MoU exchange between UTAR and Shandong Institute of Petroleum and Chemical Technology

From left: Mr Ng, Dr Yang, Mr Jiang, Prof Chung, Prof Goi, Dr Lai, Dr Lee Kim Yee, Dr Ng and Dr Lee Tin Sin

The exchange of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UTAR and the Shandong Institute of Petroleum and Chemical Technology (SDIPCT) took place at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 9 December 2024. The signatories were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and SDIPCT Executive Vice President Dr Yu Hongbo. Representing the signatories to exchange the MoU were UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development and Academy of Sciences Malaysia Fellow Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min and SDIPCT Academic and Chinese National Distinguished Expert and Canadian Academy of Engineering Fellow Prof Chung Keng Huat.  

Under the MoU, UTAR and SDIPCT seek to foster collaboration in alignment with their respective academic and educational goals. The partnership envisions several key initiatives, including the exchange of academic staff and students. Furthermore, both institutions will endeavour to advance research cooperation through the organisation of symposia and research conferences, the exchange of academic information, the publication of research, and the collection and sharing of research materials and data.

Also present at the exchange ceremony were SDIPCT School of Chemical Engineering Assistant Dean Mr Jiang Hao, School of Chemical Engineering Department of Environmental Engineering academic Dr Yang Minmin, Asadi Sdn Bhd Shareholder Mr Ng Jooi Kee, UTAR Office of International Affairs (OIA) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, LKC FES Department of Chemical Engineering Head Dr Ng Law Yong, LKC FES academic Assoc Prof Ir ChM Dr Lee Tin Sin,  Centre for International Student Recruitment and Education Collaboration Senior Assistant Manager Ms Ng Beng Mui and OIA Assistant Manager Ms Goo Yi Qun.

Prof Goi delivering his speech

Prof Goi said, “Our friendship with Shandong Province has a long history and we share a deep connection with its universities. Currently, we have established cooperative relationships with over 20 higher education institutions in Shandong, working together to promote the flourishing development of education. Furthermore, in collaboration with Dezhou University, we jointly established the Confucius Institute at UTAR this April. This initiative not only strengthens our ties with Shandong and Chinese culture but also fosters cultural exchanges between the two economies.”

Prof Chung delivering his speech

Prof Chung, on the other hand, provided an overview of SDIPCT and expressed hope that this collaboration would enable young academics and students to experience Malaysia’s culture and environment in person, rather than relying solely on books or media.

He also expressed hope that UTAR academics and students would visit SDIPCT for exchanges, or students may consider furthering their studies at SDIPCT. He believes that multifaceted interactions will foster the mutual development of both institutions. Through this collaborative platform, it will create complementary opportunities for academics and students while embodying the "Belt and Road" vision of win-win cooperation.

Prof Goi (right) and Prof Chung exchanging the MoU documents

Prof Goi (right) and Prof Chung exchanging souvenirs

Campus tour