UTAR formalises strategic educational alliance with The China Association for Non-government Education and Xinwei Universal Edu Tech Sdn Bhd

UTAR reached a historic milestone as it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The China Association for Non-government Education (CANGE) and Malaysia’s Xinwei Universal Edu Tech Sdn Bhd on 2 April 2025. The MoU signing ceremony, held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, marked a significant step forward in international collaboration aimed at enhancing educational innovation, research, and talent development.

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat highlighted the university’s mission to nurture globally aware and socially responsible graduates and its extensive network of over 790 institutional partners worldwide, including more than 190 in China. Emphasising the long-term vision of this tripartite partnership, he said, “I firmly believe that this MoU will enable us to nurture globally competitive talent and build Xinwei Academy into a benchmark for digital education in Southeast Asia.”

Director of Malaysia Programme and Xinwei Institute Executive Director Prof Dr Wang Qunqiang shared insights into his experience working closely with UTAR and its students, praising their strong academic ethos and employability. “I have witnessed first-hand the diligence and academic rigour of UTAR students. Their commitment to learning rivals that of students from China’s top institutions. This partnership will enable us to build a platform that cultivates globally competent, technically skilled graduates, equipped for international opportunities,” he remarked.

CANGE Special Invited Vice President and Standing Council Member, Founding President of the Guangxi Private Education Association, and Chairman of Guangxi Economic Vocational College Mr Xiao Kaining emphasised the association’s long-term vision and the value of cross-border collaboration, noting, “It is our sincere hope that this collaboration becomes a lasting foundation for mutual educational advancement. By bringing together academic strengths and cultural affinities, we can jointly craft a new chapter in cross-border education.”

The MoU aimed to amplify collaborative efforts in educational resource integration, scholarship programmes, and joint research initiatives, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, fintech, and digital business. A dedicated discussion session allowed delegates to explore concrete steps towards co-developing teaching platforms, establishing research teams, and promoting intercultural academic exchanges between Malaysia, China, and the ASEAN region.

The event was graced by an esteemed delegation from CANGE including CANGE Committee Member, former State Council Counsellor and Deputy Chairman of the YouChange Foundation for Rural Development Mr Tang Min, CANGE Committee Member, Boya Distinguished Professor at Peking University, and Director of the China Centre for Economic Research Prof Dr Yao Yang, CANGE Committee Member, Belt and Road Chair Professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, and Dean of the International Education College Prof Dr Qin Huimin, CANGE Committee Member, Professor at the Faculty of Education of Beijing Normal University, and Director of the Institute of Educational Economics Prof Dr Du Yuhong, CANGE Committee Member, Director of the Education Legislation Research Base at Renmin University of China, Wu Yuzhang Distinguished Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor Prof Dr Shen Suping, CANGE Deputy Secretary, Researcher at the University of International Business and Economics, Doctoral Supervisor, and Director of the Centre for Education Internationalisation and Governance Prof Dr Qu Yifan and Delegation Secretary Ms Liu Meng.

Representing Xinwei Universal Edu Tech Sdn Bhd were Geely Talent Group Administrative Supervisor Ms Wang Siyu, and Xinwei Universal Edu Tech Sdn Bhd Administrative Office Director Mr Wei Zimiao.

UTAR’s attendees included Dean of Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) and Xinwei Institute Malaysian Co-Director Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, Dean of Institute of Chinese Studies and Director of Confucius Institute and Mencius Institute Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes of M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) Assoc Prof Dr Leong Pooi Pooi, Dean of Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Dr Pok Wei Fong, Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes of Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Dr Cynthia Lau Pui-Shan, Director of Office of International Affairs Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn and UTAR staff.

The ceremony concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts and a group photograph, symbolising the unity and ambition of this trilateral alliance.