Two years in the Land of the Dragon, and another two at the heart of Southeast Asia — a quartet of seasons that shape the International 2+2 Bachelor’s Degree collaborative study programme between UTAR, Hubei Polytechnic University (HBPU), and East China Jiaotong University (ECJTU) of China.
On 27 and 29 October 2025, UTAR welcomed 43 bachelor’s degree students from HBPU and ECJTU under the 2+2 collaborative study programme to the family of the Sungai Long and Kampar Campuses, marking the beginning of the programme’s second-half. A total of 14 international students enrolled at Sungai Long Campus, while 29 students enrolled at Kampar Campus.
Front row, from left: Dr Lim, Ms Meng, Mr Wang, Dr David Tneh, Prof Goi, Mr Kenneth Lee, Ms Thulasy, Dr Teh, Dr Khaw, Mr Thinavan, and Dr Wan Irma Sabrina with the international students at Sungai Long Campus
Front row, from left: Ms Ng Beng Mui, Ms Chua, Ms Liao, Dr Chang, Mr Tan Teik Boon, Prof Choong, Dr Tan Ai Boay, Dr Kuah, Dr Zam Zuriyati,
Mr Ngan and Ms Tan Yik Hien with the international students at Kampar Campus
The international students were warmly welcomed at each campus through the Exclusive Integration and Familiarisation programme, organised by UTAR Centre for International Student Recruitment and Education Collaboration (CISREC). In addition to greeting the newcomers, the orientation initiative aimed to provide them with a comprehensive introduction to student life and available support services at the University, ensuring a smooth transition into their new learning environment.
The cohort of international students is the first batch under the 2+2 horizontal credit transfer collaboration. The students completed the first two years of study at their respective institutions in China. Subsequently, their earned credits are transferred to UTAR, where they spend the remaining two years to complete their study and obtain their degree at UTAR.The programmes offered under this collaboration with the respective institutions are as follows:
Hubei Polytechnic University
East China Jiaotong University
Students and local academics getting to know one another during the event’s interval
Students learned more details on their respective faculties during the talks by faculty representatives
UTAR senior international students providing campus life guidance to the newcomers at both campuses
In his welcome remarks, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong said, “Currently, UTAR has established partnerships with over 800 universities and industry organisations worldwide, including more than 200 higher education institutions and enterprises from China. Moving forward, UTAR will continue to strengthen its global collaborations and advance more international initiatives with meaningful and long-term value.”
While sharing the history and latest developments of UTAR, he also offered warm wishes to the international students. He said, “The University is your second home. May your journey here be filled with meaningful learning, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences. We hope that your time at UTAR will not only enrich your academic knowledge but also broaden your horizons and inspire your personal growth.”
Prof Choong providing valuable insights to help students adapt to a new learning environment
Highlighting the importance of soft skills, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min advised the newcomers to embrace cross-cultural learning. He shared, “As future graduates of UTAR, you hold tremendous potential to connect with leading companies in China and around the world. The knowledge, skills, and cross-cultural experiences you gain here will serve as a strong competitive edge in the global job market. I encourage you to seize every opportunity throughout your studies and interactions, to confidently showcase your talents, and to allow your potential to shine on a broader international stage."
Prof Goi encouraging students to be inquisitive and courageous in learning new knowledge
Offering words of encouragement to the newcomers, HBPU Continuing Education College Party Branch Secretary Ms Fang Jing said, “With the solid foundation laid at HBPU, you now begin a new chapter of academic at UTAR. May you aspire beyond boundaries and embrace cross-cultural learning, broadening your horizons and enriching your growth through interaction with students from all over the world. We hope you will become cultural ambassadors, creating a place where diverse ideas meet and collective wisdom blossoms.”
Ms Fang encouraging international students to assimilate diverse ideas and broaden horizons in her message
ECJTU International School Party Secretary Prof Li Xuefeng said, “Since the partnership between ECJTU and UTAR was established in 2016, both universities have committed to advancing the internationalisation of education, supporting the Belt and Road Initiative. We have cooperated closely in areas such as credit recognition, curriculum alignment, and joint research—dedicated to building an academic bridge that links eastern and western knowledge for students. Students are not only witnesses to our successful partnership, but also pioneers who will take on new challenges and create the next chapter.”
Prof Li highlighting the success of UTAR–ECJTU partnership in his pre-recorded message
Students from HBPU, Wang Qiaosen and Zhang Yuchun, who arrived together with their 2+2 peers, shared their excitement for the new journey in the tropical land.
Wang, who is studying Bachelor of Chinese Medicine (Honours), enthused, “I arrived in Malaysia just yesterday and was amazed by the beautiful environment at UTAR. The classrooms and dormitories are exceptionally clean, and everyone here is warm and welcoming. Studying Traditional Chinese Medicine will take five years—a long journey—but I believe I’ll gain invaluable knowledge and create wonderful memories at UTAR.”
Wang Qiaosen
Zhang, a new student of Bachelor of Nursing (Honours), said, “I’m from Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. Everything felt exciting and new when I first arrived. I haven’t decided yet whether to return home or stay and work here after graduation, but I’m determined to give my best throughout my studies.”
Zhang Yuchun
Yang Sihan, an ECJTU student who is currently studying Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) under the 2+2 programme, also shared her thoughts on the cross-border opportunity. She said, “The two-year buffer period is really accommodating. I get to complete the first two years of my studies in China before continuing the remaining two years abroad. While in Malaysia, I hope to explore new experiences, such as scuba diving.”
Present at the Sungai Long Campus event were UTAR Vice President Prof Goi, FCI Dean Assoc Prof Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, CEE Director Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Jee Hock, CCDI Head Dr Khaw Mei Kum, Education Collaboration Project Management Centre (ECPMC) for China Director Ms Meng Ying, FCI Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Mr Thinavan Periyayya, FCI Department of Multimedia Design and Animation Head Dr Wan Irma Sabrina binti Idris, FCI Department of Mass Communication Head Mr Kenneth Lee Tze Wui, Centre for Artistic Research Chairperson and FCI academic Mr Wang Chain Khiang, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) Clinical Nursing Programme Head Ms Thulasy Perumal, MK FMHS Postgraduate Programmes (Chinese Medicine) Head Assoc Prof Dr Teh Siew Hoon, DISS Sungai Long Campus Head Mr Foo Wai Wai, CISREC Senior Assistant Manager Ms Ng Beng Mui, CISREC Assistant Manager Ms Tan Yik Hien, DISS Sungai Long Campus Assistant Managers Ms Komathi Rethinam and Mr Ng Chee Hong; ECPMC (China) Project Manager Ms Chua Lai Lin, and ECPMC (China) Assistant Director Ms Liao Mingyue.
Meanwhile, present at the Kampar Campus event were UTAR Vice President Prof Choong, FCS PhD (Chinese Studies) Programme Head Assoc Prof Dr Tan Ai Boay, FICT Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Ts Tan Teik Boon, FICT academic Ts Dr Chang Jing Jing, THP FBF Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Kuah Yoke Chin, CCDI Kampar Campus Deputy Head Assoc Prof Dr Zam Zuriyati binti Mohamad, CEE English Unit Head Ms Mohanambikay Pandian, DISS Kampar Campus Head Mr Ngan Mun Wai, DISS Kampar Campus Assistant Manager Mr Siew Choon Keat, CISREC Senior Assistant Manager Ms Ng Beng Mui, CISREC Assistant Manager Ms Tan Yik Hien, ECPMC (China) Project Manager Ms Chua Lai Lin, and ECPMC (China) Assistant Director Ms Liao Mingyue.
The 2+2 collaboration marks a significant milestone not only for the partnership between UTAR and HBPU and ECJTU, but also for the advancement of cross-cultural learning and globalisation. As the programme enters its next phase at the heart of Southeast Asia, the international students are set to embark on an enriching journey that blends academic rigour with cross-cultural and holistic experiences.
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