7 November 2016 marked a significant milestone in the history of TAR UC as another international joint collaboration was initiated and this time, it was with the globally prestigious Tsinghua University in China. A Memorandum of Understanding ('MoU') signing ceremony to formalise the collaboration took place at TAR UC's Auditorium which would see both institutions engaging in cooperative educational and research activities for the mutual benefit of both sides.
Through the sealing of this partnership, TAR UC would annually recommend 20 Pre-University students achieving excellent A-Level results for Tsinghua University's undergraduate admission with scholarships provided by TARCian Alumni Association. Besides that, TAR UC would also invite faculty members of the School of Architecture and Department of Civil Engineering of Tsinghua University as visiting professors. In addition, seminars, academic meetings and summer programmes would be jointly organised either in Tsinghua University or TAR UC, among others. The MoU also provides an avenue for student mobility between the two institutions and opportunities for joint research in the fields of mutual interest to both universities.
The MoU signing was graced by Dato' Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, TARC Education Foundation, Chairman of the Board of Governors, TAR UC and Minister of Transport, Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok, President of TAR UC, Professor Dr Qiu Yong, President of Tsinghua University and Ms Ma Jia, d'ChargéAffaires a.i. of the Embassy of China in Malaysia with a strong crowd of spectators consisting of TAR UC students, staff, alumni, as well as the media.
In his opening address, Datuk Dr Tan said: "This MoU paves the way for TAR UC, as a premier educational institution in Malaysia, to have the privilege and opportunity to collaborate with the prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. With a history spanning over 105 years, Tsinghua University clearly has amassed a very impressive list of achievements while compared to TAR UC which is only in its 47th year in existence. However, we hope by collaborating with Tsinghua University, TAR UC will make tremendous progress within the next 50 years to reach the stature of Tsinghua University."
Dato' Sri Liow, in his speech, commended the collaboration between the two universities. He said: "There is no better way to achieve in-depth understanding of China market than by obtaining education in China which will allow one to understand the culture and local knowledge. This will give Malaysians a competitive advantage over others in gaining a foothold in the Chinese market. The collaboration between TAR UC and Tsinghua University is certainly laudable and timely when the bilateral ties between China and Malaysia are at their strongest as this will develop many young Malaysians to be culturally savvy and well-versed in China market."
Professor Dr Qiu Yong, on the other hand, expressed his hope to receive students from TAR UC to join Tsinghua University. "We hope excellent TAR UC A-Level students will make Tsinghua University their choice institution to pursue their tertiary education. We also look forward to having closer interaction and exchanges between staff and students of both institutions with a view to learning from each other and promoting growth in our friendship." He also lightheartedly added that he believed the two institutions had the chemistry to collaborate together.
The MoU was signed by Assoc Prof Dr Ng Swee Chin, Vice President of TAR UC and Prof Yang Bin, Provost and Vice President of Tsinghua University with Dato' Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Ms Ma Jia, Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok, and Professor Dr Qiu Yong witnessing the signing.
