Visit by Shanghai Academy of Social Science (SASS)

Shanghai Academy of Social Science (SASS) visited UTAR Sungai Long campus on 28 June 2023 to discuss the possible future collaborations and researches on belt and road, think tank, and green development.

From left: Dr Yong, Dr Chin Yee Mun, Dr Pok, Prof Cheng, Dr Chong, Prof Choong, Prof Gan, Dr Zhou, Prof Yu, Dr Tang, Zhang, Dr Tan, Dr Chin Chong Foh, Dr Lai

The representatives of SASS were, Vice President Prof Gan Chunhui, Director of Institute of Ecology and Sustainable Development Prof Dr Zhou Fengqi, Director of Office of Coordination for Think Tank Construction Prof Yu Lei, Director of Center for Think Tank Research Prof Dr Tang Tao, and program coordinator of Office of International Cooperation Zhang Jia.

Representing UTAR were its Vice President of Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Director of Institute of Management and Leadership Development Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, Dean of Institute of Chinese Studies Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Dean of Faculty of Accountancy and Management Dr Pok Wei Fong, Head of Contemporary China Studies Unit Assoc Prof Dr Chin Chong Foh, Director of Division of Community and International Networking Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Director of Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Assoc Prof Dr Yong Thian Khok, Chairperson of Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun, and Chairperson of Centre for International Studies Dr Tan Wooi Yee. Dean of Faculty of Business and Finance Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee attended the meeting via Microsoft Teams.

Prof Choong said, “As the epidemic dissipates, UTAR and SASS can continue the communication and relationship between two parties. Several topics can be discussed, such as exchanging of scholars, workshops, academic forums, the Belt and Road Initiative, Malaysia-China relations, think tank cooperation, and other related topics.” Prof Choong also expressed that UTAR and SASS can have frequent cooperation and exchanges in the future to foster the relationship, and also contribute to the bilateral relations between Malaysia and China.

Prof Gan praised the effort of UTAR in fostering the China-Malaysia relationship. He then introduced SASS by explaining the current status of SASS. SASS is an institution that implements research on strategy and reserve. Prof Gan also hoped that UTAR and SASS will develop more extensive cooperation in the future, such as research on belt and road, sustainable development, economics, and social science. 

UTAR and SASS discussing potential collaborations

During the discussion, Prof Choong said that the coverage of the belt and road knowledge in Malaysia is not extensive, and he suggested to widely promote the books of belt and road in other languages so more Malaysians can learn about belt and road. Prof Yu replied that different languages of books for belt and road were already available in SASS, and they can provide collaboration with UTAR to promote the books in Malaysia.

Dr Zhou then introduced the Institute of Ecology and Sustainable Development of SASS by explaining the research direction and result. She hoped that UTAR and SASS can have more collaboration on green economy development, ecology, and sustainable development. On the other hand, Dr Tang expressed hope for SASS and UTAR to collaborate in expanding think tank exchanges between China and Malaysia, as well as in Southeast Asia.

Prof Choong (left) Prof Gan (right) exchanging souvenirs