UTAR Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) organised a visit to the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) on 14 December 2022 to explore potential collaboration between UTAR and PCCCI.

The representatives from UTAR consisted of FBF Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, FBF Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Choong Yuen Onn, FBF Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Yew King Tak, FBF Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Dr Peter Tan Sin Howe and FBF Head of MBA (Corporate Management) Programme Dr Choe Kum Lung.

The UTAR delegates were warmly welcomed by the PCCCI representatives, namely Deputy President Dato’ Ng Yok Gee, Association Affairs Advisor Tan Chong Seng, Secretary-General Lai Weng Keong, Assistant External Affairs Secretary Tan Kin Wai, Assistant Welfare Officer Mark Loh Kok Hua and Central Committee Member Liew Yi Herng.

With both parties expressing their hopes to foster strong collaborations, a meeting, chaired by Dato’ Ng, was held to facilitate better discussion and understanding of the possible areas for collaboration among the representatives. The meeting commenced with Dato’ Ng presenting his welcome message where he said he was hopeful that the collaboration between UTAR and PCCCI will greatly benefit the development of SMEs in Perak, especially in the aspect of digitalisation, supply chain and halal certification.

The meeting also saw the discussion of possible collaborative opportunities to conduct training or workshops for SMEs, consulting services and company tours or site visits. The representatives expressed their optimism towards the training that will serve as platforms to better educate the SMEs on the current trends and happenings in the market, as well as, assist them in conducting research.

In addition to this, Dr Au Yong also introduced UTAR programmes to PCCCI member companies’ staff who wished to further their studies. Dr Tan briefed about the undergraduate programmes, whereas Dr Choe promoted postgraduate programmes including Micro Credential courses. Dr Tan further added that the PCCCI committee and members were welcome to be the industry advisors for the programmes.

The meeting also touched on internship placement opportunities for UTAR students at PCCCI member companies and invitations for recruitment drives where PCCCI member companies can interview and recruit UTAR graduates.

It is through the university’s commitment to expand its expertise, services and resources to continuously provide a supportive environment for the faculties and students that culminate in UTAR forging ties with industry partners for many research collaborations. The fruitful visit ended with souvenir exchanges between UTAR and PCCCI.