Strengthening international ties: A fruitful visit to Xi’an, Macau and Guangdong

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat embarked on a visit to Xi’an, Macau and Guangdong, China, from 21 to 26 May 2025, to strengthen international cooperation, participate in high-level forums, and engage in meaningful exchanges with international partners.

The President was accompanied by Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) (Sungai Long Campus) Deputy Director Ir Prof Ts Dr Bernard Saw Lip Huat and Xidian University (XDU)-UTAR Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation Director Ir Prof Dr Chang Yoong Choon.

MoU and SEA renewal signing ceremony with Northwestern Polytechnical University

The UTAR delegation made their first stop at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) on 21 May 2025. MCA President and UTAR Council Member Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong, and MCA Secretary-General Datuk Chong Sin Woon also participated in the dialogue and exchange session with NPU. They were warmly welcomed by NPU President Prof Song Baowei. 

Prof Dato’ Ewe expressed, “UTAR places great importance on its collaboration with NPU. Since the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2018, the partnership between both institutions has yielded fruitful results in research collaboration and maintained consistent student exchange activities.”  He added that UTAR looks forward to further deepening its cooperation with NPU, and hopes that both universities will continue working hand in hand to advance exchanges and collaboration across various fields, injecting new vitality into the educational development of both economies.

In the presence of the attending guests, Prof Song and Prof Dato’ Ewe renewed the MoU and the Student Exchange Agreement (SEA). According to the renewed agreements, both parties will continue to leverage their respective strengths to deepen collaboration in areas such as scientific research, student mobility, and the transformation of research outcomes.

Visit to Xi’an Jiaotong University

On the same day, the UTAR delegation paid an official visit to Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU). During the meeting, both parties held friendly discussions on enhancing academic exchanges between staff and students and advancing cooperation in industry-university-research integration. XJTU Assistant President Prof Shan Wenhua extended a warm welcome to the delegation.

Prof Dato’ Ewe expressed his appreciation for XJTU’s proactive efforts and its practical approach to integrating industry and education. He also briefly introduced UTAR’s recent initiatives and development plans. He stated, “Since the signing of the cooperation agreement in 2022, both institutions have made significant progress in jointly undertaking international scientific cooperation projects under the Belt and Road Initiative and in promoting cultural exchange. Looking ahead, we hope that both sides will leverage the advantages of platforms such as the University Alliance of the Silk Road and the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology cooperation network to engage in more diverse and wide-ranging exchanges and collaborations with partner institutions.”

Joint Management Committee meeting with Xidian University (XDU)

UTAR delegates attended the second meeting of the Joint Management Committee of China-Malaysia Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation (ISTI) between Xidian University (XDU) and UTAR at North Campus, XDU on 22 May 2025.

The meeting addressed key items, including the re-election of the Joint Management Committee members and the discussion of the second-year work plan of the Institute. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening collaboration and advancing joint research and talent development.

Apart from attending the meeting, Prof Dato’ Ewe also delivered a talk titled Talent Development in the AI Era 2025 at the 2025 Silk Road International Conference on the Cooperation and Integration of Industry, Education, Research and Application, as well as the Education Cooperation and Exchange Events, hosted by XDU.

Delivering a keynote speech at the China-Malaysia Forum on High-Quality Private Higher Education

The second stop for the UTAR delegates was Macau, where they attended the First China-Malaysia Forum on High-Quality Private Higher Education on 24 May 2025. The forum, themed Collaborative and Integrative Innovation Empowered by Digital Intelligence: Exploring New Pedagogical Directions and Approaches in Private Universities, brought together educators and experts from both economies. As one of the representatives from Malaysia, Prof Dato’ Ewe delivered a keynote speech titled Talent Development in the AI Era 2025 at the forum.

The forum focused on exploring new directions for teaching and learning in private universities across China and Malaysia amid digital transformation. Over 120 education experts from China, Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond gathered to discuss key topics such as AI, the metaverse, educational big data, teachers’ digital literacy, and the future of private higher education, aiming to chart a collaborative blueprint for digital education.

Aligned with the “Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and Malaysia on Building a High-Level Strategic Community with a Shared Future”, the forum also emphasised promoting integrated and complementary development. The joint initiative released during the event sought to deepen connections across industrial, supply, value, data, and talent chains, enhance bilateral educational cooperation, and advance partnerships in vocational education, joint research, and digital innovation.

Guangdong Visit: Technology and Collaboration

Following the First China-Malaysia Forum on High-Quality Private Higher Education in Macau, the delegation continued their official itinerary in Guangdong, focusing on technology and partnership development. They visited Guangdong University of Science and Technology (GDUST)’s Songshan Lake Campus, Guangdong Bossyun Educational Technology Co., Ltd., Huawei Town, and the headquarters of UBTech Robotics Corp., Shenzhen (Nanshan District).

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with Guangdong Nanbo Investment Group was also held during the visit to GDUST. The agreement was signed by Prof Dato’ Ewe and Guangdong Nanbo Investment Group Director of Board Dr Zhou Eryong.

Nanbo Investment Group signed the MoU on behalf of its affiliated higher education institutions, namely Guangdong University of Science and Technology, Guangzhou Nanyang Polytechnic College, Guangzhou Huanan Business College, and Macau Millennium College.

Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate on articulation programmes, student exchange and credit recognition, faculty and student visits, short-term programmes, joint practical training hubs, scientific research and academic cooperation, as well as the exploration of overseas education centres and representative offices.