UTAR, China Silk Road Group join forces to advance sustainable rural transformation

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and Dr Yan exchanging the MoU documents

Forging a powerful alliance for sustainable development, UTAR and China Silk Road Group signed a strategic cooperation agreement on 24 November 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The agreement was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and China Silk Road Group Chairman Dr Yan Lijin.

This agreement establishes a long-term strategic partnership to collaborate in the areas of education and training, rural revitalisation, digital economy development, cultural preservation, and international exchange. The collaboration aims to jointly develop and implement projects that strengthen community capacity, advance sustainable rural development, and protect cultural heritage. A key objective is to support the transformation of selected new villages into potential UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, integrating economic growth, cultural continuity, and environmental sustainability under a shared vision of inclusive and lasting rural revitalisation.

A group photo to mark this significant event

Present at the event were representatives from China Silk Road Group, including Chief Executive Officer Mr Tang Yang, General Manager Ms Wei Man Man, and Business Manager Chen Jia Yu. Welcoming them were UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Department of Architecture and Sustainable Design Head Ts Dr Tan Kok Hong, Tun Tan Cheng Lock Institute of Social Studies Director Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun and Office of International Affairs Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn.

Prof Dato’ Ewe emphasising the benefit of the partnership

Prof Dato’ Ewe emphasised, “This collaboration is not merely the signing of a document; it is the planting of a seed of hope—one that will link cutting-edge technologies with global resources and jointly cultivate the innovative talents of tomorrow. We are confident that with the participation of the Silk Road Group, our research and development efforts in the new villages will be tremendously enhanced, propelling related work to new heights.” 

He highlighted that UTAR is currently leading the drafting of the Master Plan Study for New Village Development 2026-2035. “Guided by a shared vision to promote community capacity building, sustainable development, and the preservation of cultural heritage, we look forward to the effective integration between the relevant faculties, institutes, and research centres of UTAR and Silk Road Group, enabling resource sharing and the joint exploration of greater cooperative potential,” he added.

Dr Yan emphasising digital preservation while supporting Malaysia’s development goals

Dr Yan highlighted the digital transformation of cultural heritage. He noted, “Digitising the architectural heritage of Chinese new villages is a crucial first step, creating a platform for preservation and development that aligns with our broader Belt and Road initiatives.” He also connected the collaboration to national priorities, adding, “Our work in cybersecurity, smart infrastructure, and digital trade platforms can directly support Malaysia's strategic goals. We hope to jointly develop projects that can be incorporated into the nation’s development plans, starting with the new villages.” Concluding his speech, Dr Yan remarked, “This signing is a launch. More important work lies ahead, and we are prepared. I am confident our cooperation will yield rapid progress in cultural revitalisation, medical AI, digital security, and beyond.”