Xiamen University Malaysia Campus A Testament To Robust Malaysia-China Ties

By Linda Khoo Hui Li

CYBERJAYA, May 28 (Bernama) – As Malaysia and China celebrate their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Xiamen University Malaysia Campus (XMUM) stands as a testament to the robust ties between the two nations.

Located in Kota Warisan, Sepang, Selangor, about 45 kilometres from Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, XMUM is the first overseas branch campus of a prestigious Chinese university. It fosters educational cooperation and cultural exchange, aiming to nurture future leaders who will solidify the Malaysia-China bond.

XMUM has become more than just a place of learning; it serves as a bridge facilitating cultural exchange and deepening understanding between the two nations, and the unique institution strengthens the relationship between Malaysia and China, acting as a pillar of friendship for years to come.

In a historic move underscoring the strong ties between the two nations, Malaysia invited Xiamen University to establish a branch campus in 2013, marking the first time the Chinese government allowed one of its universities to establish an overseas campus.

Since welcoming its first students in 2016, XMUM has rapidly grown into a recognised centre for research and academic excellence in Malaysia. Its emergence as a thriving institution reflects the blossoming relationship between Malaysia and China, and serves as a testament to their continued cooperation.

XMUM President Professor Wang Ruifang described the establishment of XMUM as an act of historical reciprocation.

According to him, Xiamen University was founded by the great philanthropist Tan Kah Kee in 1921. Tan, born in Xiamen, China, achieved his business success in Malaysia and Singapore. He established various educational institutions and dedicated all his wealth to the noble cause of education.

"In 2013, when Xiamen University received an invitation from the Malaysian government to establish a branch campus in Malaysia, we considered it a meaningful endeavour.

“It was our aim to bring our educational resources back to the place where our founder had achieved his business success and to establish an outstanding higher education institution there of which we can be proud.

"We also aspire to contribute to Malaysia’s strategic goal of becoming a regional education hub while enriching the higher education landscape in Malaysia," he told Bernama.

At present, XMUM has a student enrollment of more than 7,500 students from 44 countries and regions, including 4,400 Malaysians and 2,220 Chinese, as well as 850 students from Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the United States, Canada, Argentina, Egypt, Zambia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

In September 2019, the first batch of 371 graduates received their bachelor’s degree certificates awarded by Xiamen University, and last year, 1,455 students from 17 undergraduate and four postgraduate programmes graduated from XMUM.

By the end of 2024, the total cumulative number of XMUM graduates is expected to reach 6,300.

XMUM offers 23 undergraduate degree programmes, 11 master’s programmes, six PhD programmes, as well as two foundation programmes at Malaysia’s campus.

Wang said XMUM is registered as a private university in Malaysia and strives to build the branch campus into a non-profit institution with the honourable intention of giving back to society.

"In our commitment to upholding Tan’s spirit of selfless dedication to the noble cause of education, XMUM annually awards more than RM 30 million in scholarships to our students based on various criteria.

"In the future, any surplus of the university will not be channelled back to China but will be reinvested in the Malaysian branch campus for student scholarships, research funding, and further development of XMUM.

"We believe that our strong commitment to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow will enable us to become a stable and long-lasting pillar of friendship between Malaysia and China," he said.

Wang said XMUM's programmes are designed to offer both strong job opportunities and future career growth by considering both the academic strengths of Xiamen University's programmes and the talent needs of the Malaysian job market.

He highlighted that XMUM offers two bachelor's degree programs – International Business and E-Commerce – where students learn about doing business in China. Upon graduation, they can apply this knowledge to career options related to trading with China and the broader economic cooperation between Malaysia and China.

“We believe that they would contribute to the further strengthening of the economic ties between Malaysia and China,” he said.

To enhance educational opportunities and cross-cultural exchanges, Wang said China’s  Education Ministry has given XMUM a quota of recruiting 500 students from China via the National College Entrance Examination.

“This strong support and recognition from the Chinese government is further evidenced by the more than 2,200 students from China currently studying at XMUM. At present, our campus boasts a diverse student body of over 7,500 students from 44 countries.

“Through interaction, students learn from each other, gaining a deep understanding of each other's cultures and traditions. This fosters the development of individuals with a global perspective and strong cross-cultural communication skills. They will become bridges for mutual understanding and pillars for lasting friendship between Malaysia and China,” he said.

Wang said XMUM strived to nurture young talents with strong cross-cultural communication skills and an appreciation and understanding of each other’s culture.

"We want them to become exemplary citizens of the region who will contribute to the prosperity and social progress of both Malaysia and China. We expect them to facilitate stronger and richer educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

"Through their shared experience studying together on this beautiful campus, students will learn from each other, appreciate and respect each other's cultures, and build lifelong friendships. These bonds will serve as lasting bridges between Malaysia and China,” he said.

-- BERNAMA