UTAR and Dong Zong strengthen collaboration to enhance independent Chinese school teacher training

UTAR signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) on 24 February 2024 to jointly offer the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Technology. The event took place at Bangunan Dong Jiao Zong, Kajang.

The partnership sought to offer Malaysian Independent Chinese School (ICS) teachers a professional education programme accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), further enhancing their pedagogical skills and technological competencies.

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Dong Zong Chairman Datuk Tan Yew Sing signed the agreement. The signing was witnessed by UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min and Dong Zong Deputy Secretary-General Mr Ng Chai Heng.

In his speech, Prof Dato’ Ewe highlighted that this collaboration aligns with UTAR’s mission to provide high-quality and industry-relevant education. “Since our initial partnership in 2022, UTAR and Dong Zong have continuously worked together to support ICS teachers through scholarships, training programmes, and research initiatives. With this MoA, we are taking another significant step towards equipping ICS teachers with advanced educational technology skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of modern education,” he said.

Datuk Tan also emphasised the significance of this initiative in strengthening the professional development of ICS teachers. “This programme is tailored to meet the needs of ICS teachers. It integrates key elements such as self-directed learning, assessment and evaluation, adolescent counselling, and Malaysian education research. By incorporating these ICS-specific modules, we aim to enhance the quality of teaching and ensure our educators remain at the forefront of modern education practices,” he stated.

The the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Technology programme, which is already an MQA-accredited course at UTAR, has been tailored to incorporate ICS-specific modules such as self-directed learning, curriculum design, assessment and evaluation, adolescent counselling, and Malaysian education research. This ensures that ICS teachers receive specialised training that aligns with the unique needs of their schools.

Also present at the event were Dong Zong Vice Chairman Mr Yeoh Chai Kok, Assistant Treasurer Mr Seow Hon Cheong, Central Executive Member Mr Low Chee Chong, Central Committee Member Mr Lim Chak Meng, Head of Education Ms Tan In Fong, Teachers’ Education Department Head Mr Chen Ching Fong and Organisation Affair Department Head Mr Lim Kee Song.

UTAR representatives included Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Director Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi, Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Cynthia Lau Pui-Shan, PG Dip in Educational Tech and Master in Educational Tech Programmes Head Dr Kristina Francis, UTAR Buddhist Research Centre Chairperson Dr Wong Sien Biang, Centre for Curriculum Development and Innovation (Sungai Long Campus) Deputy Head Dr Ngeow Yeok Meng Centre for International Student Recruitment and Education Collaboration Director Mr Lee Choy Fong, and Department of Scholarships and Financial Aid Head Ms Tan Wear Sim.