Language no barrier: (Front row) Deputy Chief of Mission in Beijing Norfarina Mohd Aznee (third from left), Norman (fourth from left) and director of Education Malaysia-Beijing Sallehuddin Mohd Dilif (fifth from left).
BFSU pioneers Malay language studies in China varsities
BEIJING: The convocation ceremony for the 22 Chinese students who graduated from the Malay Studies programme at the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) saw a speech delivered in Malay.
During the ceremony held at the university on Friday, Malaysian ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad gave a speech in Malay.
This marked the first time that a speech was delivered in Malay at BFSU, witnessed by nearly 3,000 graduates from various fields.
In his speech, Norman said 17 higher education institutions throughout China are currently offering Malay language studies.
“All of this would certainly be difficult to achieve without BFSU as the founding institution that continuously supports other university partners.
“Remembering BFSU’s longstanding contributions, it has inspired my presence here today to express Malaysia’s gratitude to the university,” he said.
This year, in addition to the 22 Chinese students, 35 Malaysian students graduated from BFSU.
The Malay Studies programme was set up in BFSU in China in 1961, and the Malaysia-China Malay Studies Chair has been in place since 2007.
The Malaysian government designated BFSU as a centre for Malay language development in China in 2014.
Norman also encouraged the enhancement of student exchange programmes through “edutourism” or educational tourism as a beneficial initiative, supporting both countries’ efforts in promoting youth exchanges.
He said that language and culture should not only be studied theoretically but also be deeply experienced and internalised through practical experiences.
“In today’s world, which is facing various challenges and global issues, the principle of ‘excellence with a soul’ is crucial in building national and regional resilience as well as forming sustainable policies.
“Students should not only rely on academic excellence but also balance it with personal character development and a spirit of active participation in community activities.
“This is in line with the concept of ‘Community of the Shared Future’ advocated by President Xi Jinping,” said Norman.
He also thanked China for its confidence in Malaysia’s education system and for making the country a preferred destination for further studies.
