Visit by Peking University

PKU, UTAR and TAR UMT

A team of researchers from Peking University (PKU), China visited UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 26 August 2024. The survey team, which is currently working on a project titled “Belt and Road Social Survey: Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia under the Digital Economy”, held discussions, exchanging knowledge and experience with experts from UTAR and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT).

The research team was led by PKU Institute of Area Studies Deputy Director Prof Dr Zhai Kun. Other members included PKU Research Centre of Eastern Literature Deputy Dean Prof Dr Wu Jiewei, PKU School of International Studies Deputy Dean Dr Zhu Yibo, Graduate School of Education Department of Educational Economics and Management Director Assoc Prof Dr Yang Po, Institute of New Structural Economics Senior Practice Expert and Department of International Development Cooperation Director Dr Yu Jia, Institute of Social Science Survey Research Division Director and Institute of Digital Finance Senior Research Fellow Dr Kong Tao,  Institute of Social Science Survey Research Division Assistant to the Director Dr Chen Qiuhui, Graduate School Professional Degree Management Office Deputy Director Dr Li Shuang and 12 PhD students.

Welcoming them to the campus were President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) Deputy Director Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Bernard Saw Lip Huat, Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies (TCLC) Chairperson Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Department of Economics Head Mr Low Choon Wei, FAM academics Dr Fok Kuk Fai and Dr Goh Hong Lip, TCLC Assistant Manager Mr Lee Jenn Yuan and OIA Assistant Manager Ms Goo Yi Qun.

Representing TAR UMT were Centre for Postgraduate Studies and Research Head Assoc Prof Dr Chin Mui Yin, Faculty of Accountancy, Finance and Business (FAFB) Deputy Dean Dr Chow Poh Ling, FAFB academics Assoc Prof Dr Wong Mei Foong, Dr Chow Yee Peng and Dr Soh Ann Ni, Institute of Social Economic Research Head Dr Yap Hon Lun, Faculty of Communication and Creative Industries Programme Leader Dr Chang Teck Peng and Centre for Business and Policy Research Assoc Prof Dr Foo Lee Peng.

The discussion began with opening remarks from Prof Dato’ Ewe, who introduced UTAR and extended best wishes for a productive and engaging conversation. Prof Zhai, on the other hand, delivered a brief speech, introducing his team, which is currently conducting surveys in Indonesia and Malaysia. He also expressed his desire for future collaboration with UTAR and TAR UMT.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Prof Zhai

During the presentation and the dialogue sessions, representatives from UTAR and TAR UMT presented their research and initiatives. Dr Goh led the presentations, followed by Dr Au Yong, with Dr Yap providing insights into ongoing projects. The presentations were followed by a dialogue that covered various topics, including the digital economy, vocational education, social culture, international competence, and emerging technologies like photovoltaic systems, lithium batteries, and electric vehicles, collectively known as the “New Trio”. The visit concluded with a productive discussion, a souvenir exchange, and a group photo session.

Ongoing discussion

Clockwise, from top: Dr Au Yong, Dr Yap and Dr Goh

Discussion among the three parties

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