Strengthening bilateral ties: Highlights from the Second Committee Meeting of UTAR Confucius Institute

The Second Committee Meeting of UTAR Confucius Institute was held on 27 February 2024 via Zoom.

Representing Dezhou University at the meeting were President Prof Zhao Changlin, DZU Vice President Prof Dr Liu Yinfang, UTAR Confucius Institute Director (Chinese) Prof Dr Ma Yingxin and DZU International Exchange and Cooperate Centre Department Director Ms Du Yali.

UTAR, on the other hand, was represented by President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei and Division of Programme Promotion (DPP) Assistant Manager Mr Tham Yeong Shyue.

Prof Zhao commended the successful organisation of the second committee meeting, highlighting the substantial collaboration fostered by the UTAR Confucius Institute between the two universities. With the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia relationship approaching, he emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation to elevate the institute’s standards. Some of his planned initiatives included organising an inaugural ceremony, conducting seminars, and ensuring meticulous selection processes for teachers and venues. Prof Zhao anticipates more productive collaboration in the upcoming year, aiming to bolster the shared future of the China-Malaysia community.

Prof Dato’ Ewe commended the dedication of both parties in establishing the UTAR Confucius Institute over the past year. He stressed the importance of utilising the imminent 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic ties to intensify collaboration, pioneer new development strategies, and broaden educational interactions across diverse fields. Regarded as a crucial link, the UTAR Confucius Institute is seen as a means to foster ongoing cooperation, fostering amicable exchanges between China and Malaysia, with the ultimate goal of making a substantial contribution to bilateral relationships.

Following the speeches, both parties engaged in discussions regarding the future trajectory of the UTAR Confucius Institute. The meeting concluded with a group photograph.

 

Clockwise from top left: Dr Lai, Prof Goi, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Tham, meeting room in DZU and Dr Chong

Read more:

1. UTAR signs pact with CIEF, DZU and Jining University (https://news.utar.edu.my/news/2023/May/30/01/01.html)

2. DZU visits UTAR to discuss future collaborations (https://news.utar.edu.my/news/2023/June/09/03/03.html)

3. Vice President attends a joint conference in Beijing (https://news.utar.edu.my/news/2023/Aug/22/01/01.html)

4. First committee meeting of UTAR Confucius Institute (https://news.utar.edu.my/news/2023/Oct/09/02/01.html)