A group of delegates from Dezhou University of China (DZU) visited UTAR Kampar Campus on 2 June 2023. The main purpose of the visit was to discuss the future plans for the partnership.

The group from DZU consisted of DZU Party Committee Secretary Che Bin, Academic Affairs Office Director Liu Yinfang, International Exchange and Cooperate Centre Department Director Du Yali, School of Foreign Languages Dean Zhang Guoqiang and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Dean Li Hongliang.

They were welcomed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Faculty of Science (FSc) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Dr Peter Tan Sin Howe, Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Ts Dr Khor Kheng Kia, ICS Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Wong Wun Bin, Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, DCInterNet Deputy Director Dr Chen, I-Chi, Department of International Student Services (Kampar Campus) Head Ngan Mun Wai, DCInterNet Senior Assistant Manager Chin Sau Lai, and Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP) Assistant Manager Ang Hue Min.

UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Assoc Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, Division of Programme Promotion (DPP) Deputy Director for International Student Recruitment and Business Development Irene Wong Hong Lei, and DPP Assistant Manager Liew Son Jiin also joined the discussion via Zoom.

Prior to the visit, UTAR signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the Chinese International Education Foundation (CIEF) and DZU in China on 22 May 2023 to facilitate the establishment of the Confucius Institute in UTAR. Under the MoA, the parties will focus on Chinese teaching and research, Chinese teacher training, development of Chinese educational resources, language and cultural exchange activities, Chinese language and culture-related examinations and certifications, and other aspects of cooperation.

In his remarks, UTAR President Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “UTAR is proud to have Dezhou University of China as our partner. Since 2018, we have been maintaining a close and productive partnership. I believe the establishment of the Confucius Institute at UTAR and the Overseas Talent Base of Dezhou University will not only elevate our partnership to another peak, but also bring more fruitful results to both universities.”

DZU Party Committee Secretary Che said, “To further develop our partnership, Dezhou University cordially invites Malaysian experts and scholars to lend your expertise in the development of our university and the research of the ASEAN Research Centre. We are building a demonstration province and smart city, yet, we do not have any university or college that teaches the Malay language in Shandong Province. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to promote the development of Malay language studies as language barriers could pose a huge problem.”

During the discussion, both parties discussed the future plans for the establishment of Confucius Institute at UTAR; the development of potential postgraduate study programmes; future plans of the Overseas Talent Base of Dezhou University; joint industrial training; mutual student and academic visitations; online study courses; introduction of Malay language and Indonesian language studies to DZU; dual degree cooperation in business administration and Chinese studies; and academic collaboration in the fields of chemistry, biopharmaceuticals, chemical engineering, materials, foreign languages and literature.

The visit ended with a plaque unveiling ceremony for the Overseas Talents Base of Dezhou University, an exchange of souvenirs, a group photography session, a meeting with students from Dezhou University, and a tour around the campus.