UTAR and HNU sign cooperative student internship agreement

A cooperative student internship agreement was signed between UTAR and Hainan Normal University (HNU), China on 17 May 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The signatories were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and HNU Secretary of the Party Committee Prof Dr Xu Mei.

The agreement aimed to enhance academic collaboration by providing students with invaluable practical experience in their respective fields. The partnership also aimed to facilitate cross-cultural exchange, allowing students from both universities to undertake internships that integrate academic knowledge with real-world application.

From left: Ms Wong, Dr Bernard Saw, Dr Lai, Dr Chong, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Xu, Dr Wang, Prof Geng, Dr Zhong and Dr Chen

Also present were HNU College of International Education Dean Prof Dr Geng Juan, Graduate Department Dean Assoc Prof Dr Wang Kaihua, International Cooperation and Exchange Division Deputy Director Assoc Prof Dr Chen Minghui and College of International Education Deputy Head of Academic Affairs Office Dr Zhong Shanying.

UTAR Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, FAS academic Ms Chiok Phaik Fern, 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 and Centre for Extension Education (CEE) Assistant Manager Ms Wong Shin Chet were present as well.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his speech

Prof Dato’ Ewe said, “Since the signing of the memorandum of understanding with Hainan Normal University in 2019, the cooperation between our two universities has become increasingly close, with various interesting exchange activities. The cooperative student internship agreement we signed today is another milestone in talent training cooperation between the two universities.”

He added, “Through this project, our students will have the opportunity to do internships and exchanges in each other’s countries, experience different cultures, improve their overall quality and cross-cultural communication skills, and lay a solid foundation for career development. At the same time, the signing of the agreement will deepen the cooperation between the two universities in the fields of academic research, teacher training and student exchanges, and jointly promote the vigorous development of education.”

Prof Xu delivering his speech

Prof Xu expressed, “This cooperative student internship agreement is an important opportunity to promote the continuous exchange and all-round cooperation between the two universities. We hope that with our joint efforts, this cooperation can provide valuable learning and practical opportunities for students from both universities, lay the beginning of cooperation for future academic research and development, strengthen friendly exchange, promote the sharing of educational resources, expand academic exchange, and build a broader communication platform for teachers and students of the two universities. At the same time, we also hope that through this cooperation, we can further deepen our understanding, enhance friendship, and promote the development of the two universities.”

Prof Xu (left) and Prof Dato’ Ewe exchanging the cooperative student internship agreement