Another Step Forward Towards Investing in Minds

Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), and Eastern Steel Sdn Bhd (ESSB) jointly launched a tripartite cross-border talent development programme on 30 July 2024. The Malaysia-China (University-Industry Collaboration) Talent Development Programme Batch 1 Opening Ceremony was graced by Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, Chairman of the Board of Governors (BOG) of TAR UMT, accompanied by Mr Wong Cheng Siung, member of the BOG of TAR UMT, Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT, Prof Yu Chengwen, Vice Chancellor of USTB, Mr Wang Shenghua, CEO of ESSB and Datuk Tee Choon Hock, Director of ESSB.

The programme will pave the way for 13 TAR UMT students to pursue their programme of choice with sponsorships from ESSB and USTB. Five out of the 13 students will be pursuing their bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering which is a twinning programme, spending their first two years in TAR UMT and the remaining two years in USTB. Meanwhile, the remaining eight students will be pursuing their bachelor's degree in accounting and finance at TAR UMT. 

Tan Sri Chan, in his speech, expressed, " This event is not just a formality but a significant milestone for our students as they will embark on a new university journey, facing new challenges and opportunities. I hope our students benefitting from this programme will cherish this valuable opportunity and fully experience the wonderful campus life to continuously improve their professional skills and comprehensive qualities."

Professor Yu Chengwen stated, "This collaboration is a model of educational exchanges between China and Malaysia and an important effort for us to jointly cultivate international talents. We believe that through the joint efforts of all partners, this initiative will become a highlight for educational cooperation and contributions towards talent cultivation for both countries and even the global community."

Mr Wang Shenghua, in his speech, highlighted, "I am happy to see the launch of today’s collaboration which is an ongoing effort spearheaded by ESSB in 2022 when we proposed an international talent cultivation plan, especially to produce professional talents in fields such as steel metallurgy. Throughout these two years, we visited many secondary schools in East and West Malaysia to identify outstanding students who met the criteria to join the programme and today, we can award the selected students with scholarships to complete the programme. I hope the students will make the best of the opportunity given to them where they will be able to contribute back to the country, particularly in the steel industry.”

He also highlighted that among the interesting things the five students selected for the metallurgical engineering programme will be learning is how to manufacture 5G steel, with a minimum thickness of 0.07 mm, mainly used for 5G base station signal receivers, signal transmission filters, and integrated circuit boards.

Ng Jun Zhi is one of the five students who shared his appreciation during the ceremony. "On behalf of all of us, the students, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to ESSB. It is because of ESSB’s generous support that we can successfully enter the university of our choice and study our favourite major. This programme not only waives our tuition fees which reduces the financial burden on our families but more importantly, it gives us the motivation and courage to pursue our dreams."

"As a metallurgy student, I have the privilege of studying in TAR UMT and USTB. I firmly believe that the learning experience at both universities will not only enrich my knowledge but also broaden my horizons and lay a solid foundation for my future development."