UTAR and Geely Talent Development Group ink MoA to establish Xinwei Institute

The exchange of the memorandum of agreement (MoA) between UTAR and Geely Talent Development Group Co. Ltd., China, for the establishment of the “Xinwei Institute” took place at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 17 February 2025. The signatories were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Geely Talent Development Group Co. Ltd., Chief Executive Officer Prof Dr Lu Dan.

Also representing Geely Talent Development Group at the exchange ceremony were its Vice President Assoc Prof Dr Che Yi, Director of Malaysia Programme and Xinwei Institute Executive Director Prof Dr Wang Qunqiang, Geely Talent Group Administrative Supervisor Ms Wang Siyu, Xinwei Universal Edu Tech Sdn Bhd Administrative Office Director Mr Wei Zimiao, Xinwei Universal Edu Tech Sdn Bhd Human Resources Supervisor Ms Lee Phui Fong, and Xinwei Universal Edu Tech Sdn Bhd Finance Supervisor Ms Xu Haoqin.

UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean and Xinwei Institute Malaysian Co-Director Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, Faculty of Creative Industries Dean Assoc Prof Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, ICS Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chin Chong Foh, Faculty of Accountancy and Management Deputy Dean Dr Ng Kar Yee, LKC FES  Department of Mechatronics and BioMedical Engineering Head Assoc Prof Ir Dr Goh Choon Hian, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Director Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi, Centre for Extension Education Director Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Jee Hock, Centre for Curriculum Development and Innovation (Sungai Long Campus) Deputy Head Dr Ngeow Yeok Meng and academic Dr Woon Kai Siong, Centre for International Student Recruitment and Education Collaboration Director Mr Lee Choy Fong, Office of International Affairs Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn and Assistant Manager Ms Wang Yiling were present as well. Joining the meeting virtually was UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science Deputy Dean Ts Dr Khor Kheng Kia.

Prof Dato’ Ewe enthused, “Today, both parties are working together to establish the Xinwei Institute. This is a significant collaboration in the higher education sector between Malaysia and China, as well as a deep integration of both sides’ educational ideals and visions. Xinwei Institute will be committed to the future development of global higher education, focusing on artificial intelligence, financial technology, and digital transformation in disciplines such as business, education, literature, linguistics, and sociology. It will provide high-quality educational resources and learning platforms for students from China, Malaysia, and ASEAN economies.”

In his speech, Prof Lu mentioned that higher education thrives on its pursuit of excellence and innovation, a spirit he sees at UTAR. As AI reshapes industries, it will also transform universities, with early adopters benefiting the most. He is excited that Geely Talent Development Group Co. Ltd. is partnering with UTAR to pioneer AI-driven education. He also expressed his gratitude to Prof Dato’ Ewe and the UTAR team for their support. He believes that the collaboration between both parties will unlock new possibilities and foster a strong, lasting partnership.

The establishment of Xinwei Institute aims to foster academic collaboration between both parties. It will facilitate undergraduate exchange programmes for 200-300 students annually and offer master’s and doctoral programmes in compliance with Ministry of Higher Education (Malaysia) and Malaysian Qualifications Agency standards. The institute will also promote faculty exchange, joint research, and the development of new academic programmes. Additionally, it will explore industry-university partnerships, hybrid transnational education and other initiatives, such as language training to enhance educational and professional opportunities.