30 junior students from the International Business (IB) program (English Medium Instruction) of International School, Huaqiao University (HQU) wrapped up a three-month (Sep 26- Dec 31, 2023) exchange study at University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia. They said, “the exchange program offered us an opportunity to immerse ourselves in UTAR academic environment and local life. By actively engaging in practical activities, we’ve developed essential skills that go beyond theoretical knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding and retention of complex concepts in IB operations. In this process we not only improve the cross-cultural communications competence for global business, but also present China to the world through our concrete actions.”

Founded by the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA, the largest Chinese political party in Malaysia), UTAR is a research university and a distinguished institution in Malaysia known for its business programs.

HQU started its partnership with UTAR in 2012. In Nov. 2019, in response to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the intercollegiate cooperation agreement, the International School of HQU and the School of Accountancy and Management of UTAR agreed on an exchange program tailored for the BRI International Business innovative talents. The inaugural spring session kicked off online in 2021 due to the COVID-19.

In 2023 fall, the first onsite session was launched. The 30 students, as the first batch of the program arrived Malaysia.

Welcome Ceremony

At the UTAR, students took six IB courses including “Corporate Governance”, “Operation Management”, “International Business Practical Training”, “Innovation and Corporate Culture”, “International Business Management and Innovation”, and “Commercial Banking and Operation”. In addition to theoretical study, they visited some multinational corporations including Huawei Malaysia, MCKIP (Malaysia-China Kuantan Industry Park), Maybank, and Agoda, as well as traditional Malaysian enterprises such as Kicap Bentong Sdn. Bhd. and Heritaste, and gained valuable insights into operational modes and local industrial development.

Attending Class Sessions

HQU Exchange Students

Students Communicating with Local Enterprise Staff

Studying in Malaysia offered these students great opportunities to promote fine traditional Chinese culture and tell China’s stories well. They shared Chinese delicious food with local students at parties, discussing with them the differences between Chinese and Malaysia cuisine. They told their Malaysian friends about China’s wedding customs when invited to Malaysian wedding ceremonies. On their tours to local enterprises, HQU students were proud to showcase the charm of Chinese culture. In addition, students welcomed the local people they met in their journey to visit China, and experience China’s long history, splendid culture and historic cities.

(Editor: Weilinying)