First committee meeting of UTAR Confucius Institute

The first Committee Meeting of UTAR Confucius Institute was held on 24 September 2023 at Dezhou University (DZU) in a hybrid platform.

Present at the meeting were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, DZU President Prof Zhao Changlin, DZU Vice President Prof Dr Liu Yinfang, UTAR Confucius Institute Director (Chinese) Prof Dr Ma Yingxin and DZU International Exchange and Cooperate Centre Department Director Du Yali.

UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn and Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chin Chong Foh (representing ICS Dean and UTAR Confucius Institute Director [Malaysian] Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei) joined the meeting via Zoom. The meeting was chaired by Prof Liu Yinfang.

Prof Zhao explained that he looks forward to further expanding exchanges and cooperation between UTAR and DZU. He highlighted the importance of leveraging their strengths in international Chinese education and cultural studies, including the unique “Chinese+” curriculum at UTAR Confucius Institute. This involves humanistic exchanges, cultivating local Chinese language teaching resources, and jointly creating quality teaching materials. The goal is to nurture global-minded, Chinese-proficient talents with a strong humanities appreciation. Prof Zhao assured DZU’s active support for the establishment of UTAR Confucius Institute, aiming to make it a global showcase for Chinese culture and international Chinese education. According to him, this can enhance mutual understanding between China and Malaysia.

Prof Dato’ Ewe stated that both universities can intensify their collaboration in the future with UTAR Confucius Institute acting as the bridge. Both universities will also continue to deepen educational cooperation in various areas such as student and faculty exchanges, research collaboration, and cultural exchanges. They will also actively explore practical pathways that contribute to the economic and social development of both China and Malaysia. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia next year, Prof Dato’ Ewe proposed that they can carry out cultural activities and research collaboration projects together. According to him, this will further strengthen and deepen the cooperation and exchanges between UTAR and DZU, making a positive contribution to enhancing friendship and mutual development between the two universities and the two countries.

After the speeches, Prof Ma and Dr Chin presented reports on the work progress and budget of the Confucius Institute. The meeting concluded with a group photograph.

 

Meeting room in DZU, from left: Prof Liu, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Zhao and Du.

Top, from left: Dr Lai, meeting room in DZU, Dr Chin and Prof Goi

Both university representatives discussing the establishment of UTAR Confucius Institute