UTAR welcomes Peking University delegation for academic exchange and collaboration

UTAR welcomed a delegation from Peking University (PKU), China, to its Sungai Long Campus on 20 January 2026 for a visit and academic exchange session aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and exploring potential collaborations in research and postgraduate education.

The delegation was led by PKU Executive Vice President and Dean of the Shenzhen Graduate School Prof Dr Zhang Jin. Other members of the delegation included the School of Materials Science and Engineering Dean Prof Dr Zou Ruqiang, PKU Shenzhen Graduate School Vice Dean Dr Wang Tianbing, Office of Scientific Research Deputy Director Dr Zhang Cunqun, Office of International Relations Deputy Director Mr Cui Zhe, School of Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Party Committee Secretary Prof Dr Song Jie as well as representatives from the PKU Shenzhen Graduate School and the Peking University Alumni Association of Malaysia.

The UTAR delegation was led by President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, accompanied by Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Dean Ir Prof Dr Chang Yoong Choon, Faculty of Chinese Studies Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, LKC FES Senior Prof and ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET) China Collaboration Coordinator Prof Dr Yan Lei, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Director Ir Prof Ts Dr Bernard Saw Lip Huat, and Office of International Affairs Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, among others.

In his welcome address, Prof Dato’ Ewe highlighted UTAR’s commitment to holistic education, internationalisation and industry-relevant research, as well as its extensive collaboration network with nearly 890 partners worldwide, including more than 230 institutions from China. He also emphasised the University’s long-standing and deepening engagement with Peking University and expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen bilateral cooperation in research, postgraduate training and academic exchange, contributing meaningfully to regional development and global knowledge advancement.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his speech

Prof Zhang reaffirmed PKU’s strong commitment to internationalisation and expressed his hope to attract more Malaysian students to pursue postgraduate studies at PKU in his speech. He introduced the composition of the delegation and highlighted PKU’s comprehensive disciplinary strengths, noting that the university offers a full spectrum of disciplines and maintains a balanced structure of undergraduate, master’s and doctoral education. He welcomed deeper collaboration with UTAR and expressed confidence that enhanced student mobility, joint research platforms and multilateral cooperation would further strengthen academic exchange between China, Malaysia and the wider region.

Prof Zhang reaffirmed PKU’s commitment to internationalisation

A discussion session was held thereafter, during which both sides exchanged views on potential areas of collaboration, including joint research initiatives, academic exchange programmes and postgraduate education. The session concluded with a souvenir exchange and group photo, symbolising the strengthening ties between the two institutions.

Following the meeting, representatives from the Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School conducted an information-sharing session on graduate programmes for UTAR students. The session was held physically at the Sungai Long Campus and simultaneously livestreamed to the Kampar Campus via Microsoft Teams. It provided students with insights into postgraduate study opportunities at PKU and concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment.

The visit marked another significant milestone in the growing engagement between UTAR and Peking University, reflecting both institutions’ shared commitment to advancing academic excellence, research collaboration and talent development at both regional and global levels.