BINTULU: Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB), the only research university in Borneo, is endeavouring to expand its global network in Guilin, China.
A delegation from the Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science of the university recently participated in discussions in Guilin aimed at exploring potential collaborations in student and staff exchange programmes, including postgraduate opportunities.
Led by the Dean of the faculty, Associate Professor Dr Wong Tze Jin, the visit introduced UPMKB as a destination for higher education.
According to Assoc Prof Wong, this exposure is crucial in establishing UPMKB as a prestigious higher education hub.
Among the universities visited during the trip were Guilin University of Technology (GUT), Guilin University of Aerospace Technology (GUAT), and Guilin University of Electronic Technology (GUET).
The UPMKB delegation also toured the laboratories and infrastructures of these universities to observe the research and learning facilities provided.
Additionally, he mentioned that the visit provided a clearer understanding of the potential for research and technological development collaborations.
“The discussions with these universities not only provided exposure to higher education institutions in Guilin but also opened opportunities for them to understand the challenges and opportunities available for students there,” he said in a statement.
He added that the discussions also involved planning mobility programs that would facilitate student and academic staff exchanges between UPMKB and universities in Guilin.
He stressed that these programmes should provide opportunities for students to gain international experience and enhance their professional networks.
“UPMKB is the only research university in Borneo and hopes to establish closer collaborations with universities in Guilin for the benefit of students in the future.
“It consistently supports efforts to encourage collaboration between international higher education institutions to support Sarawak’s aspiration to become a respected higher education hub globally,” Assoc Prof Wong said.
The delegation also included Dr Alvin Lim Teik Zheng from the Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science UPMKB, and Muhammad Syafiq Farhan Boo Omar Boo, Section Head of Mobility, International Centre Putra (i-PUTRA) UPM.
