MoU between UTAR and University of the West

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held between UTAR and the University of the West (UWest) on 2 October 2023 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The MoU was signed to promote academic exchange which will mutually benefit both institutions and their students.

From left: Low, Dr Lai, Dr Chong, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Dr Ta, Grace, Lim, Prof Goi

The representatives from UWest were President of UWest Dr Minh-Hoa Ta, Executive Assistant to the President & Board of Trustees Ms Grace Hsiao and Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Senior Advisor Mr Lim Hoe Kian. Representing UTAR were its President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Institute of Chinese Studies Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Mr Low Chin Kian, Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn and DCInterNet staff Ms Liu Dan. Faculty of Business and Finance Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee and DCInterNet staff Ms Loi Sien Mun joined via Microsoft Teams from Kampar Campus.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his speech

Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “UTAR and the University of the West have many similarities. We are both not-for-profit universities, providing education in the interest of the students and the community. Both UTAR and UWest also provide affordable quality education which focuses on quality teaching, inclusive student services and activities, and a diverse campus community.” He also said, “UTAR is indeed pleased to sign this MoU with UWest and we look forward to increased collaborative activities on student exchanges, visiting academic exchanges, joint research, conferences and training.”

Dr Ta delivering her speech

Dr Ta said, “The mission of the University is to provide the students with whole person education and instill them with East and West culture. Furthermore, our University is a venue that emphasises on compassion and a friendly community. Even though we are a Buddhist-founded University, we welcome students from all religions and economic backgrounds.” She also added, “The mission of the grand master, Hsing Yun is to provide accessible education to the community.”

During the discussion, both universities conveyed their desire to foster partnerships involving various initiatives like academic exchanges, student exchanges, study tours, internships, scholarships, and more. Dr Ta highlighted that UTAR is an ideal institution for collaboration because of its English-medium instruction, making it well-suited for students from the US to participate in exchange programmes at UTAR.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Dr Ta exchanging the MoU

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Dr Ta exchanging some souvenirs