UTAR renews student exchange agreement with Hungkuang University

UTAR marked a significant milestone with the renewal of its student exchange agreement (SEA) with Hungkuang University (HKU) on 17 August 2026 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The renewal reaffirms the longstanding partnership between the two institutions and their shared commitment to advancing international academic collaboration and student mobility.

The SEA builds upon the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on 15 July 2020, followed by the initial SEA on 15 April 2021, which laid a strong foundation for bilateral cooperation. Over the years, both institutions have fostered a productive partnership through student exchanges, internships, and academic collaboration.

The renewal agreement was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and HKU President Dr Shu Hung-Yee, symbolising the continued commitment of both universities to strengthening institutional ties.

In his address, Prof Dato’ Ewe highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting that, 2026 marks an important milestone for both universities as they build on their strong foundation of mutual trust and mutual benefit, continuing to deepen their collaboration and advance their partnership to new heights.

He further emphasised, “Student mobility is not only about the transfer of knowledge, but also about cultural exchange and the broadening of perspectives, enabling students to develop global competencies for the future.”

Dr Shu, on the other hand, highlighted the fruitful outcomes of the longstanding partnership, noting that the collaboration has extended beyond student exchanges and internships to include short-term study programmes and visits between the two universities. He emphasised that these close exchanges had broadened students’ international perspectives while fostering friendships and professional connections between students from both institutions. Looking ahead, he expressed hope that the two universities could build on their strong foundation to explore further opportunities for joint research, academic collaboration and other areas of mutual interest.

Under the renewed agreement, both universities will continue to facilitate student exchanges for a duration of one semester or up to one academic year. The programme will commence with the exchange of three students annually for one semester, with plans for gradual expansion based on mutual agreement while maintaining a balanced exchange.

Dr Shu (left) and Prof Dato’ Ewe displaying the signed document

Founded in 1967, Hungkuang University has evolved from a nursing institution into a comprehensive university of technology, with strengths in nursing, medical and healthcare, human science and social innovation, international hospitality and tourism, and intelligent technology. Its practice-oriented learning environment provides valuable international learning opportunities for UTAR students.

Also present were HKU Office of International Affairs Dean Dr Tiger Tien, Secretary Ms Peyton Lee and Section Chief Ms Yosi Chen; UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Ir Dr Goh Choon Hian and Department of Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering academic Ir Prof Dr Chee Pei Song, Institute of International Education Dean Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Jee Hock, Office of International Affairs Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn and staff.

Following the signing ceremony, both parties engaged in discussions on expanding collaboration in key areas, including student exchange, short-term programmes, internships, as well as co-teaching and co-research opportunities.

The ceremony concluded with an exchange of tokens of appreciation and a group photography session.