UTAR hosted a warm and lively welcome lunch on 6 March 2026 to welcome participants of the February 2026 Trimester Student Exchange Programme. The event brought together 43 international students from partner universities around the world, including Australia, Germany, Russia, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, and China. The event, held at the UTAR Sungai Long Campus, served as an opportunity to greet the incoming students and introduce them to the vibrant academic and cultural environment at UTAR. This event reflects UTAR’s continued commitment to strengthening global academic collaboration and fostering cross-cultural engagement.
Group photo of UTAR staff and exchange students at the event
Present at the event were Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development; Prof Dr Wang Kunqiang, Executive Dean of XinWei Institute; Ir Prof Dr Chang Yoong Choon, Director of Xinwei Institute and Dean of Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science; Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Jee Hock, Dean of Institute of International Education; Mr Foo Wai Wai, Head of Department (International Student Services, Sungai Long Campus); and UTAR staff and students.
Prof Goi welcoming the exchange students to UTAR
In his welcome remarks, Prof Goi warmly welcomed the exchange students joining the February 2026 trimester at UTAR, noting that their presence enriches the University’s vibrant international community. He emphasised that student mobility programmes go beyond academic learning, offering opportunities for cultural discovery, intellectual growth and the formation of lifelong friendships. He also encouraged the students to actively participate in classes and campus activities, while exploring Malaysian culture and building meaningful connections during their stay.
Exchange students enjoying the welcome lunch
The event welcomed exchange students from distinguished institutions, including Victoria University (VU), Hochschule RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Warmadewa University (UNWAR), University of Mindanao, University of Sanya, Xiangtan Institute of Technology, Xiangsihu College of Guangxi Minzu University, Geely University of China, Qingdao Agricultural University (QAU), Jiaying University (JYU), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU), University of Taipei (UTaipei), and National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST).
To support the exchange students throughout their stay, a group of four UTAR students known as the UTAR Buddies were introduced during the event. These student volunteers will assist the international students in adapting to campus life, helping them navigate their academic journey while also introducing them to Malaysian culture and local experiences.
During the trimester, the exchange students will participate in lectures, collaborative learning activities, cultural visits, and community engagements designed to provide a holistic educational experience. The programme aims to enhance academic enrichment while promoting intercultural understanding and global citizenship.
The welcome lunch also provided a valuable opportunity for students and staff to mingle and get to know one another over a shared meal, creating a welcoming atmosphere that helped break the ice among participants.
As UTAR continues to expand its global partnerships, initiatives such as the Student Exchange Programme play an important role in building international friendships, encouraging knowledge exchange, and strengthening ties between institutions worldwide. UTAR looks forward to an enriching trimester with its newest group of international students.
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