A voyage of friendship and knowledge: UTAR in Beijing and Hangzhou, China

As the saying goes, “A great friendship is as valuable as pure gold. Even the most beautiful poetry or the finest jade pales in comparison to a genuine bond.” While friendship is an indispensable part of one’s personal life, the same holds true for alliances between institutions. No institution can thrive in isolation, because its growth and influence are often driven by meaningful partnerships — and enduring friendships go a long way towards transformative breakthroughs.

In one of UTAR’s efforts towards fostering international collaboration, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, accompanied by the Centre for Stem Cell Research Chairperson Dr Amy Saik Yi Hsan and Office of International Affairs Senior Assistant Manager Ms Loi Sien Mun, recently embarked on an official visit to several institutions in Beijing and Hangzhou, China.

The visit strengthened academic partnerships, explored collaborative opportunities and promoted academic exchanges between UTAR and the institutions in China.

Visit to Tsinghua University

On 26 March 2025, Prof Dato’ Ewe was invited by the Schwarzman College of Tsinghua University (THU), China to conduct a technological talk for its students.

Titled “How Do We Prepare Ourselves for the AI Era?”, the talk explored the dawn and future of AI technology in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0). During the talk, Prof Dato’ Ewe stated that humans need to be able to adapt, practice lifelong learning, and promote ethical responsibility to synergise efficiently with AI (artificial intelligence). As emerging technologies evolve, reshaping the economy, workforce, and society, he remarked that knowledge workers must cultivate a growth mindset, empathy, and critical thinking.

In his remarks, he mentioned that education continues to play a significant role in this era as it can nurture creativity, curiosity, and resilience, which are some of the key skills in addressing future challenges. As he discussed the challenges, Prof Dato’ Ewe offered his insights on key future skills, emphasising various aspects such as human adaptability, emotional intelligence, and ethics.

The students showed keen interest towards the topic as they participated actively in the Q&A session.

Besides conducting a talk, Prof Dato’ Ewe also took the opportunity to meet with UTAR students, who are currently studying in THU as exchange students. Two particular students, Aw Wen Tong from the Bachelor of Finance (Honours) and Ong San Chian from the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Chinese Studies, joined the tea meeting.

The tea meeting brimmed with stories as Prof Dato’ Ewe, Dr Amy Saik, and the students shared their enriching experiences at THU. Through the exchange programme between UTAR and THU, Aw and Ong had the opportunity to broaden their horizons across the sea, further enhancing both their academic development and personal growth.

In addition to the sharing session, the scholars from UTAR also took part in a leisurely cycling tour around the THU campus. The tour provided more than just a glance into the life of a student at one of China’s top institutions, it also served as a meaningful opportunity to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. As they took in the university’s iconic architecture and lush greenery, the scholars deepened their connection with both the place and its people, all while pedalling towards a fruitful future.

Zhongguancun (ZGC) Forum 2025 – Engineering Innovation Forum & ASEAN Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum

On 27 March 2025, Prof Dato’ Ewe was invited by the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) to participate in the Engineering Innovation Forum, a part of the ZGC Forum 2025.

Prof Dato’ Ewe took part in a panel discussion themed Engineering Technology Innovation Leading High-quality Development, as one of the panel speakers. The panel discussion gathered scholars, experts, and industry players to explore the pivotal role of engineering and technological advancements in driving sustainable economic growth and societal progress.

Besides Prof Dato’ Ewe, the panel discussion was joined by experts such as CAE Secretary-General Prof Chen Jianfeng, CAE International Members Dr Brent Clothier and Prof Otthein Herzog; CAE members Dr Zhou Shouwei and Prof Zhan Qimin, all of whom brought diverse expertise across various engineering industries to the insightful discussion.

Also present at the Engineering Innovation Forum were CAE President Prof Li Xiaohong, CAE Vice Presidents Prof Deng Xiuxin and Prof Wang Chen; the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) President Prof Dr Benoît Dubuis, and CAE Member Prof Li Deren.

The ZGC Forum 2025 featured 128 activities, including parallel forums, exhibitions, technology transactions, competitions, and achievement showcases. Among them was the ASEAN Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum, held on 28 March 2025 and organised by ZGC International Holding, China Galaxy Securities Co., Ltd., and United Overseas Bank (China).

In this forum, Prof Dato’ Ewe was invited to give a keynote talk titled Advantages and Opportunities of Technological Innovation in ASEAN: Exploring Regional Collaboration and Future Development.

As the President of the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET), Prof Dato’ Ewe gave an overview of the academy and its initiatives to promote technology development in ASEAN. He shared the advantages of technological innovation in ASEAN, including high demographic dividend and market potential; strategic location and regional integration; supportive policies and digital transformation; cost advantages and industrial relocation; and unique application scenarios.

Besides that, Prof Dato’ Ewe delved into a range of opportunities for technological innovation in ASEAN. He highlighted the emerging potential in areas such as digital economy, green technology, AI and digital infrastructure, healthtech and biopharma, cross-border digital ecosystems, and startup ecosystem and capital inflows. He also discussed the key challenges, recommendations, and future outlook for innovation in the region with participants.

The ZGC Forum was launched in 2007 as part of the initiatives by China’s major technology hub, Zhongguancun, to drive global exchanges and cooperation on cutting-edge innovation. Adhering to its permanent theme, Innovation and Development, the forum invites leading scholars, experts, and industry players to explore technological solutions, facilitating novel ideas to address global issues.

Themed New Quality Productive Forces and Global Science and Technology Cooperation, the ZGC Forum 2025 gathered more than 1,000 participants from more than 100 regions, focusing on emerging technologies such as AI, humanoid robots, and the 6G network.

Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business

On 28 March 2025, UTAR delegates paid a visit to the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB), China. They were warmly welcomed by the CKGSB Associate Dean for Executive Education Programs and Executive Academic Director for the Executive MBA Program, Prof Zhou Chunsheng, and CKGSB staff.

Both parties explored potential collaboration, focusing on collaborative initiatives, such as joint programmes and academic exchange.

China Construction Technology Consulting Co., Ltd.

On 29 March 2025, UTAR delegates visited China Construction Technology Consulting Co., Ltd. (CCTC), facilitating a discussion session. They were warmly welcomed by CCTC President Ms Sun Ying, Vice President Mr Zhang Yang, and the CCTC management team.

Both parties showed a keen interest in establishing collaborative efforts in areas such as architectural engineering design.

Beijing Jiaotong University

On 29 March 2025, UTAR delegates visited Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU), China. The group was warmly welcomed by the Vice President of China High-tech Industrialisation Association and former Director-General of CAE International Cooperation Bureau, Mr Kang Jincheng, the Dean of BJTU College of International Education, Prof Yao Enjian, the Deputy Director of BJTU Sustainable Transport Innovation Centre, Prof Wang Chao, the Executive Dean of BJTU Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Institute, Prof Han Baoming, and staff.

Both parties engaged in a discussion, revolving around agendas such as student exchange programmes for civil engineering and mechanical engineering students, joint postgraduate programmes, and potential collaborations.

Westlake University

On 31 March 2025, the delegates from UTAR visited Westlake University, Hangzhou, China. They were warmly welcomed by the Vice President of Westlake University, Prof Min Qiu, the Deputy Director of Westlake University Office of International Affairs, Dr Guo Xiaoyu, and Westlake University staff.

A discussion was held in which both parties explored potential collaborations, including student study exchange, study tour, academic exchange programme, and summer camp.

The visit to Beijing and Hangzhou, China, marked yet another meaningful stride in UTAR’s pursuit of global engagement and academic excellence. More than just a series of meetings, it was a convergence of minds, connecting UTAR’s expertise and knowledge with that of its partners and potential collaborators. The visit laid a strong foundation for deeper and more interconnected institutional ties. As these friendships continue to flourish, they will serve as catalysts for academic growth and innovation in the shared pursuit of excellence across borders.