UTAR hosted a signing ceremony on 27 October 2025 at its Sungai Long Campus to formalise a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Cao’e Sub-district Office, Shangyu District, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, China.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by representatives from both parties. Leading the Shangyu District delegation were Vice Chairperson of the Shangyu District Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Ms Zhang Yingfang, Director of the Shangyu District Water Resources Bureau Mr Chen Caihua, Director of the Education, Science, Health, Sports, Culture and History Study Committee of the Shangyu District Committee of the CPPCC Mr Xu Biao, Director of the Cao’e Sub-district Office Mr Zhu Ke, and Deputy Director of the Shangyu District Bureau of Commerce Ms Zhu Aiping.
Representing UTAR were Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Faculty of Chinese Studies Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Tun Tan Cheng Lock Institute of Social Studies Director Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Centre for Extension Education Director Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Jee Hock and OIA Manager Ms Liu Dan.
During the ceremony, Prof Goi expressed his delight at the signing of the MoU. He said, “UTAR is very pleased to sign this MoU with the Cao’e Sub-district Office. This partnership marks a meaningful step towards strengthening collaboration in research, talent development, internship exchanges, and academic and cultural interaction. Through this MoU, we look forward to enhancing mutual learning and creating more opportunities for our students and staff to engage in global education and industry experiences.”
Ms Zhang, in her speech, shared that Shangyu District is an integral part of the Yangtze River Delta city cluster, known for its strategic location, convenient transportation, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic economic growth. She highlighted that the “Shangyu–Malaysia UTAR Partnership Programme,” launched in October last year, enabled 14 UTAR students to undertake internships in Shangyu, while both parties jointly established a talent training base, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration in education and research. She expressed her hope that the signing of this MoU would further strengthen cooperation and exchanges in education, research, and talent development, and extended a warm invitation to UTAR staff and students to visit Shangyu.
Through this MoU, the two parties aim to build on existing successes in international engagement and talent development, creating new pathways for students and staff to engage in transnational educational experiences, practical industry attachments, and joint research initiatives.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in UTAR’s ongoing efforts to foster global collaboration and respond to an increasingly interconnected educational landscape, while simultaneously supporting the economic vitality and innovation agenda of Shangyu District.
Prof Goi (left) and Mr Zhu displaying the signed document
Prof Goi presenting souvenirs to Ms Zhang
Ms Zhang sharing a poem written by Jin Yong about Shangyu, which she presented as a gift to UTAR
From left: Ms Liu, Dr Chin, Dr Lim, Dr Chong, Dr Lai, Prof Goi, Ms Zhang, Mr Chen, Mr Xu, Mr Zhu and Ms Zhu
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