On 30 June 2025, UTAR welcomed a visiting delegation from Shandong Vocational and Technical University of International Studies (SWUT), China, marking a significant milestone in international academic collaboration. The occasion, held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, featured the formal signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a student exchange agreement (SEA), underscoring both institutions’ shared aspirations for educational excellence and intercultural engagement.
Leading the SWUT delegation was Prof Dr Kong Qinrong, Vice President of SWUT, accompanied by Dr Li Sha, Associate Professor at the International Business School, and Ms Zhang Huiling, Lecturer at the Faculty of Foreign Languages.
Representing UTAR were Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, President of UTAR; Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Vice President (Internationalisation and Academic Development); Dr Wong Sien Biang, Dean of the Faculty of Education; Mr Lee Choy Fong, Director of the Centre for International Students Recruitment and Educational Collaboration (CISREC); Assoc Prof Dr Chen, I-Chi, Deputy Director of the Office of International Affairs (OIA); Ms Liu Dan, Manager at OIA; and Ms Tan Yik Hien, Assistant Manager at CISREC.
Prof Dato’ Ewe then delivered his welcome remarks, affirming UTAR’s strong commitment to internationalisation. “This collaboration is not only a platform for mobility but a symbol of the academic trust and values we share with SWUT. It represents our commitment to equipping students with cross-cultural experience and academic excellence that transcends borders,” he said.
The sentiments were echoed by Prof Kong in her address. “We are pleased to partner with UTAR in opening doors for our students and staff. This is a significant step towards fostering academic exchange and friendship between our institutions. We look forward to many fruitful outcomes that will benefit both our campuses,” she noted.
The signing of the MoU and SEA formalises avenues for student exchange programmes, initially involving three students annually for semester-based mobility. Beyond student movement, the agreements outline collaboration in joint research, articulation pathways for postgraduate studies, short-term learning tours, and visiting scholar arrangements.
After the ceremonial exchange of souvenirs and a commemorative group photograph, both parties engaged in a robust discussion covering proposed initiatives and academic strategies. These conversations reinforced the depth of commitment on both sides to pursue shared academic goals with flexibility and mutual benefit.
The event concluded with a guided tour of UTAR’s campus, providing SWUT representatives a first-hand experience of the University’s learning environment and infrastructure. This new partnership not only enhances educational opportunities for students but also contributes to the global academic community by fostering deeper cross-border academic relations.
From left: Ms Zhang, Dr Li, Prof Kong, Prof Dato’ Ewe and Prof Goi
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