Strengthen ties with Chongqing College of International Business and Economics

UTAR hosted a delegation from Chongqing College of International Business and Economics (CCIBE) for a professional development programme held from 27 to 29 August 2025, focusing on educational exchange and leadership development. The programme, organised by UTAR’s Institute of Management and Leadership Development (IMLD), took place at both the Kampar and Sungai Long Campuses. 

Led by Prof Dr Wang Jie, Vice President of CCIBE, the delegation comprised 25 academic and administrative staff who participated in a series of seminars, dialogues, and guided campus visits. The initiative was designed to broaden international perspectives and strengthen teaching and leadership capacity, reflecting the commitment of both institutions to advancing higher education through cross-border collaboration.

On 27 August 2025, CCIBE representatives met with UTAR President Ir. Prof. Dr. Ewe Hong Tat to explore collaborative opportunities between the two institutions. Delegates also toured UTAR’s laboratories, student hubs, and the UTAR Hospital, gaining first-hand insights into the University’s infrastructure and holistic educational ethos.

During the three-day programme, the delegates engaged with a distinguished panel of UTAR experts. The first session, delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Choong Yuen Onn, Deputy Director of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (Kampar Campus), covered international journal writing and research proposal development, with a focus on publishing processes and funding strategies.

Following this, Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, Director of UTAR Office of International Affairs (OIA), presented UTAR’s internationalisation strategy. He illustrated how global partnerships have bolstered the University’s academic and administrative profile, particularly through student and faculty exchanges as well as transnational research platforms.

The session on the internationalisation of business education was led by Assoc Prof Dr Chen I-Chi, Deputy Director of OIA. She shared approaches for designing globally relevant commerce curricula, implementing dual-degree programmes, and fostering students’ international competence.

Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations, led an impactful discussion on mechanisms supporting holistic student development. He explored UTAR’s integrated approach to academic, psychological, cultural, and career-based student services, offering a model for supporting learners in diverse and evolving educational contexts.

The academic group benefited from an engaging session on innovative teaching approaches and classroom management conducted by Dr Ngeow Yeok Meng, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education, alongside Ms Catherine See, Senior Lecturer from Centre for Foundation Studies (Sungai Long Campus). Their joint session explored creative classroom practices that combine interactivity, digital tools, and learner-centred design to enhance both teaching effectiveness and student engagement.

The programme continued with Ir Prof Dr Chang Yoong Choon, Director of the XDU-UTAR Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation, delivered a forward-looking session on artificial intelligence in higher education. His session examined how AI tools can support personalised learning, data-informed decision-making, and digital transformation in academic environments.

Meanwhile, administrative leaders participated in a high-level training on strategic leadership and institutional management. This session was facilitated by Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, Director of the Institute of Management and Leadership Development, and Mr We Chin Yong, Deputy Director of the Division of Human Resource. Together, they discussed higher education governance, policy implementation, resource planning, and team leadership within complex institutional ecosystems.

In another session, Prof Dr Cheah Phaik Kin from the Faculty of Arts and Social Science together with Prof Cheng and Mr We addressed on interdepartmental collaboration and institutional performance enhancement. Drawing from UTAR’s internal practices, they highlighted how strategic communication, planning, and cooperation can optimise outcomes university-wide. 

Reflecting on the experience, Ms Cui Shihong, representing the academic group from CCIBE, described the visit as transformational. “This journey awakened our educational ideals. It was more than just training; it was a spiritual return to the essence of why we teach,” she said. “We saw not only academic excellence but a deep-seated passion among UTAR’s scholars. It was an aspiration to nurture, to guide, and to illuminate the future through education.” 

Speaking for the administrative group, Ms Lin Xue echoed this sentiment, stating, “The structure, warmth, and inclusivity we experienced at UTAR gave us a new reference point for excellence in educational management,” she added. “We return with new knowledge and a stronger commitment to serving our students with vision and integrity.” 

The official closing ceremony was held on 29 August 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, officiated by Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development. In his address, Prof. Goi commended the participants for their active involvement and openness in sharing knowledge. “The closing of this programme is not the end, but the beginning of strengthened cooperation and lasting friendship” he remarked. “We are pleased to have shared our educational practices and to have learned from yours. This exchange of ideas will surely continue to enrich both our institutions.” 

This professional development programme marks a significant milestone in the growing partnership between CCIBE and UTAR. It deepened mutual understanding, cultivated strategic alignment, and reaffirmed a shared aspiration to nurture future-ready educators and institutions.