The UTAR “Shangdong Day” was held on 24 June 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between Shangdong and UTAR, especially in the areas of education, culture, and economy.

The event was organised by UTAR, Dezhou University, Shandong Foreign Affairs Office, Shandong Development and Reform Commission and Shandong Ocean Bureau.

Present at the event were Foreign Affairs Office of Shandong Provincial Committee Deputy Director-General and First-Class Inspector Mr Li Yongsen, the Environmental Resources Department of Shandong Provincial Development and Reform Commission Deputy Director Mr Yan Kai, Oceanic Administration of Shandong Province Deputy Director Mr Wang Zhenkun, Asian Affairs Department of Shandong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office Deputy Director Mr Wang Shaobing, Shandong Agricultural University Publicity Department Director Mr Li Guangsong, Translation Center of Shandong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office translator Ms Wang Junzhuo, Dezhou Municipal Foreign Affairs Office Deputy Director Tan Mingming, Shandong Agricultural University School of Public Administration Dean Prof Xu Xuanguo and International Cooperation and Exchange Office Deputy Director Prof Zhang Haiyun.

Also present from UTAR were President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Confucius Institute at UTAR Director (China) Prof Ma Yingxin, Confucius Institute at UTAR Director (Malaysia) Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, Office of International of Affairs (OIA) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Dean Dr Pok Wei Fong, UTAR staff and students.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivered his welcome speech, saying, “I believe that through today’s event, our UTAR students and faculties will gain a deeper understanding of Shandong and experience its charm and vitality. At the same time, I also hope that we can further strengthen cooperation between our universities, jointly promote the development of education and culture, and make greater contributions to our friendship and cooperation.”

Mr Li Yongsen began his speech by introducing the historical culture and economic development of Shandong. He expressed satisfaction and highlighted that the joint organisation of the “Shandong Day” event by both parties demonstrates UTAR’s international vision and strategic foresight. “I hope everyone can gain a deeper understanding of Shandong’s historical culture, local customs, and economic and social development achievements through this event. I also hope it will build a broader platform for cooperation and exchange between young students from both sides and contribute more local strength to the construction of a community with a shared future for China and Malaysia.”

In the first lecture series titled “This is Shandong”, Mr Yan talked about Shandong’s achievements and challenges in environmental protection and resource utilisation, showcasing Shandong’s efforts and achievements on the path of sustainable development. Subsequently, Mr Wang explained the situation in the maritime sector, introducing Shandong’s rich maritime resources and the prospects for the development of the marine industry. Mr Li Guangsong also took the opportunity to promote the Shandong Agricultural University, introducing the institution’s educational characteristics, scientific research achievements, and international collaboration.

The guests and participants from Shandong had interactive exchanges while conducting in-depth discussions on various fields such as education, culture, and economy.