Signing MoU with Everybox Innovations Sdn Bhd and agreement with Foxit Software Inc

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Mr Tong (right) exchanging souvenirs

On 13 February 2023, UTAR signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Everybox Innovations Sdn Bhd and an agreement with Foxit Software Inc. The signing ceremony took place at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. With this partnership with Everybox Innovations Sdn Bhd and Foxit Software Inc, the university will receive 2,500 licenses of Foxit PDF Editor Education offered by Everybox Innovations and Foxit Software Inc.

Present at the signing ceremony were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Everybox Innovations Sdn Bhd CEO Mr Tong San Gin, Foxit Software Inc President of Education Unit Ms Jenny Li, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, UTAR Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, and UTAR IT Infrastructure and Support Centre Director Mr Chai Kam Weng.

Prof Dato’ Ewe gave a speech during the commencement of the signing ceremony, saying, “In today’s rapidly changing world, the importance of collaboration between universities and industries cannot be overstated. By working together, we can bring together the best of academia and industry, leverage each other’s strengths, share knowledge and resources, and work together towards common goals.”

He added, “Under this partnership today, I am glad to note that the licenses of Foxit PDF Editor Education offered by Everybox Innovations and Foxit Software Inc will benefit our students and staff as we work towards creating a paperless and more sustainable environment. I can foresee staff and students making changes to the pdf documents without needing word processor software and managing the documentation process, enabling and enhancing the learning experience. On behalf of the University, I would like to thank Everybox Innovations and Foxit Software.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his opening remarks

Mr Tong said, “UTAR will greatly benefit from this collaboration, as Foxit will provide all PDF licenses at no cost, and strengthen the use of one software across users in managing documents and enhancing the learning experience. Not only that, we are open to discussing the opportunities for students to attend workshops with Foxit PDF experts to create an exciting student innovation challenge programme that permits students to exchange ideas and learn the benefits of PDF technology.”

Mr Tong giving his speech

Ms Jenny Li also delivered her speech at the event. She said, “We are very happy to have this opportunity to work with UTAR, as we believe that the Foxit PDF Editor Education can help to improve teaching, learning and research productivity. Everyone can benefit from the PDF Editor in a working and school environment, as it helps to increase productivity since anyone can use it anywhere. Foxit’s vision is for everyone to be able to use a PDF editor in their daily working, studying and research environment, and we want to work with universities such as UTAR to make an impact in allowing everyone to have access to the software as well as accelerating digital transformation.”

Ms Jenny Li showing her appreciation to UTAR

The ceremony then saw the signing of the MoU, which was signed by Prof Dato’ Ewe and Mr Tong. Prof Goi and Ms Jenny Li witnessed the signing. The agreement between UTAR and Foxit Software Inc was also signed by Prof Dato’ Ewe and Mr Jenny Li. The signing ceremony ended with a souvenir exchange and a group photography session.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Mr Tong signing the MoU

From left: Dr Lai, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Tong, Prof Goi and Mr Chai, with Ms Jenny Li (at the back)