Visit by Providence University

From left: Low, Dr Lim, Dr Lai, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Dr Lucia Lin, Dr Philip Lin, Dr Yong, Dr Chong and Dr Cynthia Lau

On 7 March 2023, Providence University (PU) President Dr Lucia S. Lin and PU International Affairs Dean Dr Philip Lin visited UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

They were welcomed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Institute of Chinese Studies Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Faculty of Creative Industries Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Cynthia Lau Pui-Shan, Faculty of Accountancy and Management Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Low Chin Kian, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Director Assoc Prof Dr Yong Thian Khok, Centre for Extension Education Director Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Jee Hock and Division of Community and International Networking Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn.

Also joining from Kampar Campus via video conference were Faculty of Business and Finance Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Choong Yuen Onn, MBA (Corporate Management) Programme Head Dr Choe Kum Lung, Faculty of Science Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Gideon Khoo, Department of Chemical Science Head Dr Ooi Mei Lee and Department of Agricultural and Food Science Head Dr Ali Yassoralipour.

The visit aimed to build rapport and fortify areas of collaboration between UTAR and PU.

The meeting proceeded with the presentation of corporate videos by UTAR and PU to enhance the understanding of the overall development of both universities. Prof Dato’ Ewe mentioned at the meeting that there are plenty of areas in which UTAR and PU can work together. He also took the opportunity to extend an invitation to Dr Lucia Lin to visit UTAR Kampar Campus someday.

Dr Lucia Lin, on the other hand, introduced the origin and background of PU, and said, “Globalisation and internationalisation are our main focus, which is why we hope to connect with our old and new friends through mutual collaborations.”

Meanwhile, Dr Lai also took the opportunity to introduce the virtual student mobility programmes to the delegates which included the Magallanes World Study Tour, Cyber Classroom, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) courses, and Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).

An in-depth discussion was carried out between the two parties regarding possible areas of collaboration which included student exchange programmes, short-term programmes, joint projects and virtual student mobility programmes. Both parties looked forward to furthering collaboration in the future.

The meeting ended with a souvenir exchange and a group photography session.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Dr Lucia Lin

Dr Lucia Lin (right) presenting a token of appreciation to Prof Dato’ Ewe