MoU with JCI Kinta sealed

UTAR signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Junior Chamber International (JCI) Kinta on 19 April 2023 at its Kampar Campus.

Tan (left) and Prof Dato’ Ewe signing the MoU documents to formalise the partnership between UTAR and JCI Kinta

The MoU was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and JCI Kinta President for the year 2023 Tan Teck Yin. Also present at the signing ceremony were JCI Malaysia National Vice President Leo Tay and delegates from JCI Kinta, namely Jasper Ngai, Randolph Tan, Alan Cheng, Stephanie Hew and Frank Ho.  On behalf of UTAR, the signing ceremony was witnessed by UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Head of Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC) (Kampar Campus) Hee Chwen Yee, DSSC Assistant Lecturer Fong Kah Hoong, UTAR Alumni Association of Malaysia President Simon Chong Weng Yeap and UTAR staff.

Under the MoU, UTAR and JCI Kinta will collaborate on joint projects, namely the Bazaar Junior Perak and Kinta Food Hero 2.0, facilitate exchanges of ideas and facilities among both parties, including attachment and mutual visits by staff members to promote the spirit of community service and development of interpersonal skills among UTAR undergraduates.

Prof Dato’ Ewe explaining the importance of soft skills and volunteering spirits among youth

In his speech at the MoU signing ceremony, Prof Dato’ Ewe highlighted that the MoU will serve to spearhead collaborative efforts between UTAR and JCI Kinta towards realising the University’s objective of becoming a global university of educational and research excellence with transformative societal impact. He emphasised, “UTAR has grown to meet the needs of our students, faculty, staff and most importantly, our community members. Our commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and community engagement has remained steadfast, and we are proud to be recognised as one of the leading institutions of higher learning in this region. With the vision of providing holistic education, UTAR also looks beyond developing students academically in providing them with other skills that enhance their contributions to the workplace and society.  UTAR believes soft skills are essential skills in the workplace.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe added, “I strongly believe that this MoU will pave the way for a rewarding journey for both UTAR and JCI Kinta, especially in the areas of community engagement projects and interpersonal skills development programmes.

Tan expressing his confidence the MoU with UTAR a success

On behalf of JCI Kinta, Tan enthused, “I believe today’s MoU will provide UTAR staff and students with the opportunity to gain exposure to Malaysia’s homegrown corporations by partnering with the corporations to organise various corporate visits. Through this partnership, we are also aimed at giving the students an opportunity to interact with industry professionals and gain insights into the corporate world as well as encourage them to take part in community engagement projects and interpersonal skills development programmes.” He added, “On top of that, with this collaboration, JCI also aims to raise funds for UTAR Hospital and UTAR Education Fund which will benefit the students and the community.”

The ceremony reached its highlight with Prof Dato’ Ewe and Tan signing and exchanging the MoU documents. Curtains were drawn after a group photograph and souvenir presentation session.

Tan (left) and Prof Dato’ Ewe exchanging souvenirs

After the ceremony, the JCI delegation toured several attraction spots at Kampar Campus.

JCI is a non-profit international non-governmental organisation of young people between 18 and 40 years old. It has members in about 124 countries, and regional or national organisations in many of them. It has consultative status with the Council of Europe, the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and UNESCO. It was founded in St Louis in 1915. It encourages young people to become responsible citizens and participate in efforts towards social and economic development, international cooperation, goodwill and understanding. Its members are called Jaycees (from JC’s).