Purdue University and UTAR strengthen academic ties with MoU signing

From left: Prof Dato’ Ewe and Prof Peroulis

On 3 September 2024, UTAR and Purdue University formalised their growing academic relationship through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The ceremony was attended by representatives from both institutions, as well as guests from CourseNetworking Asia Pacific.

The event commenced with presentations of corporate videos from both universities, highlighting their commitment to educational excellence. Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, President of UTAR, and Prof Dimitrios Peroulis, Senior Vice President for Partnerships and Online at Purdue University, addressed the audience with their vision for the partnership.

Prof Dato’ Ewe giving his speech

Prof Dato’ Ewe emphasised the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This MoU represents our shared vision of advancing education and innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence and engineering.” He also discussed the potential development of micro-credential courses and a Master’s degree in AI.

Prof Peroulis expressing his insights

Prof Peroulis echoed these sentiments, saying, “This partnership will help us educate the next generation of students to thrive in AI and STEM fields, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”

The MoU aimed to formalise some key areas of collaboration between UTAR and Purdue University, including the joint development of online courses, research partnerships, and potential student exchanges. Both institutions also planned to enhance academic growth and innovation through shared educational and research initiatives. Among the discussion is the possibility of offering a double Master’s degree with mutual credit recognition. This is aligned with Purdue’s recent launch of an online Master of Science in Data Science in August and the announcement of an online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, which offers two majors. The integration of these programmes will enhance opportunities for students to gain internationally recognised qualifications in these fast-growing fields​​​.

After the official signing of the MoU took place, there was a souvenir exchange and a group photograph between the two parties.

Souvenir exchange between UTAR and Purdue University (from left) Prof Dato’ Ewe and Prof Peroulis

UTAR and Purdue University representatives

Notable attendees from Purdue University included Ms Yong Mien Dee, Director of CourseNetworking Asia Pacific; and Ms Savitha Sanathanan, Client Experience Manager of CourseNetworking Asia Pacific.

Attendees from UTAR were Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development; Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, Dean of the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science; Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Bernard Saw Lip Huat, Deputy Director of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (Sungai Long Campus), Prof Ts Dr Yau Kok Lim, Chairperson of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Computing Applications; Ts Dr Hoo Meei Hao, Head of the Department of Computing; Ms Ong Soo Weon, Director of the Division of Corporate Communication and Public Relations; Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Director of the Office of International Affairs (OIA); and Ms Goo Yi Qun, Assistant Manager of OIA.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research institution demonstrating excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top four in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, including nearly 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 13 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue Computes and the One Health initiative — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.