UTAR President visits Hiroshima University to formalise academic collaboration

From left: Mr Tang, Prof Ochi, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Kaneko and Dr Lai

On 30 September 2024, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, along with Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Director of the Office of International Affairs, visited Hiroshima University in Japan to formalise and strengthen academic ties between the two institutions. The visit was highlighted by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), reinforcing both universities’ commitment to academic collaboration and exchange.

From left: Prof Dato’ Ewe and Prof Ochi

The MoU, signed by Prof Dato’ Ewe and Hiroshima University President, Prof Mitsuo Ochi, outlined cooperation in key areas such as joint research projects, faculty and staff exchanges, student mobility programmes, and the exchange of academic publications and research outcomes. The agreement aimed to contribute to the progress of learning, benefiting both institutions and the global academic community. The MoU will remain in effect for five years with automatic renewal, allowing both universities to expand the scope of their collaboration as opportunities arise.

Representatives of RISE with (onwards third from left) Mr Tang, Dr Lai and Prof Dato’ Ewe

Key Hiroshima University representatives, including Executive Vice President for Global Initiatives, Prof Shinji Kaneko, warmly welcomed the delegation. The visit included a tour of the Research Institute for Semiconductor Engineering (RISE), where the UTAR delegation was introduced to cutting-edge research in semiconductor technology, showcasing potential avenues for collaboration.

As part of the visit, Prof Dato’ Ewe and Dr Lai met with Prof Toshihiro Yamada from Hiroshima University’s Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life. Their discussions included jointly organising Magallanes World Study Tour (MWST) 3.0 in November-December 2024, and explored joint research opportunities in life sciences and biotechnology, further expanding the scope of future academic cooperation.

Additionally, meetings were held with representatives from the Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia (JAGAM), led by Mr Gary Tang Kok Lian, and members of the Higashi-Hiroshima City Council, including Mr Eiji Suzuki and Mr Hirotaka Oshita. These discussions focused on the history of UTAR and its establishment in Kampar. Prof Dato's Ewe invited them to visit UTAR Kampar campus during the upcoming visit to Malaysia.

From left: Mr Tang, Prof Kaneko, Prof Dato’ Ewe and Dr Lai at Hiroshima University

The visit concluded with a formal dinner in Hiroshima City, hosted by Hiroshima University. Attendees of the dinner included Prof Dato’ Ewe, Dr Lai, and Prof Ochi, Executive Vice Presidents Prof Seiichi Miyazaki (Research), Prof Kazuhiro Tsuga (Academia-Government-Community Collaboration, Funding and Alumni Association) and Prof Kaneko Shinji (Global Initiatives).

The visit marked a significant step forward in expanding UTAR’s global academic network and enhancing research and educational opportunities for its students and faculty. Both universities expressed optimism about future collaborations, which are set to bring long-term benefits to both institutions.