UTAR and CCU sign MoU to foster academic and research collaboration

UTAR continued to expand its global partnerships through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinese Culture University (CCU) on 25 April 2025. The ceremony was held both physically at UTAR Sungai Long Campus and virtually via Microsoft Teams, marking a significant step forward in academic and research collaboration.

The MoU was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and CCU President Prof Dr Wang Tzu-Chi. It aimed to promote various forms of collaboration, including student exchange programmes and dual degree offerings, postgraduate studies, joint research, and academic staff mobility.

In his welcome speech, Prof Dato’ Ewe expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “I would like to especially thank CCU for their trust and support towards UTAR. We look forward to more opportunities for both physical and virtual interactions in the future—not only to establish long-term collaboration in academic fields but also to encourage deeper exchange and mutual inspiration in cultural and educational philosophies.” He emphasised that the partnership extends beyond academic development, aiming to cultivate shared values and mutual understanding in both education and culture.

Prof Wang also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “CCU has over 310,000 alumni worldwide and is actively addressing emerging societal needs such as ageing populations through three major focus areas – health and wellness industries, cultural and creative arts, and integration of multimedia with AI. We aim to contribute to health sectors through sports science, social welfare, food science, and psychological counselling. Internationalisation and industry-academia collaboration are key strategies for us, and this MoU with UTAR presents a meaningful opportunity to co-develop impactful educational programmes.”

The ceremony featured the presentation of corporate videos from both institutions, followed by the official signing of the MoU, a souvenir exchange, and a discussion session. The discussion focused on several key areas of cooperation: student and staff exchange, the possibility of offering dual degree programmes, and a special initiative to invite UTAR graduates to pursue postgraduate studies at CCU.

Present at the event were CCU Vice President for International and Mainland China Affairs Dr Tsai Chia-Lin, UTAR Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) Director Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Deputy Dean (Student Development and Industrial Training) Assoc Prof Ts Dr Lee Kim Yee, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Deputy Dean (R&D and Postgraduate Programmes) Assoc Prof Dr Chin Chong Foh, Office of International Affairs Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn and Assistant Manager Ms Wang Yiling.

Joining online were Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Deputy Dean (R&D and Postgraduate Programmes) Dr Lo Po Kim and ICS Department of Chinese Studies (Kampar Campus) Head Assoc Prof Dr Toh Teong Chuan. In addition, representatives from Persatuan Alumni Universiti Chinese Culture Taiwan, Malaysia, namely President Dato’ Chai Ming Foo and Vice President Ms Erica Lim Huey Chyi were also present at the event.

The MoU signing ceremony symbolised the commitment of both universities to fostering academic excellence, cultural exchange, and impactful research, paving the way for deeper collaboration in the years to come.