Partnerships between UTAR and the University of Larkano; as well as UTAR and Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage Sukkur (AU Sukkur), Pakistan were formalised on 29 March 2024 via a virtual memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, organised on Zoom.

The MoUs were signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Vice Chancellor of University of Larkano and AU Sukkur Prof Dr Engr Zahid Hussain Khand. The signing was witnessed by UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, University of Larkano Registrar Mr Rafique Ahmed Khoso and AU Sukkur Registrar Dr Pir Suhail Sarhandi.

Welcoming the new partners, Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “UTAR is pleased and honoured to welcome the University of Larkano and Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage Sukkur as our MoU partners. This MoU will pave the way for a rewarding journey for the three universities. It will enable us to work even more closely in creating a platform, which will enrich staff and students’ learning experience, as well as empower them to explore learning opportunities beyond the classroom.”

Besides, Prof Dato’ Ewe also suggested a collaborative effort in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), as it helps students to learn cultural intelligence, which will encourage them to appreciate other cultures in the world of globalisation.

Prof Engr Zahid stated that the University of Larkano and AU Sukkur are freshly established institutions. Hence, the two universities are looking to form partnerships with other institutions to enrich the students’ learning experience. With that, he was delighted to work closely with UTAR on the aspect, saying, “We look forward to having an effective collaboration with UTAR.”

Also present at the virtual MoU signing ceremony were University of Larkano Department of Business Administration Lecturer Dr Maryam Kalhoro, Department of Computer Science Head Dr Farhan Bashir Shaikh, AU Sukkur Faculty of Design Dean Prof Dr Zamir Ahmed Abro, Office of Research Innovation and Commercialisation (ORIC) Director Dr Sabab Ali Shah, Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning Prof Dr Waqas Ahmed Mahar, Faculty of Heritage Dr Muhammad Qasim Sodhar, UTAR Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, FBF Deputy Dean for Research and Development and Postgraduate Programmes Prof Dr Abdelhak Senadjki, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Deputy Director Dr Chen, I-Chi, and UTAR staff.