.

The four-day virtual camp aimed to deepen the relationship between the three universities and provide an opportunity for students to learn from speakers from external universities on topics such as cultural and technological development. It was organised respectively from 26 to 27 November 2022 and 3 to 4 December 2022 via VooV Meeting.

CAECW is a large-scale annual event consisting of a series of education and culture themed events, organised by various universities and organisations from China and ASEAN economies. With a rich history, it was first started in 2008 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education of China along with the People’s Government of Guizhou Province, China as a then-nascent platform to facilitate the exchange of educational and cultural ideas between China and ASEAN economies, ultimately reinforcing collaborative relationships between involving economies. At present, it has developed into a high-end platform which sees over 50 countries and regions participating to make positive contributions towards better education.
Gracing the virtual camp were UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, SHOU College of Food Sciences and Technology Secretary of Party Committee You Luquan, SHOU College of Food Science and Technology Deputy Dean Prof Dr Zhao Yong, SHOU College of International Cultural Exchange Dean Zhu Zhanghua, GZUTCM School of Pharmacy Secretary of Party Committee Prof Dr Chai Huifang, GZUTCM International Exchange and Cooperation Office Director Xi Jin, and GZUTCM International Exchange and Cooperation Office Deputy Director Dong Wucheng along with staff and students of the three universities.

During the four-day virtual camp, various food science experts from UTAR, SHOU and GZUTCM were invited to share and discuss topics with the participants regarding the relationship between food and new technologies.

The virtual camp was kicked off with an opening ceremony in which recorded speeches by the presidents of the three universities were presented to the participants.

In his remarks, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat said, “‘Food is the most important necessity to people.’ Regardless of race and region, everyone has a unique food culture filled with a rich history. Following the advancement of society and human civilisation, people have been putting their focus on food nutrition, health effects and food safety to solve food-related issues. To reduce food wastage, resolve food crisis, and achieve a healthier and better life quality, research on food topics is indeed crucial and it calls for our attention.”

He added, “China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week has developed into an important platform for educational cooperation which facilitates talent exchange, academic exchange and research collaboration. It is especially valued by China and ASEAN economies. Therefore, UTAR is very proud to be able to do our part for CAECW. It is a meaningful educational exchange event that benefits students of Malaysia and China.”

SHOU President Prof Wan encouraged the participants to actively share their opinions by saying, “This exchange event provides an effective international exchange platform for academics and young scholars to share their latest research findings in the field of food science and technology. I hope everyone will be able to share to their heart’s content, so that the exchange will truly become a platform for exchanging ideas, opinions and experiences; last but not least, a stage for gathering wisdom and seeking mutual development. Together, we will spare no effort in promoting the advancement of food science and technology for the benefit of human society.”

Relating to a statement supporting China-ASEAN educational collaborations made by the Minister of Education of China, Huai Jinpeng, earlier in 2021, he mentioned, “SHOU is supportive of the collaborative effort initiated by the Ministry of Education. We will do our best in developing the food field and reinforcing collaboration with ASEAN.”

Echoing the sentiment of Prof Dato’ Ewe and Prof Wan, GZUTCM President Prof Liu said, “This virtual camp focuses on food safety and human health to demonstrate cutting-edge technology in food science. Inheriting Chinese and Western Medicine culture is a good start for China-ASEAN food science exchange and collaboration. We hope that everyone practises the concept of openness, inclusiveness and sublation; understands traditional medicine, learns from cutting-edge technologies, and effectively makes use of food science in ensuring the public’s health.”

Voicing his affirmative thoughts on CAECW, Prof Liu stated, “In the recent years, with the help of the exchange week activity platform, our university has organised a number of activities such as the ‘China-ASEAN Traditional Medicine Innovation and Development Forum’. They effectively promote mutual learning as well as exchange and interaction between China and ASEAN economies’ traditional medicine universities and institutions.”

Before closing the opening ceremony, the respective introductory videos of the three universities were presented to the participants.

The opening ceremony for the virtual camp ended with a group photography session.