UTAR expands global network through MoU with GDEP

UTAR and Guangdong Engineering Polytechnic (GDEP) took a significant step forward in fostering international education cooperation through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 12 November 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

The MoU aimed to strengthen collaboration in areas such as academic exchange, joint research, talent cultivation, and programme development between the two institutions.

Leading the GDEP delegation was Party Committee Secretary Prof Ye Zhongming, accompanied by School of Intelligent Engineering Dean Prof Mai Xiaodong, School of International Education Dean Assoc Prof Qiu Zhiyuan, School of Advanced Manufacturing (School of Elevator Engineering) Deputy Dean Assoc Prof Hu Rong, School of Architectural Engineering Deputy Dean Ms Ni Xiaozhen, and Teaching Quality Monitoring and Evaluation Centre Deputy Director Assoc Prof Dr Wen Zhenzhen.

Representing UTAR were Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Prof Ts Dr Yap Wun She, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Tun Tan Cheng Lock Institute of Social Studies Director Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun, Department of Soft Skills Competency (Sungai Long Campus) Head Ms Fook Oi Yee, Centre for International Student Recruitment and Education Collaboration Deputy Director Ms Irene Wong Hong Lei, LKC FES academic Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Lee Ying Loong and OIA Manager Ms Liu Dan.

In his welcome address, Prof Goi expressed his pleasure in witnessing the establishment of the partnership. He said that international collaboration plays a vital role in enhancing academic excellence and innovation. Prof Goi also expressed confidence that the partnership with Guangdong Engineering Polytechnic would pave the way for fruitful cooperation in joint research, academic exchanges, faculty development, and student training, further strengthening Malaysia–China collaboration in higher education and talent cultivation.

Prof Goi delivering his speech

In his address, Prof Ye expressed his gratitude to UTAR for the warm hospitality and thoughtful arrangements. He commended UTAR as a renowned institution in Malaysia and Asia, recognised for its strong academic reputation, international influence, and meaningful collaborations with leading universities in China. He shared that GDEP is a high-quality vocational institution known for its strong engineering, information technology, and management programmes, as well as its distinctive cultural and heritage education initiatives. Prof Ye expressed hope for closer cooperation with UTAR in talent development, faculty training, scientific research, and student exchanges to contribute to Malaysia–China educational and cultural ties.

Prof Ye introducing GDEP to UTAR

Following the signing ceremony, both sides exchanged souvenirs and engaged in a fruitful discussion on future cooperation initiatives, including the establishment of a doctoral training base, potential 3+0 joint education programmes, short-term exchange projects, and academic visits to research centres such as the ASEAN Community of Shared Future Research Centre.

This MoU signifies UTAR’s continued effort to expand its international partnerships and strengthen global academic collaboration.