UTAR's cultural and academic exchanges with international institutions

The Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC) at UTAR hosted several inbound study programmes, welcoming students and staff from various economies, including Japan, the United States, Taiwan, and China. These programmes provided participants with enriching cultural and academic experiences.

Kanagawa Institute of Technology, Japan

UTAR proudly hosted the “Introduction and Development of Robotics” Study Tour Inbound Mobility Programme in collaboration with Kanagawa Institute of Technology (KAIT), Japan, from 20 to 29 February 2024. The programme welcomed a professor and 11 students from KAIT, focusing on advancing robotics knowledge and fostering cultural exchange.

The programme began with a warm welcome at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, followed by an opening ceremony at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. Over nine days, participants engaged in hands-on workshops, robotics demonstrations, and collaborative projects, gaining valuable insights into robotics development.

Cultural immersion was an integral part of the experience, with visits to landmarks such as the Kinta Tin Mining Museum, UTAR Kampar Campus, Putra Mosque, and the lively night markets. A highlight was a batik workshop at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC), allowing students to experience Malaysia’s traditional art.

The robotics presentations by KAIT students showcased their collaborative efforts, symbolising the successful exchange of knowledge between the two institutions. As the programme concluded, participants left with enhanced skills, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for Malaysia’s culture. This initiative further solidified UTAR’s commitment to international collaboration and innovation, paving the way for future partnerships in robotics.

Kanagawa Institute of Technology, Japan students and staff

Kanagawa Institute of Technology students and staff with UTAR staff

University of Wyoming, the United States

UTAR hosted a nine-day cultural exchange programme for 18 students from the University of Wyoming, the United States from 29 May to 6 June 2024. Organised by the Department of Soft Skills Competency of UTAR, the immersive programme introduced the students to Malaysia’s cultural and educational landscape.

Key activities included academic presentations by UTAR faculty, hands-on workshops featuring traditional Malaysian dance and batik drawing, and visits to some of Malaysia’s renowned places. The participants explored the Batu Caves, Merdeka Square, and the Mah Meri Cultural Village, gaining insights into Malaysia’s vibrant history and diversity. In addition, a visit to the Cameron Highlands provided the students with an opportunity to explore Malaysia’s natural beauty and sample local delicacies, including durians, provided by Eco Agri Solution.

The programme concluded with a ceremony attended by Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, President of UTAR, and representatives from the University of Wyoming. Both institutions stressed the importance of international education and fostering global collaborations. UTAR student volunteers played a vital role in ensuring the exchange’s success, guiding the Wyoming students through cultural and academic activities. The exchange fostered lasting relationships and provided invaluable insights into both Malaysian and American cultures. The closing event included cultural performances, reflections on the experience, and the exchange of souvenirs, capping a meaningful and enriching programme.

University of Wyoming students having a great time exploring Malaysian cultures

National Pingtung University, Taiwan

From 18 to 25 June 2024, UTAR welcomed eight students and three staff members from the National Pingtung University (NPTU) for an eight-day inbound study tour. The programme focused on community engagement projects and was held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, where participants collaborated on addressing real-world challenges in community outreach.

The highlight of the tour was the collaborative work at the Dual Blessing Disabled Home, where students and faculty from both universities worked together with UTAR volunteers to design accessible learning materials and organise recreational activities tailored to the needs of residents with disabilities. These activities allowed participants to apply their expertise in special needs education, while also fostering cultural exchange and teamwork.

The hands-on workshops and interactive sessions during the tour blended theoretical discussions with practical experience, giving the students valuable insights into community engagement. This holistic approach created a meaningful learning experience that strengthened the bonds between the two universities and built lasting friendships among the participants.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (middle) with National Pingtung University staff and students

National Pingtung University staff and students visiting Dual Blessing Disabled Home

Guangxi Medical University, China

UTAR hosted 16 students and three staff members from Guangxi Medical University (GXMU), China, for a week-long Inbound Mobility Programme from 8 to 14 July 2024. The programme sought to strengthen academic collaboration and promote cross-border research while providing cultural exposure to the participants.

Upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the GXMU team was warmly welcomed and brought to UTAR Sungai Long Campus for an opening ceremony and ice-breaking session. They toured university facilities, including research labs, the Physiotherapy Centre, and the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Centre, showcasing UTAR’s capabilities in medical and health sciences.

Interactive research sessions and postgraduate student exchanges highlighted the programme, with discussions on potential future collaborations between the two institutions. A visit to the Kampar Campus and UTAR Hospital on 11 July 2024 offered insights into the university’s medical infrastructure, while tours of the Tin Mining Museum and local souvenir shops provided a cultural immersion into Kampar’s history.

Cultural exploration continued with a tour of Kuala Lumpur, where participants visited iconic landmarks such as Batu Caves, Petaling Street, and Suria KLCC. The programme concluded with a leisure tour of Putrajaya and iOi City Mall, wrapping up the week with both academic and cultural exchanges, further cementing the partnership between UTAR and GXMU.

Guangxi Medical University staff and students

Guangxi Medical University staff and students visiting Batu Caves

Guangzhou City Construction College, China

From 14 to 21 July 2024, UTAR hosted 21 students and one staff member from Guangzhou City Construction College (GZCCC) for the “Explore Malaysia, Truly Asia!” inbound student mobility programme. This initiative fostered cultural understanding and strengthened academic ties between the two institutions.

The programme began with a welcome reception at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, followed by an opening ceremony and a campus tour at UTAR. Participants engaged in various cultural workshops, including a visit to the Putra Mosque in Putrajaya, and a batik-making workshop, which introduced them to the traditional art of Malaysian fabric design.

A day trip to Melaka added historical depth to the programme. Visits to landmarks such as A Famosa, Christ Church Melaka, and Jonker Street allowed the students to explore Malaysia’s colonial history and cultural heritage.

The programme concluded with a closing ceremony that celebrated the friendships formed and the exchange of cultural knowledge. The initiative laid the groundwork for future collaborations between UTAR and GZCCC and gave participants a rich understanding of Malaysian culture.

Guangzhou City Construction College students and staff

Quzhou University, China

UTAR welcomed 18 students and one faculty member from Quzhou University (QZU), China, for a two-week inbound study mobility programme from 21 July to 3 August 2024. Themed Discover Malaysia: Unveiling Cultural Heritage, Economic Growth, and Talent Potential, the programme combined cultural immersion with academic learning.

The programme began with an opening ceremony at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, followed by workshops that focused on the Malaysian education system, Malaysia-China economic exchanges, and traditional Malay dance. Visits to cultural sites, such as the Malaysian Chinese Museum and Batu Caves, provided deeper insights into Malaysia’s multicultural fabric.

Interactive sessions on soft skills, including digital literacy, leadership, and team collaboration, equipped the QZU students with tools for global success. Cultural sharing sessions with UTAR students encouraged the exchange of perspectives and mutual learning. The programme concluded with a closing ceremony featuring cultural performances and reflections from QZU students, marking the end of a successful exchange that fostered greater academic collaboration and cross-cultural understanding.

Quzhou University staff and students

Hungkuang University, Taiwan

From 4 to 11 August 2024, UTAR hosted 24 students and two staff members from Hungkuang University (HKU), Taiwan, for an inbound student mobility programme themed Exploring Biomedical Engineering and Culture Learning in Malaysia. Led by Dr Huang Yen-Po from the HKU Department of Medical Equipment Development and Application, the programme offered participants an immersive academic and cultural experience.

The programme began with an opening ceremony at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, where Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, Dean of the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), welcomed the HKU team. Over the week, students participated in hands-on biomedical engineering workshops, including Wireless ECG Acquisition, Cell Culture Techniques, 3D Printing for Wearable Sensors, Biomechanics of Human Gait Analysis, and PPG Signal Processing, offering them a broad understanding of cutting-edge biomedical technologies.

Cultural exploration played a key role in the programme, with visits to iconic sites such as Batu Caves, the Malaysian Chinese Museum, and the Putra Mosque in Putrajaya. The programme culminated in a closing ceremony and dinner at Putrajaya Cruise Tasik, celebrating the successful academic and cultural exchanges. The initiative strengthened the academic ties between UTAR and HKU, paving the way for future collaborations.

Hungkuang University staff and students