UTAR signs pact with CIEF, DZU and Jining University

In the effort to establish a Confucius Institute at UTAR, the Chinese International Education Foundation (CIEF), Dezhou University (DZU) and UTAR signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) on 22 May 2023 at Dezhou University, China.

The signing ceremony was attended by CIEF Vice Chairman and Secretary Zhao Lingshan, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, DZU President Zhao Changlin and Party Committee Secretary Che Bin.

CIEF Director of Policy and Development Department and Project Funding Department Li Hongyu, CIEF Project Specialist of Policy and Development Department Li Jinke, UTAR Institute of Chinese Studies Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Personnel Office members, Academic Affairs Office members, and relevant persons in charge of DZU attended the ceremony as well.

Zhao Lingshan delivering his speech

 (Photo by DZU)

According to CIEF Vice Chairman and Secretary Zhao Lingshan, the establishment of the Confucius Institute at UTAR will open a new window for language exchange and mutual learning between China and Malaysia. He said that the foundation will support the sustainable and high-quality development of the Confucius Institute, promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his speech

 (Photo by DZU)

UTAR President Prof Dato’ Ewe introduced the overall development of UTAR and said, “UTAR has been in an official partnership with Dezhou University since 2018. I believe the establishment of the Confucius Institute at UTAR, in cooperation with Dezhou University, will push the cooperation between the two universities to another peak.” He also expressed his intention to have closer cooperation and exchange with the two parties in the future.

 

Che Bin welcoming the visitors,

 (Photo by DZU)

“The signing of the agreement to jointly build the Confucius Institute at UTAR is not only the proof of the long-term cooperation between the two universities, but also a new starting point for multi-field exchanges and collaboration, to cultivate more international talents who are proficient in Chinese and deepen China-Malaysia friendship,” said Che Bin as he welcomed CIEF Vice Chairman and Secretary Zhao Lingshan and UTAR President Prof Dato’ Ewe.

Under the MoA, Dezhou University and UTAR will focus on Chinese teaching and related 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.

The ceremony continued with the signing of the MoA by CIEF Vice Chairman and Secretary Zhao Lingshan, UTAR President Prof Dato’ Ewe and DZU President Zhao Changlin.

 

Signatories, from left: Prof Dato’ Ewe, Zhao Lingshan and Zhao Changlin

(Photo by DZU)

Prior to this event, UTAR President Prof Dato’ Ewe visited Jining University, China on 20 May 2023 where he was warmly welcomed by the Vice President of Jining University, Yin Chunguang.

Both universities conducted an in-depth discussion on student exchange, study tours, academic exchange, and academic research collaborations. A student exchange agreement and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) were also signed between Jining University and UTAR during the visit.

UTAR and Jining University staff having discussion

(Photo by Jining University)

From left: Prof Dato’ Ewe and Yin

(Photo by Jining University)