UTAR and Westlake University formalise academic and research cooperation

UTAR and Westlake University signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 24 November 2025 at the Sungai Long Campus. The MoU signing ceremony marked a significant step forward in fostering strategic cooperation between both institutions in areas such as student exchange, faculty collaboration, and joint research.

The Westlake University delegation was led by Vice President and School of Engineering Dean Prof Dr Qiu Min. He was accompanied by Department of Materials Science and Engineering academic Dr Yang Yao, Assistant to the Dean and Dean Office Director Ms Su Lingfei, and International Affairs Coordinator, Ms Linh Chu.

Representing UTAR were its President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Ann, and OIA Manager Ms Liu Dan.

Prof Dato’ Ewe emphasised that the collaboration was rooted in trust strengthened through previous mutual visits, He remarked, “Today’s signing not only marks a new chapter of collaboration, but also reflects the fruitful exchanges and deepening mutual trust built by both institutions over time.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his welcome address

Prof Qiu expressed that the signing marks UTAR as Westlake’s first partnership with a Malaysian university, opening “a new chapter of cooperation in Southeast Asia.” He highlighted the deep historical ties between China and Malaysia, saying the collaboration carries “shared learning and mutual growth.” He added that with rapid advances in AI, new energy and emerging technologies, research universities must “advance together, hand in hand,” and he looks forward to more substantive collaboration after the signing.

Prof Qiu expressing his hopes for deeper collaboration

Following the MoU signing, both parties exchanged souvenirs and proceeded with a discussion session focusing on student and staff mobility programmes, academic exchange activities, and collaborative research opportunities. The session paved the way for concrete steps toward joint initiatives.

The event continued with a Joint Research Matching Seminar, featuring presentations by academics from both universities. A presentation by the Westlake University School of Engineering followed, providing UTAR students and researchers with deeper knowledge of Westlake University’s academic strengths, research culture, programme offerings, and postgraduate opportunities.

The signing ceremony and seminar successfully reinforced a shared commitment to cross-border academic partnerships and research innovation, opening promising pathways for future projects between UTAR and Westlake University.