UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat led a university delegation on a four-day official visit to China from 11 to 14 December 2025, covering Jilin City, Shenyang, and Nanjing. The visit was part of UTAR’s internationalisation strategy and aimed to strengthen collaboration with Chinese higher education institutions in the areas of education, research, and talent development.
The visit yielded significant outcomes through a series of high-level meetings and the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs), laying a strong foundation for multi-tiered and multidisciplinary collaboration frameworks between UTAR and its Chinese counterparts.
The first stop was Jilin City, where UTAR held in-depth discussions with Beihua University and formally signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation and exchange. The signing ceremony was attended by Prof Xu Shilin, Party Secretary of Beihua University, and Prof Dato’ Ewe. The collaboration aimed to enhance bilateral exchange in talent development and knowledge innovation, with a shared focus on the joint planning and establishment of Sino-foreign cooperative education institutions.
MoU signing ceremony at Beihua University on 13 December 2025
MoU exchange at Beihua University
Group photo with Beihua University delegates
The delegation then proceeded to Shenyang, where UTAR engaged in discussions with Chaoyang Normal University Vice President Prof Shao Yongyun and his delegation to explore broader cooperation opportunities. Both institutions reached a preliminary agreement to establish multi-level and in-depth inter-university collaboration.
Chaoyang Normal University expressed its aspiration to enhance the overall quality of its academic staff and students through increased international exposure. In response, UTAR proposed tailored collaboration pathways, including opportunities for young academic staff to pursue doctoral studies overseas, as well as structured bachelor’s–master’s–doctoral progression routes for students to support academic advancement and improve employability.
Meeting with Chaoyang Normal University representatives on 13 December 2025
Souvenir exchange with Chaoyang Normal University
Prof Dato’ Ewe (middle) with UTAR and Chaoyang Normal University delegates
During the visit to Shenyang, Prof Dato’ Ewe also visited the Institute of Modern Agricultural Science and Technology of Liaoning University and met with its Director, Wen Mingzhen. The discussion focused on the commercialisation of advanced agricultural research and the joint cultivation of high-level academic talent.
MoU signing with Institute of Modern Agricultural Science and Technology of Liaoning University
Souvenir exchange with Institute of Modern Agricultural Science and Technology of Liaoning University
MoU exchange with Institute of Modern Agricultural Science and Technology of Liaoning University
The final stop of the visit was Nanjing, where UTAR signed a cooperation MoU with Jinling Institute of Technology. The agreement was signed by Prof Ji Sai, President of Jinling Institute of Technology, and Prof Dato’ Ewe on behalf of their respective institutions.
Prof Ji highlighted that Jinling Institute of Technology, as a key applied undergraduate institution in Jiangsu Province, has made significant contributions to regional economic development. He also noted the strong alignment between the institute’s applied-oriented focus and UTAR’s open and application-driven education philosophy.
The signing of the MoU marked the beginning of comprehensive collaboration between the two universities in areas including academic programme development, staff and student mobility, and joint research initiatives. Prof Dato’ Ewe emphasised that close cooperation with partner institutions in China would ensure the timely and effective implementation of collaborative projects, with the shared goal of nurturing application-oriented graduates with international perspectives and global competitiveness.
Meeting with Jinling Institute of Technology representatives
MoU signing with Jinling Institute of Technology
Souvenir exchange with Jinling Institute of Technology
This successful visit to China represents a significant milestone in UTAR’s journey towards internationalised higher education. Through deeper engagement with universities in China, UTAR continues to expand international learning and exchange opportunities for its staff and students, while contributing meaningfully to mutual understanding and higher education development between Malaysia and China.
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