ENVOY: TIME TO FORGE CLOSER TIES
Xiamen University Malaysia mirrors strong relationship, says Chinese ambassador
CHINESE ambassador to Malaysia Dr Huang Huikang yesterday announced 2017 as the year to deepen diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia.
He said the Xiamen University Malaysia has become an iconic symbol reflecting the strong ties between the two countries.
“Malaysia is a good neighbour and a good friend. The relationship between the two countries is at its best now,” he said at the presentation of the 2016 Chinese Ambassador Scholarship Awards to 10 Malaysian students studying at the Xiamen University Malaysia.
Huang added that students at the university could become the “ambassadors” to strengthen the ties between China and Malaysia.
He said the Chinese government would fully support efforts to elevate the university into a world class learning institution.
Xiamen University Malaysia president Professor Wang Ruifang said since its official opening in February 2016, the university had received tremendous attention and favourable responses.
“Currently, the total number of students has surged to approximately 1,500. The number is expected to reach 2,000 at the end of April this year and 3,000 or so at the end of September,” he said.
To the 10 recipients of the Chinese Ambassador scholarships, Wang urged them to live up to the university's expectations and be a role model to others .
One of the recipients was Liew Yi Yang, 23, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international business.
The Petaling Jaya student said he had visited the Xiamen University main campus in China about three years ago while he was scouting for a university and was impressed.
“Once I have graduated, I want to become a specialist in logistics, especially in the shipping industry and build networks with new trading partners,” said Liew, who scored a 3.77 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) in last year’s examination.