As China and Malaysia mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, education emerges as a bridge to deeper cultural and economic ties.
KUALA LUMPUR: For Mr. Danial Chu, a 24-year-old from Kunming in China’s Yunnan province, studying in Malaysia was more than just an academic journey. After moving over 3,000 kilometers to attend the University of Malaya five years ago, he not only earned a degree but also became fluent in Malay.
“Although our nationalities are different, we can still be friends and have dynamic conversations,” Chu shared with CNA. Like all foreign students in Malaysia, he was required to study Malay in his first year. Chu, who also took Spanish cultural studies, quickly mastered the language and has since secured a job in Malaysia.
Chu believes Malaysia’s affordability makes it an attractive destination for Chinese students. “The tuition fees and cost of living are much lower than in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. Malaysia is quite cheap for them,” he noted.
He is part of a growing number of Chinese nationals choosing Malaysian universities. Last year, Chinese students accounted for 38% of the 110,000 foreign students in Malaysia. Meanwhile, about 4,000 Malaysians are pursuing studies in China, including some at Xiamen University Malaysia, the first overseas campus established by a Chinese public university.
Deepening Bilateral Ties Through Education and Culture
This educational exchange reflects the strengthening ties between China and Malaysia, as both countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, on his first official visit to Malaysia, is reinforcing these connections with pledges to deepen collaboration.
Cultural exchanges also play a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding. For example, Malaysian students at Sultan Idris Education University are learning traditional Chinese dance, while Chinese students like Wang Yi explore Malay folk dance, such as Zapin.
Wang, a 21-year-old from Ningxia, is an undergraduate at the University of Malaya. Trained in traditional Chinese dance, she appreciates the “jovial” nature of Malay dance. “Whenever the locals perform the dance, you can see that they are smiling from their hearts,” she said, adding that she hopes to bring a part of Malaysia’s culture back to China.
Faculty members emphasize the similarities between Chinese and Malay dance, noting shared elements of fluidity and grace. “Chinese dance is more like a spiral, breathing continuously like water—similar to the calmness and groundedness of Malay dance,” said lecturer Fauzi Amiruddin.
Looking Ahead
Analysts suggest these exchanges will strengthen ties between the two nations. “These students, when they get to know one another, may eventually establish enterprises and joint projects,” said Dr. Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.
The growing trend of Chinese students studying in Malaysia and Malaysians exploring Chinese culture highlights the role of education and cultural exchange in fostering closer bilateral relations.
