A memorandum of agreement (MoA) was officially inked between UTAR and Mango Media Sdn Bhd on 22 April 2024 at UTAR Kampar Campus. Both parties will work together to establish the International Institute of Media at UTAR, strengthening international educational cooperation and exchange, innovating talent development models, and enhancing the quality of talent cultivation.

Signing the MoA were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Mango Media Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ge Yamei. It was witnessed by Hunan Golden Eagle Documentary Media Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr Wang Pingbo and former Hunan Broadcasting System Deputy Editor-in-Chief Mr Zhou Shixing.

Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “Working closely with Mango Media Sdn Bhd will enable us to learn new expertise. UTAR also hopes to provide talents and the necessary resources under the Belt and Road Initiative.” He added that UTAR’s collaborations with diverse parties will be beneficial to the development of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations.

Hunan Golden Eagle Documentary Media Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr Wang said, “Malaysia is a close and reliable partner to China. We have many TV programmes and projects in Malaysia.” He added that Hunan Broadcasting System (HBS) has a keen interest in filming a season of one of their musical variety shows in Malaysia. To achieve a better understanding, he commented that they will need expertise from the field of academia and research as well other than the field of business. He also mentioned the potential of talent training between UTAR and HBS, which will potentially improve the quality of talent resources.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Mango Media Sdn Bhd Director for Education Industry Mr Jiang Zhongqi, UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng, FAS Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Ts Dr Khor Kheng Kia, Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Ts Dr Ang Kok Yew, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Ling Liong Ngo, FAS Head of Department of Public Relations Cik Bazlin Darina binti Ahmad Tajudin, FAS Head of Department of Journalism Ms Michelle Wong, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Deputy Director Assoc Prof Dr Chen, I-Chi, HBS staff and UTAR staff.

Mango Media Sdn Bhd is the subsidiary of Hunan Broadcasting System (HBS), one of the leading television networks in China. Mango Media Sdn Bhd is a comprehensive media company with diversified media operations, committed to promoting the development of media in China and Malaysia. Its business scope covers multimedia, TV programme production, advertisement, event promotion, and media operations that aim to expand diversified communication.