Universiti Malaya (UM) recently welcomed a distinguished delegation from Tsinghua University, led by its Vice President, Professor Yang Bin. The visit allowed for an discussion on possible avenues for cooperation, including the establishment of a UM-Tsinghua Institute. Both sides also looked at potential opportunities to create a rich educational landscape that strengthens the two world-renowned universities' academic and research collaboration.
The delegation was led by Tsinghua University's Vice President, accompanied by senior faculty members aim to foster greater academic exchange and open new pathways in research, student and staff mobility, and collaborative development in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors research between the two universities.
According to the Vice-Chancellor of UM, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, preliminary discussions have started on the possibilities of setting up of the UM-Tsinghua Institute to be based in UM, which will represent a transformative step in educational and research collaborations between UM and Tsinghua University.
“This centre/institute will enable students, researchers, and faculty from both institutions to explore new ideas, conduct joint research, and develop solutions to global challenges within a shared space. Additionally, through collaboration in critical sectors especially on Artificial Intelligence AI, semiconductors, and beyond, we are building an ecosystem that will equip our students and staff to become global leaders in their field, and in charting new breakthroughs in these critical areas that will produce joint positive impact to both universities and most importantly, to both nations.
“Additionally, the partnership between UM and Tsinghua University has already resulted in several impactful academic and research initiatives including Dual Master’s Degree Program (Faculty of Engineering), The 3+1+1 Articulation Program & Mobility Program (Faculty of Law), Upcoming Initiatives Between TIDREC and Tsinghua University and UM-THU Medical Research and Education Hub (Faculty of Medicine),” Professor Noor Azuan added.
The discussions that took place between UM Vice Chancellor and the top management of the university with the management of Tsinghua University also touched on the development and joint advancement of several key strategic areas which include financial technology, the semiconductor and chip industry, artificial intelligence and business and economic management. The Faculty of Business and Economics and the Faculty of Engineering from UM will lead the joint cooperation in these fields which is intended to produce resilient and lasting returns to the advancement of research and knowledge.
Professor Yang Bin also explained about the ecosystem of Tsinghua University where they have a dedicated and structured education offering from the primary and middle school level, in which the Tsinghua model and concept are applied in providing quality education to different young demographic segments in these schools.
UM vice chancellor expressed high appreciation for the model and system going on at Tsinghua University and expressed high interest in adapting a similar approach for Malaysia under the UM brand. This can be seen as the one that would likely change the course of this sector concerning the profound benefits it intends to reap for future generations of the country.
