UTAR visits Heze and Dezhou universities to strengthen academic ties

From 12 to 13 November 2024, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development, Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, led a delegation to Heze, Shandong Province. The delegation engaged in meaningful discussions with representatives from Heze University, Heze Vocational College, and the Heze Information Engineering School. The dialogues focused on fostering partnerships in areas such as teacher training, student exchange, degree advancement, and cultural exchange, aiming to bolster academic collaboration and international connections. 

Key representatives from Heze University included Vice President Prof Yan Wei, Director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Division Assoc Prof Li Jinchen, Party Secretary of the International Exchange College Hou Yanran, and Deputy Director Zhang Zihai. 

On 14 November 2024, in Dezhou, UTAR and Dezhou University marked a significant milestone by launching the Joint Laboratory for Distributed Photovoltaic Microgrids. The ceremony, held in a hybrid format, was officiated by Dezhou University President Prof Zhao Changlin and Prof Goi. UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat delivered a virtual address, emphasising the importance of this collaborative initiative. 

Distinguished academics from both universities attended the event, including Malaysian Academy of Sciences members Prof Dr Chong Kok Keong and Ir Prof Dr Lim Yun Seng, Dezhou University Vice President Liu Yinfang, and Director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Office Ms Du Yali. The establishment of the laboratory is expected to drive innovation and strengthen ties between the two institutions. 
 
Following the ceremony, Prof Goi conducted an academic seminar for faculty members and graduate students of the School of Computer and Information Engineering at Dezhou University. The session featured engaging discussions and a lively Q&A segment, fostering a robust exchange of ideas. 

Looking ahead, UTAR and Dezhou University plan to deepen their collaboration through faculty exchanges and by creating more opportunities for students pursuing master’s and doctoral programmes. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to advancing academic excellence and international cooperation.