UTAR signs MoU and SEA with GUST

UTAR strengthened its international collaboration efforts through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a student exchange agreement (SEA) with Guangdong University of Science and Technology (GUST) on 10 December 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

The ceremony was attended by GUST President Prof Liang Ruixiong, Assistant to the President and Academic Affairs Office Director Mr Li Bing, and School of International Education Dean and International Exchange and Cooperation Office Director Dr Gao Jiaqing.

Representing UTAR were 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, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Head Ir Prof Dr Chang Yoong Choon, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Centre for International Student Recruitment and Education Collaboration Deputy Director Ms Irene Wong Hong Lei, and OIA Senior Assistant Manager Ms Wang Yiling.

Prof Dato’ Ewe welcomed the GUST delegation to Sungai Long Campus and introduced UTAR’s growth, including its student population, programme offerings, and strong graduate employability. He highlighted the University’s extensive global collaborations with nearly 840 partners, including more than 200 institutions in China. He also reflected on his visit to GUST earlier in the year, which strengthened confidence in future collaboration. He expressed optimism that the newly signed agreements would deepen cooperation in academic exchange, talent development and industry engagement.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his welcome remarks

In his remarks, Prof Liang said, “I am pleased to meet UTAR again, and after several exchanges this year, I already feel that our two universities are old friends. UTAR and GUST share many similarities in our founding history, academic direction, and emphasis on innovation and application-oriented education. GUST is located in Dongguan, a key city in the Greater Bay Area with strong links to technology and industry. With these shared values and complementary strengths, I believe our cooperation will deepen, and we look forward to working with UTAR in student training, postgraduate pathways, academic exchange, and joint research.”

Prof Liang addressing the audience during the MoU and SEA signing ceremony

The signing of the MoU and SEA formalised cooperation in several key areas, including joint research projects, academic staff mobility, student exchange programmes, talent development, postgraduate opportunities, industrial training, and other mutually beneficial initiatives. Under the SEA, both universities will facilitate the exchange of undergraduate and postgraduate students for one semester or up to one academic year, with mutual recognition of credits and academic advising support provided to ensure a smooth exchange experience.

Following the official signing, both parties engaged in a brief discussion session to explore potential collaboration activities and future academic initiatives. The ceremony concluded with a group photo session and an exchange of souvenirs, marking the beginning of a strengthened partnership between UTAR and GUST.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (second from left) and Prof Liang (second from right) displaying the signed document, witnessed by Prof Goi (far left) and Dr Gao (far right)

From left: Ms Irene Wong, Prof Chang, Prof Yap, Prof Goi, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Liang, Dr Gao, Mr Li and Dr Lai