Signing MoU with five secondary schools from Sibu, Sarawak

Front row, from left: Dr David Tneh, Loh, Tan Kim Hock, Prof Goi, David Teo, Tan Kok Aun, Philip Ling and Chee

Back row, from left: Dr Ong, Alex Lee, Dr Leong, Melissa, Irene Wong, and Ong

On 13 April 2023, UTAR held a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with five secondary schools from Sibu, Sarawak at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The five secondary schools included SMK Sacred Heart, SMK Rosli Dhoby, SMK Methodist, SMK Saint Elizabeth and SMK Deshon. The main objectives of the MoU were to develop cooperation in education and student development between all the involved parties through the UTAR School Talent Development Programme, and facilitate academic development and exchanges including mutual visits by teachers or lecturers, and participation in seminars, conferences, or workshops.

Representing the five secondary schools at the ceremony were SMK Sacred Heart Principal David Teo, SMK Rosli Dhoby Principal Tan Kok Aun, SMK Methodist Principal Philip Ling Swee Nge, SMK Saint Elizabeth Principal Chee Hui Yiang and SMK Deshon Principal Tan Kim Hock.

Welcoming them on behalf of UTAR were UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Dean Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Dr Leong Pooi Pooi, Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) Sungai Long Campus Director Melissa Stefanie Netto, UTAR Registrar Loh Siaw Yien, CFS academic and UTAR STEM Outreach Head Dr Ong Kiah Ju, Division of Programme Promotion (DPP) Director Lee Choy Fong, DPP Deputy Director Irene Wong Hong Lei and Division of Corporate Communication and Public Relations (DCCPR) Director Ong Soo Weon.

In his speech, Prof Goi welcomed the participants and said, “Through this MoU, we are formalising our collaboration in the areas of education and student development. Our joint efforts will focus on several key areas, including the UTAR School Talent Development Programme, academic training and postgraduate study opportunities for teachers and administrators, academic and experimental learning programmes for students, and academic development and exchanges.”

Prof Goi welcoming the guests

He added, “With our collaboration, UTAR will provide its full support and resources to nurture high school students to develop their skills and talents in various fields. We also recognise the importance of academic training and postgraduate study opportunities for teachers and administrators. By providing access to these programmes, we can help to ensure that educators are equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices, enabling them to deliver the highest quality education to the students.”

Meanwhile, David Teo represented the principals from the five schools to deliver a speech. He enthused, “It is wonderful to be able to visit the University. We are proud to see so many people from Sibu studying and working successfully at UTAR. On behalf of the five principals here and other principals from the Sibu division, we are grateful for the opportunity to visit UTAR as it provided us a chance to meet the Sibu students studying here. UTAR is a reputable higher education institution, and we hope that our students would choose to study at this University, as we want to ensure that our students are able to pursue their studies and have an amazing future.”

David Teo delivering his speech

The ceremony reached its peak with the signing of the MoU by Prof Goi and the five principals. It was followed by a brief souvenir exchange session.

From left: Tan Kim Hock, Phillip Ling, Prof Goi, David Teo, Tan Kok Aun and Chee

Prof Goi (left) exchanging souvenirs with Sibu school principals

During the ceremony, the involved parties were seen having discussions on future collaborations. They talked about various topics, including having collaboration with UTAR’s STEM outreach programme to develop secondary school students’ interest in science courses, providing opportunities for students to study internationally, and using online tools to connect with the schools in Sibu. The principals also explained how the five schools are among the top in Sibu.

Discussion in progress

The ceremony ended with a group photography session.