UTAR and Tsinghua University explored potential cooperation in postgraduate education, interdisciplinary biomedical research and cross-border healthcare during a two-day exchange held from 20 to 21 July 2026.
The discussions involved academics and clinicians from UTAR, UTAR Hospital and Tsinghua University, covering postgraduate co-supervision, joint research, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted medicine, clinical exchanges, telemedicine and wearable healthcare technologies.
Prof Kee
Led by Prof Kee Kehkooi, Assistant Chancellor (International Affairs) of Tsinghua Medicine, the visiting delegation comprised four other academics and medical professionals, as well as 10 undergraduate students.
Prof Alan Ong
The programme at UTAR Sungai Long Campus opened with welcome remarks by M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Prof Dr Alan Ong Han Kiat.
Prof Dato’ Ewe
UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat subsequently delivered a keynote address titled How to Prepare Ourselves for the AI Era, highlighting the knowledge, skills and adaptability needed to respond to rapid technological change.
Academic presentations by representatives from both universities covered medical education, AI-assisted healthcare, wearable sensing technologies, liver disease management and infection control. Among the speakers were Prof Wei Lai, Director of the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, and Dr Hua Hao, Deputy Director of the hospital’s Infection Control Office and Department of Preventive Healthcare. During the session, Prof Wei shared insights into the application of AI in liver disease management. The delegation also included Dr Feng Lei, Specialist at the Infection Control and Disease Prevention Office and Associate Research Fellow.
Prof Goi
A dialogue chaired by UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min focused on practical areas of cooperation. Prof Goi highlighted interdisciplinary work involving MK FMHS and the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, particularly in biomedical research and applications.
Postgraduate collaboration was identified as a possible starting point. Representatives discussed joint research funding, co-supervision and opportunities for postgraduate students and researchers to participate in shared projects.
The participants also considered doctoral research directed towards practical outcomes, including engineering prototypes, biological products and medical technologies. Such arrangements would need to comply with the academic and regulatory requirements of both Malaysia and China.
Prof Dato’ Cheong
Academician Emeritus Prof Dato’ Dr Cheong Soon Keng, Founding Dean of MK FMHS and Deputy Chairman of the UTAR Hospital Board, proposed examining product-oriented doctoral pathways. He explained that UTAR doctoral candidates are still required to submit a thesis, including those undertaking industry-driven research.
The dialogue also addressed potential collaboration between UTAR Hospital and Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital. Proposals included a structured hospital-to-hospital referral channel for Malaysian patients seeking specialised treatment in China, as well as telemedicine and online specialist consultations.
Prof Wei
Prof Wei said exchanges involving students, researchers and clinicians could provide exposure to diseases and clinical cases that differ between Malaysia and China. He also proposed online multidisciplinary consultations involving specialists from both countries to support patients requiring cross-border medical expertise.
Beyond the discussions, the delegation toured the Sungai Long Campus and interacted with UTAR medical students. On the second day, the visitors toured CryoCord in Cyberjaya to learn about Malaysia’s medical innovation, stem-cell and biotechnology sectors.
The programme also included a cultural sharing session, a traditional dance activity and a tasting of durian and other local fruits.
The visit established several areas for further discussion, including postgraduate training, interdisciplinary biomedical research, AI-assisted healthcare, clinical exchanges and cross-border medical services.
Front row, second from left: Prof Alan Ong, Emeritus Prof Cheong, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Kee, Prof Wei and Dr Hua
Front row, third from left: Prof Dato’ Cheong, Prof Kee, Prof Goi, Prof Wei, Prof Alan Ong, and Chairperson for Centre for Stem Cell Research Dr Amy Saik Yi Hsan
Lecture by Prof Wei
Students from Tsinghua University received their Certificate of Completion
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