UTAR and TAR UMT strengthen ties with SUPSL through MoU signing

UTAR and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) strengthened their collaborative ties with Shandong University of Political Science and Law (SUPSL), China, through the signing and renewal of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in a ceremony held on 28 October 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in enhancing educational collaboration and fostering stronger Malaysia–China academic partnerships. The event was attended by representatives from both Malaysian institutions, SUPSL, and the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia.

Representing Malaysia were Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) Advisor and Chief Representative for China Education Affairs Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, UTAR Office of International Affairs Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, and TAR UMT Vice President Assoc Prof Dr Chook Ka Joo, and MCA Education Consultative Committee Secretary Ms Tan Gaik Tin.

Leading the SUPSL delegation was Deputy Party Secretary Mr Zhao Bin, accompanied by School of Civil and Commercial Law Dean Prof Dr Chen Zhigang, Graduate Office Director Prof Dr Xiao Limei, and Office of International Exchange and Cooperation Director Assoc Prof Dr Gao Hui.

In his address, Dato’ Dr Mah commended the MoU signing as a significant step in expanding educational cooperation between Malaysia and China. He noted that such collaborations reflect the growing interest of Chinese institutions in Malaysia’s education sector, driven by the increasing flow of investments, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural linkages between the two nations. He said, “Education plays a crucial role in building mutual understanding and preparing young talents for an interconnected world. Collaborations like this not only promote academic development but also strengthen cultural ties and foster shared growth for both economies.”

Dato’ Mah delivering his speech at the MoU signing ceremony

Prof Choong expressed his pleasure at renewing the MoU between UTAR and SUPSL, noting that it reaffirmed both universities’ shared commitment to advancing higher education cooperation. He said, “UTAR is pleased to renew this MoU with Shandong University of Political Science and Law. Over the years, our collaboration has fostered meaningful academic exchanges and mutual learning. With this renewal, we look forward to further strengthening cooperation in academic research, curriculum development, staff training, student exchange, credit recognition, and internship programmes.”

Prof Choong sharing his remarks on the renewed collaboration between UTAR and SUPSL

Mr Zhao expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by UTAR and TAR UMT. He said the visit and MoU signing marked a new milestone in strengthening friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and China. He noted that Shandong University of Political Science and Law highly values its partnership with UTAR and TAR UMT, and looks forward to expanding collaboration in education, research, and talent development. He added, “Through closer collaboration, we can nurture future-ready talents, enhance cultural exchanges, and make meaningful contributions to the development of higher education in both our countries.”

Mr Zhao expressing appreciation and hopes for strengthened cooperation between Malaysia and China through the MoU

The MoU between UTAR and SUPSL was first signed in December 2019 and has since facilitated collaborations in joint seminars, academic exchanges, and research initiatives. The renewed MoU and TAR UMT’s new MoU reaffirm all parties’ shared commitment to advancing international education and fostering collaboration in six key areas: exchange of academic ideas, professional knowledge, and research; support for subject-specific interaction and curriculum development; student exchange and study tours; mutual credit recognition; staff training and development; and student internships and training.

This dual MoU signing represents a significant step towards deepening educational cooperation and promoting people-to-people connectivity between Malaysia and China. It also reflects UTAR and TAR UMT’s continuous efforts to expand global partnerships, nurture well-rounded graduates, and contribute to the shared progress of both nations through education and innovation.