UTAR launches Confucius Institute, Conference and Exchange Programme

 

After unveiling the Confucius Institute Classroom plague (from left): Mr Chen, Prof Ma, Prof Zhao, Mr Cheah, Dato’ Goh, Tan Sri Fong, Tan Sri Lim, Tan Sri Ting, Dr Zhong, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Mr Li and Dr Chong

UTAR organised a series of events at its Sungai Long Campus on 26 April 2024, including the Launching Ceremony of the Confucius Institute, the Launching Ceremony of Conference on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China, and the Launching Ceremony of China (Shandong)-Malaysia Youth Friendly Exchange Programme.

Present at the event were UTAR Council Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh, Shandong Provincial Education Department Deputy Director General Dr Zhong Hongbo, Dezhou University President Prof Dr Zhao Changlin, UTAR Council Members Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Farlim Group (Malaysia) Berhad Chairman and Chief Executive Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lim Gait Tong, Han Culture Centre Malaysia President Dato’ Goh Hin San, United Chinese School Teachers' Association of Malaysia (Jiao Zong) President Mr Cheah Lek Aee, China Railway Construction Corporation Manager Mr Li Yuxiang, CHEC Construction China Harbour Southern Pacific Division Joint General Manager Mr Chen Wei, Confucius Institute at UTAR Director (China) Prof Ma Yingxin, Confucius Institute at UTAR Director (Malaysia) Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei and directors from Confucius Institute in Malaysia and Singapore.

Tan Sri Ting said, “The establishment of the Confucius Institute at UTAR holds profound significance, especially as this year commemorates the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China. It stands as a pivotal milestone for our University, a testament to the enduring friendship and fruitful cooperation shared between UTAR and China, both in official capacities and through private endeavours. Thus, I seize this moment to extend heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the University to all China organisations for their unwavering support and invaluable assistance throughout the years.”

Tan Sri Ting thanking China organisations that supported UTAR

Dr Zhong extended congratulations to UTAR for launching the Confucius Institute, the conference marking the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, and the China (Shandong)-Malaysia Youth Friendly Exchange Programme. During his speech, he proposed the establishment of regular exchange mechanisms, innovative approaches to collaborative talent development, and the enhancement of cultural exchanges with Malaysia. These suggestions were aimed at strengthening educational cooperation, promoting mutual understanding, and facilitating cultural exchange between Shandong and Malaysia.

Dr Zhong hoping for more collaboration between Shandong and Malaysia

Mr Zhao Lingshan, the Vice President and Secretary-General of the Chinese International Education Foundation (CIEF), conveyed his congratulations to UTAR and Dezhou University on the successful launch of the Confucius Institute via a recorded video speech. He mentioned that this event signified a significant achievement in educational cooperation between China and Malaysia. He thanked all the supporters and expressed his optimism about the Institute’s role in fostering cultural exchange. As the global Confucius Institute brand commemorates its 20th anniversary, he affirmed ongoing support for its sustainable development. Mr Zhao closed his remarks by extending his best wishes for the success of the Confucius Institute at UTAR.

Mr Zhao Lingshan congratulating UTAR and Dezhou University on the successful launch of the Confucius Institute

Prof Zhao Changlin said, “Dezhou University will fully support the establishment of the Confucius Institute at UTAR, leveraging the platform of the Confucius Institute to further deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two universities. This effort aims to promote economic and trade cooperation, facilitate cultural exchanges, and strive to build an exemplary Confucius Institute.”

Prof Zhao Changlin expressing his support for the establishment of the Confucius Institute at UTAR

Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “We are deeply honoured to have the opportunity to establish the globally renowned Confucius Institute at our University. Therefore, we express heartfelt gratitude to the International Chinese Education Foundation and Dezhou University for their steadfast support and assistance throughout the application process.” He added, “We look forward to the Confucius Institute’s limitless potential for development in the future, aiming to become one of the most representative Confucius Institutes in our country and the region.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe anticipating to see the Confucius Institute at UTAR become the most representative institute in the country and region

The agreement signing ceremony between UTAR, Dezhou University, and the Chinese International Education Foundation previously took place on 22 May 2023. This marked the start of their collaboration to establish the Confucius Institute at UTAR, which will focus on teaching Chinese language and conducting related research, training Chinese language educators, developing educational resources, promoting language and cultural exchanges, managing assessments and certifications related to Chinese language and culture, and engaging in various joint initiatives.

Following the Launching Ceremony of the Confucius Institute at UTAR, the Launching Ceremony of Conference on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China, and the Launching Ceremony of the China (Shandong)-Malaysia Youth Friendly Exchange Programme took place.

Furthermore, the ceremony saw the appointment of organisations, schools, and universities as teaching sites for the Confucius Institute at UTAR. These included CHEC Construction China Harbour Southern Pacific Division, China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), China Communication Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd, GoodKids Enrichment Centre, HELP University, UTAR Hospital, and Westlake International School. Additionally, the Confucius Institute Classroom at the Sungai Long Campus was unveiled following the launching ceremony.

From left: Prof Zhao, Dr Zhong, Tan Sri Ting and Prof Dato’ Ewe launching the Confucius Institute, conference and exchange programme

Dr Zhong presenting souvenir to Tan Sri Ting, witnessed by Prof Zhao (most left) and Prof Dato’ Ewe

From left: Prof Zhao presenting souvenir to Prof Dato’ Ewe

Esteemed guests with the representatives of the seven teaching sites

Front row, from left: Mr Li, Dr Chong, Dato’ Goh, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Dr Zhong, Tan Sri Ting, Tan Sri Lim, Prof Zhao, Mr Cheah, Tan Sri Fong, Prof Ma, Mr Chen

Opening performance by students from UTAR Sungai Long Campus 24 Festive Drums Club

Lion Dance performance by UTAR Wushu Club

UTAR Choir team performing “Sayang-Sayang My Dear Friend” song

Guests visiting the Confucius Institute Classroom at Sungai Long Campus