USM, PENANG, 20 November 2016 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail recently received a courtesy call from a three-member delegation from Xiamen University China led by its Vice-President Professor Dr. Wu Daguang.

Among the matters discussed were the possibility of both institutions developing a partnership in line with the China government’s Belt and Road Initiative with the aim of providing a more liberal and multi-dimensional structure of regional cooperation including science and innovation.

“One of the identified areas of collaboration is in higher education, where the National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN) will take lead. More potential areas of collaboration will be identified in the near future,” said Asma.

Wu Daguang who was delighted to meet the USM Vice-Chancellor again said, “We are very happy to be able to make this courtesy visit in return of Datuk Asma’s visit to Xiamen University on 12-13 May 2016 when she was the Director-General of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.”

Besides Wu Daguang, Xiamen University delegation comprised Assistant President for International Affairs, Professor Dr. Tan Shaobin and Programme Coordinator of the International Office, Zheng Zhaoyang while USM was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Professor Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Dato’ Dr. Muhamad Jantan; Director of USM International Collaboration Office Professor Dr. Lee Keat Teong; young researchers from Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), School of Chemical Sciences and Analytical Biochemistry Research Centre (ABrC).

Besides USM, the Xiamen University delegation will also visit Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP).

For the record, Xiamen University is the first university from China which opened its campus overseas. The Xiamen University Malaysia Campus is situated in Sepang, Selangor and took in its first batch of local students early this year.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe / Photo: Prof. Lee Keat Teong