MARA, SJTU Ink MoU To Boost Malaysia-China Education Cooperation

From Mohd Hisham Abdul Rafar

SHANGHAI, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic, research and cultural cooperation between Malaysia and China.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who described the partnership as a new chapter in Malaysia-China higher education collaboration and a key step in supporting MARA’s global education agenda.

In his speech, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, expressed appreciation to SJTU chairman Yang Zhenbin and the university’s leadership for their warm welcome and commitment to advancing educational ties.

“It is indeed a great honour to be here at one of the top universities in China, and among the most prestigious institutions in the world. SJTU’s global reputation for excellence in engineering, science, medicine, and innovation is well known, and we in Malaysia hold this institution in the highest regard.

“The signing of this MoU between MARA and SJTU represents a new chapter in our educational collaboration, one that will open meaningful opportunities for both our institutions and our nations,” he said.

Also present were MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi and other Malaysian officials.

The MoU was signed by MARA Sponsorship Division Deputy Director Maizatul Akma Mohd and Member of the CPC SJTU Standing Committee, Director, Publicity Department, Yu Zhaoyang.

Ahmad Zahid said the main objective of the MoU is to establish strategic collaboration in academic development, research and capacity building, in support of MARA’s global education agenda.

He said MARA aims to leverage SJTU’s expertise in engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), computer science, medicine and maritime studies, through the proposed establishment of a Technical Advisory Committee focusing on data analytics, green technology and research commercialisation via joint seminars, professional training and benchmarking programmes.

Both sides also welcomed opportunities for academic staff exchange and training, including SJTU academics delivering lectures or residencies at MARA institutions, while MARA lecturers undergo training at SJTU to strengthen expertise in quantum technology, aerospace engineering and biomedical sciences.

The collaboration will include student mobility and exchange programmes such as semester exchanges, summer or winter schools and research internships.

These initiatives will allow MARA students to gain exposure to SJTU’s advanced research ecosystem, while SJTU students may visit Malaysia for industry training and ASEAN-focused programmes to promote cross-cultural understanding.

Ahmad Zahid also hoped that special tuition fee arrangements or discounts for MARA-sponsored students, through fixed discounts, special fee categories or merit-based waivers, would be explored to ensure sustainable financial planning and expand access to world-class education for Bumiputera students.

He also outlined plans for joint research and teaching collaboration focusing on AI, sustainable energy, biotechnology, smart cities, digital manufacturing and maritime technology, including joint supervision of postgraduate students and co-publications.

On funding support, Ahmad Zahid said both institutions will explore co-sponsorship and scholarship opportunities, including merit-based scholarships, laboratory grants and fee reductions, to improve access for Malaysian scholars to world-class research environments.

He also welcomed future initiatives such as cultural immersion, language learning, student leadership development and entrepreneurship incubation to strengthen long-term Malaysia-China academic and cultural ties.

“I am confident that today’s MoU will serve as a foundation for a transformative partnership between MARA and SJTU as one that empowers students, enhances research collaboration, and fosters enduring friendship between our two nations,” he said.

SJTU is ranked 45th among the top global universities, and currently, there are about 235 Malaysian students studying at the university.

-- BERNAMA