20 Aug 2023
On the 17th of August, Dr. Phelim Yong Voon Chen, School Head, Dr. Yap Wei Hsum and Dr. Mah Siau Hui, Program Directors School of Biosciences, Taylor’s University, Malaysia visited the School of Science, at XJTLU to complete a formal agreement for international partnership and scientific collaboration between the two institutions.
Professor John Moraros, Dean of the School of Science, Professor Zhoulin Ruan, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Professor Li Yang, Associate Dean of Research and Impact and faculty members of the School of Science, XJTLU participated in the celebratory ceremony and signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the meeting. It was an auspicious occasion and both parties agreed to carry out close cooperation in teaching initiatives and scientific research in the near future.
Taylor’s University is the top-ranked private university in Southeast Asia. The School of Biosciences offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in basic science, food science and biomedical sciences, with a focus on food innovation, product development, cellular and molecular pharmacology and infectious diseases. The vision of the School aims to enrich human life through innovative education and excellence in bioscience research and expects to extend its signature projects such as the Summer Mobility Programme, Global Courses and Research Internships to the international stage.
"I'm super excited about this amazing opportunity to forge a new collaboration and strong relationship between our two prominent schools and institutions. This is another concrete step in our steadfast commitment to a roadmap that will lead our School of Science to become internationally recognized for its ability to conduct world-class, societally–impactful research, deliver an outstanding educational experience to our students and be acknowledged as a leader in global engagement."Professor John Moraros said.
In the meeting, Dr. Chen first introduced the basic information about the School of Biosciences at Taylor’s University, followed by Dr. Yap Wei Hsum, the program director of the Biotechnology programme, who focused on the exchange programme that attracts a wide range of students from all over the world.
Dr Chen expressed his great pleasure to visit XJTLU and be able to connect and have the opportunity to explore potential collaborations between the two schools and universities. He stated “I think at this age, there's a focus more on internationalization and globalization, so I always tell our students that if I can't bring you to the world, I will bring the world to you, that's why we have changed the curriculum to try out some great projects including the Global Classroom and the Summer Mobility Programme.”
Professor John Moraros, Dean of the School of Science, XJTLU shared highlights of the outstanding academic programmes offered in Biology, Chemistry and Health and Environmental Sciences and the significant scientific research achievements of the School. Dr Lifeng Ding from the Department of Chemistry, introduced the specific teaching and research direction of each department in the School.
The two sides cordially discussed the existing synergies between their respective academic units and institutions and explored opportunities for shared teaching, joint supervision of MRes and PhD students, pursuit of interdisciplinary research initiatives, student and faculty mobility/exchange efforts and talent cultivation. This is an exciting international partnership between the two sister schools and institutions that promises a bright future.
After the meeting, Dr. Phelim Yong Voon Chen, Dean of the School of BioSciences, Taylor’s University, Dr. Yap Wei Hsum, and Dr. Mah Siau Hui toured the School of Science to visit the daily teaching spaces, research laboratories and impressive facilities.
“I would envision that our partnership together with the School of Science, XJTLU will be a very fruitful one. Because I think we share the same values and the same passion to action in terms of what we believe to be our commitment to internationalization, research collaboration and student mobility and success” Dr Chen said.
By Luyao Wang
20 Aug 2023