Malaysian student Bong Meen Szer was thrilled to find out that her alma
mater, Xiamen University in Fujian province, is going to establish a campus in
her motherland.
"It is good news for Malaysian students that another prestigious overseas
university is coming to our country, providing more choices," she said, adding
that it will be a great opportunity for local students to experience a global
education.
Like Xiamen University, Chinese universities are gradually taking the first
steps across the border to showcase Chinese ideas and culture. They first eye
stops at the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Chinese and ASEAN top education officials are encouraging more Chinese
universities to reach out, conducting international cooperation programs and
opening overseas campuses in ASEAN countries, aiming to enhance higher education
cooperation.
During the seventh China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week, held in Guizhou
province in the first week of September, education officials from China and
ASEAN countries exchanged ideas on enhancing higher education cooperation.
The overseas campuses of Chinese universities include Suzhou University in
Laos, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Xiamen University in
Malaysia, Hao Ping, deputy education minister of China, said at the opening
ceremony on Monday.
Hao said such exploration will improve higher education development in China
and Southeast Asian countries, allow sharing of resources and benefit education
as a whole in the Sino-ASEAN region.
By the end of last year, the number of Chinese students studying in ASEAN
countries exceeded 110,000. A total of 70,000 students from ASEAN countries are
studying in China.
Nasir bin Mat Dam, the deputy secretary-general of development of higher
education of Malaysia's Education Ministry, said that the forum provides an
opportunity for ASEAN countries and China to discuss challenges facing
cross-border education.
With more global communication in the higher education field, the demands in
terms of global education - including transferring credits and clarifying the
degree and diploma system - are increasing, he said.