Shoulder to shoulder: Prof Yatimah, Chang and Ouyang (third, fourth and fifth from left, respectively) posing for a photo at the event. With them are (from left) Iskandar, Abdul Majit, Ngeow, Thomas and Nur Shahadah. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
CHINA’S remarkable growth and transformation achieved over a short period underscore the importance of studying its experiences, says Prof Dr Yatimah Alias.
The Universiti Malaya (UM) deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International) noted that several initiatives have been carried out at the varsity to engage with China and the broader Chinese cultural sphere. “UM was the first university in Malaysia, in the 1960s, to establish a Department of Chinese Studies, which has been instrumental in advancing research and teaching in classical Chinese culture and local Chinese studies.
“UM is also honoured to be the first Malaysian university to host the Confucius Institute, known as the Kong Zi Institute, dedicated to promoting the Chinese language and culture.
“Furthermore, UM is the only university in Malaysia to have established the Institute of China Studies (ICS), focused on the in-depth study of contemporary Chinese politics, economy, foreign relations and policy matters,” she said while delivering her welcome remarks at the “Ambassadorial Reflections Symposium: Celebrating 50 Years of Malaysia-China Relations”, held in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 30.
She added that UM has signed numerous memorandums of understanding and agreements with leading Chinese universities to strengthen academic ties and enrich both the academic and student communities.
“We look forward to expanding our collaboration with other distinguished academic institutions in China,” she said.
Prof Yatimah also said the varsity has taken a bold step forward beyond welcoming students from China – who now represent the largest group of international students at UM – by establishing its Global Education Centre in China.
“This initiative serves to expand UM’s educational offerings to benefit more students within China. In the near future, UM aspires to open a branch campus in China, making it the first Malaysian university to achieve this milestone,” she said.
Lauding UM’s initiatives, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said such proactive efforts are vital not only for the exchange of knowledge and expertise, but also to deepen collaboration between the two nations through joint research, academic exchanges and resource sharing.
“Malaysia and China share a deep and multifaceted relationship, grounded in common interests across key areas such as trade and investment, cultural and educational exchanges, cooperation in science and technology, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
“The growing number of Chinese students in Malaysia and Malaysian students pursuing their education in China will further strengthen the bonds between our countries,” he said during his opening speech. He also affirmed the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry’s (Mosti) commitment to advancing collaboration between the two nations.
“Through initiatives such as joint research projects, technology transfer, and innovation-driven partnerships, Mosti actively supports and facilitates collaborations with China.
“Our goal is to harness the power of science and technology to drive innovation that benefits both nations, whether in areas like renewable energy, advanced manufacturing or digital technologies,” he said.
In his speech, China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing highlighted the consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last year on building the China-Malaysia community with a shared future, as well as the president’s reaffirmation to strengthen China-Malaysia cooperation during the recent official visit to China by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Ouyang expressed China’s intention to enhance strategic alignment, upgrade pragmatic cooperation and promote high-quality Belt and Road Initiative projects.
“We will continue to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and further consolidate our bond and support for one another. Together, we can progress faster by integrating Chinese modernisation with Malaysia Madani,” he said.
Reflecting on the past 50 years of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, Ouyang summarised it in three Cs: community of mutual assistance, cooperation of shared benefits, and connection of hearts and minds.
“The past 50 years have seen flourishing people-to-people exchanges. Cooperation between local governments, joint programmes in science and education, and events to promote tourism and culture have boomed.
“China and Malaysia have established 18 pairs of sister cities. In Malaysia, Xiamen University’s first overseas campus was set up in Selangor; seven Confucius Institutes and one Confucius Classroom are running smoothly; over 47,000 Chinese students are studying in Malaysian higher learning institutions.
“In China, the China-Malaysia Research Centre and the Sultan Ibrahim Chair of Malay Studies were set up in Beijing Foreign Studies University,” he noted.
Organised by the ICS with support from the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, the “Ambassadorial Reflections Symposium: Celebrating 50 Years of Malaysia-China Relations” featured two former Malaysian ambassadors to China: Malaysia-China Friendship Association president Datuk Abdul Majit Ahmad Khan and One Belt One Road Association president Datuk Iskandar Sarudin.
Joining them as panel speakers were Institute of Strategic & International Studies Malaysia senior fellow Thomas Daniel, and UM ICS director Assoc Prof Dr Ngeow Chow Bing.
The panel shared insights based on the theme “Malaysia-China relations: Reflecting on a mutually beneficial partnership and shaping future trajectories”. Moderating the session was UM ICS senior lecturer Dr Nur Shahadah Jamil.
