UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN
Rolling, gliding, connecting: A THP FBF student at Tsinghua University, China
Aw Wen Tong, a Bachelor of Finance (Honours) student from UTAR Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance, joined an outbound study programme at Tsinghua University (THU), Beijing, from 17 February to 23 June 2025. Immersed in THU’s dynamic “mini city” campus, she adapted to its distinctive late-night classes and flexible teaching approaches, which broadened her academic horizons. She also had the honour of welcoming UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat during his visit to THU.
Beyond the classroom, Aw fully embraced campus life—cycling with THU’s signature purple bikes, skating at the campus rink, and joining the lively Global Village festival. She also explored China’s cultural heritage at landmarks such as the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Reflecting on her journey, Aw shared that the experience not only enhanced her confidence and international outlook but also inspired her to pursue future opportunities in a diverse global environment.
UTAR welcomes Westlake University Vice President on inaugural visit
UTAR welcomed Prof Qiu Min, Vice President of Westlake University, China, on his inaugural visit to Kampar Campus on 29 July 2025. The visit served to strengthen mutual understanding and explore potential areas of aca demic and research collaboration between the two institutions.
During the meeting, Prof Dato’ Ewe shared an overview of UTAR’s mission, international partnerships, and exchange initiatives, while Prof Qiu introduced Westlake University’s vision as a pioneering research university in China. Both parties identified commonalities and expressed interest in developing joint efforts. The visit concluded with a souvenir exchange and group photo session, marking a meaningful step towards future cooperation.
UTAR and AHUCM forge academic collaboration through MoU exchange
UTAR and Anhui University of Chinese Medicine (AHUCM), China, marked a significant milestone in bilateral academic cooperation with the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 29 July 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.
The MoU exchange ceremony was attended by representatives from both institutions. Leading the AHUCM delegation was President Prof Xu Fan, accompanied by key officials including Development and Reform Office Director Ms Lu Rong, General Affairs Office Director Prof Dr Yan Guiming, School of Humanities and International Education Dean Prof Dr Zhou Yadong, School of Chinese Medicine academic Assoc Prof Dr Li Ming Zhu, and School of Humanities and International Education teacher Ms Bao Wenting.
UTAR and PopoMama Sdn Bhd collaborate to advance women’s health and nutrition research
On 30 July 2025, UTAR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PopoMama Sdn Bhd at Kampar Campus to strengthen collaboration in women’s health, nutrition, and traditional medicine.
The MoU aims to promote research, consultation, and knowledge exchange, with UTAR’s Centre for Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) playing a key role in preventive care and women’s health initiatives. Both parties expressed confidence that the partnership would lead to innovative and impactful outcomes. The ceremony concluded with a souvenir exchange, group photo, and a campus laboratory tour, marking a meaningful step in UTAR’s mission to foster strategic collaborations bridging academia and industry.
UTAR partners with Herbalife to advance nutrition knowledge among students
On 31 July 2025, UTAR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Herbalife at Kampar Campus to strengthen collaboration in health and nutrition education. The MoU focuses on research collaboration, consultation, knowledge exchange, and industry engagement. Over the next two years, UTAR and Herbalife will co-organise seminars, workshops, and short courses, conduct joint research, and provide internships and mobility programmes to equip students with practical exposure. The ceremony also featured a knowledge-sharing session where Herbalife experts delivered talks on protein’s role in long-term health and the importance of breakfast for students.
This partnership reflects UTAR’s commitment to bridging academic learning with industry expertise, enhancing students’ career readiness while promoting health and wellness in the wider community.
UTAR seals partnership with AMD Global Services (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
UTAR continues to strengthen its holistic and industry-relevant education with another memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed with AMD Global Services (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd on 8 August 2025 in Penang. The partnership focuses on joint research projects, knowledge sharing, curriculum enhancement, staff exchanges, and industry-relevant seminars. Students will benefit from industrial visits, placements, and hands-on learning, while staff gain professional development opportunities. The collaboration will also support graduate employability, recruitment, and community outreach.
This MoU marks a significant step in bridging academia and industry, ensuring students are well-prepared for careers in high-performance computing and semiconductor technologies.
UTAR and Samaiden Group bring solar energy to welfare home in Gopeng
On 9 August 2025, UTAR and Samaiden Group Berhad launched a CSR initiative “Shine Bright with Solar Energy” at Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim/Miskin Dahikmah, Gopeng. The project saw the commissioning of a 14.715 kWp rooftop solar PV system with 27 panels, expected to cut annual carbon emissions by 14 tCO₂e and reduce electricity bills by nearly 89%.
The initiative builds on the MoU signed between UTAR and Samaiden on 17 January 2024, reinforcing commitments to sustainability, community engagement, and the UN SDGs. The collaboration not only supports the welfare home’s long-term operations but also promotes green awareness among the younger generation.
NTTU visits UTAR to strengthen ties and explore new partnership opportunities
On 12 August 2025, UTAR welcomed delegates from National Taitung University (NTTU), led by Vice President Prof Chin Ling-ling, to Kampar Campus. The visit aimed to reconnect and strengthen ties while exploring new avenues for collaboration. Both parties exchanged institutional overviews and highlighted potential areas of cooperation, including student exchange, dual master’s degree programmes, ESG/SDG-related initiatives, research collaboration, publications, internships, and joint international conferences.
The meeting also featured presentations on UTAR’s New Village Community Project, showcasing its international collaborations, e-commerce initiatives, and CARE grading system.
MoU with Plan B Physio Sdn Bhd for academic-industry collaboration
On 14 August 2025, UTAR signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Plan B Physio Sdn Bhd at Sungai Long Campus, marking a new milestone in bridging academia and industry in physiotherapy and allied health sciences.
The collaboration focuses on professional training, curriculum enhancement, staff development, student industry exposure, and career advancement. UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat stressed the importance of industry-academia synergy to nurture future-ready graduates and meet Malaysia’s growing demand for physiotherapists.
UTAR and Care Concierge renew MoU to strengthen collaboration in elder care and health sciences
On 18 August 2025, UTAR renewed its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with My Care Concierge Sdn Bhd at Sungai Long Campus. The collaboration focuses on joint research, specialised training in eldercare and therapy, student industrial attachments, and curriculum development to address the needs of Malaysia’s ageing population.
The renewal reflects both institutions’ shared vision to nurture competent, compassionate graduates and contribute to society’s well-being.
UTAR and partners host the 8th Malaysia–China Twin Parks Seminar to advance innovation and cooperation
On 19 August 2025, UTAR, together with key partners from Malaysia and China, successfully hosted the 8th Malaysia–China Twin Parks Seminar at the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel. Themed Fostering Innovation for a Shared Future, the seminar gathered government officials, academics, and industry leaders to strengthen bilateral cooperation under the Malaysia–China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) and China–Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park (CMQIP).
Supported by ACCCIM and leading corporations, the seminar highlighted key achievements, including MCKIP’s industrial output surpassing RMB100 billion and CMQIP’s 345 signed projects. The event featured keynote addresses, high-level forums, and 24 academic paper presentations, focusing on innovation, digital transformation, cross-border trade, and sustainable industries. This year’s seminar reaffirmed the Twin Parks’ role as a model for Belt and Road cooperation, advancing economic growth, academic exchanges, and shared prosperity between Malaysia and China.
UTAR and UNIMED ink MoU to strengthen academic collaboration
On 26 August 2025, UTAR signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Universitas Negeri Medan (UNIMED), Indonesia, at Sungai Long Campus to strengthen academic ties and cross-border collaboration.
The MoU outlines collaboration in academic and student exchanges, joint research, and curriculum development, fostering opportunities for talent cultivation and intercultural understanding. Presentations on language education by UNIMED delegates further enriched the discussions. Both universities expressed confidence that the partnership would enhance capacity building and open new pathways for academic excellence.
This MoU reflects UTAR’s commitment to expanding its global strategic partnerships, creating impactful opportunities in education, research, and international engagement.
UTAR Vice President highlights Malaysia’s higher education excellence at China conference
Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Vice President (Internationalisation and Academic Development) of UTAR, recently attended the 2025 Development Conference of Characteristic Electronic Information Universities in Nanjing, China. Organised by Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications (NJUPT), the conference brought together leading academic institutions, government officials, and industry leaders to discuss collaborative strategies for advancing education and innovation in the electronic information sector.
During the main forum on 10 July 2025, Prof Goi delivered a keynote speech titled Belt and Road: The Malaysian Higher Education System, Advantages and Future Prospects, in which he outlined the strengths of Malaysia’s education system. He highlighted the country’s dual-track model, which combines 20 public and 382 private institutions, offering flexible pathways such as twinning programmes and international credit transfers. He also emphasised UTAR’s growing global reputation, including its QS Asia ranking of #131 and its 5+ Stars rating, as well as its self-accreditation status under Malaysia’s rigorous Quality Assurance Framework (MQA). Prof Goi underscored Malaysia’s appeal as an education hub, citing the significant presence of 33,216 Chinese students in 2024. He also discussed future-ready initiatives such as micro-credentials and AI-integrated curricula under Malaysia’s 2026–2036 Education Blueprint.