UTAR established a partnership with the Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (JAGAM) at the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony, held on 19 January 2023 at Sungai Long Campus. The ceremony was graced by the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia First Secretary of Education and Science Attaché Yukiyoshi Saito.

Signing the MoU were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia President Gary Tang Kok Lian. Witnessing the signing were UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min and Representatives of JAGAM Southern Branch, JAGAM Northern Branch and JAGAM Japan Branch.

Also present at the signing ceremony were JAGAM Operation Manager Jacqueline Tan; Exco Members Dr Auyong Hui Nee, Jake Sow, K.K. Kong, Marco Eng and Dr Lau Wee Yeap, and Members Erica Eng and Hew Boon Kok. Representatives from UTAR were Division of Community and International Networking Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Department of Scholarships and Financial Aid Head Tan Wear Sim, and Department of Alumni Relations and Placement Lee Wan Poh.

Under the MoU, UTAR and Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia will collaborate on joint research projects, industrial study visits, student exchange programmes and industrial attachments. Students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in Japanese universities will be given the opportunity to apply for scholarships.

Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of a more meaningful engagement and impactful collaboration that will bring our institution to a distinct and significant future. I hope both parties can assist each other to elevate this collaboration to a higher level of cooperation. I look forward to greater successes ahead.”

Gary Tang said, “We’ve produced a lot of great graduates for over 49 years. UTAR and JAGAM will definitely have more collaborations in the future and hopefully, we can create more entrepreneurs to create more job opportunities for the nation.”