Dialogue with SASS delegates

A dialogue session was held with delegates from the Shandong Academy of Social Sciences (SASS), China on 27 November 2023 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The purpose of the dialogue session was to learn and exchange ideas on Malaysian economic and social development status, investment promotion policies and think tank management experience.

From left: Ms Liu Dan, Dr Lai, Dr Tiong, Dr Tan, Dr Chin Yee Mun, Dr Chong, Prof Yuan, Dr Chin Chong Foh, Dr Xu, Ms Ling, Dr Sun, Dr Wang

The delegates from SASS were the Secretary of the Party Committee and President Prof Dr Yuan Hongying, Director of the Institute of Urban and Regional Development Dr Xu Guangping, Researcher of the Center for Think-Tank Research Ms Ling Qi, Deputy Director of the Institute of Finance Dr Sun Lingyan and Deputy Director of the Scientific Research Management Department Dr Wang Ren.

The representatives from UTAR were Dean of Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, ICS Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Chin Chong Foh, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Head of Department of Economics Dr Tiong Kui Ming, Chairperson of Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun,  Chairperson of Centre for International Studies Dr Tan Wooi Yee, Director of Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, and DCInterNet Senior Assistant Manager Ms Liu Dan.

During the dialogue

The dialogue session covered a diverse array of topics, providing a comprehensive overview of various academic and research facets. The agenda included an introduction to SASS, emphasising its role in fostering social science academic research, project research, decision-making services, and acting as a think tank. Delving into cultural perspectives, the discussions unfolded on the Malaysian Chinese language, cultural heritage, and their current situation and development in Malaysia. The Institute of Chinese Studies at UTAR was also highlighted. The session further explored global issues such as The Belt and Road Initiative and Green Economy, while honing in on regional focus through ASEAN studies and Malaysian foreign policy studies. Demographic insights were shared through Malaysian population studies and examination of China’s population decline. The discussion also covered the results, challenges, and future directions of Chinese investments in Malaysia, considering various academic, cultural, and geopolitical factors.

Prof Yuan (right) presenting souvenirs to Dr Chong

On the following day, 28 November 2023, the delegates from SASS reconvened for another meeting at UTAR Sungai Long. They discussed talent training, scientific research management, and achievement transformation at the meeting. The meeting also covered matters related to exchange and cooperation, such as facilitating personnel exchanges and extending invitations to international conferences.

From left: Dr Yong, Dr Ng, Dr Lai, Prof Choong, Dr Chong, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Yuan, Dr Xu, Ms Ling, Dr Sun, Dr Wang

Present from UTAR were its President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Dean of Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Dr Ng Kar Yee, Director of Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn and Director of Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Assoc Prof Dr Yong Thian Khok.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Prof Yuan exchanging souvenirs