UMPSA Confucius Institute hosts international conference

PEKAN, 2 November 2023 – Nearly 50 lecturers and educators from across the country participated in the 2023 Malaysia Confucius Institute Conference and International Chinese Teachers Sharing Forum organized by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) at the Banquet Hall of UMPSA Pekan.

This conference served as a platform for scholars to share expertise among educators, exchanging experiences and Mandarin language education.

Present at the event were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia, Zhao Changtao, President of the China International Education Foundation (CIEF), China, Zhao Lingshan, Director of the Centre for International Relations, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Azmir Mohd Azhari, and Director of the Confucius Institute UMPSA, Yong Ying Mei.

During his speech at the Closing Ceremony of the Conference, Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad expressed special thanks to the China International Education Foundation (CIEF) and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia for their support of the Confucius Institute in Malaysia.

"Now, in Malaysia, there are seven Confucius Institutes, one Confucius Classroom, 14 Confucius Institute directors, and 23 international Chinese teachers participating in this programme, providing a platform for collaborative learning, innovation, and consensus-building.

"Diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China have developed comprehensively and deeply in various fields such as the economy and culture.

"It has not only enhanced the development of both countries but also benefited the people of both nations and made a positive contribution to regional development," he said.

He added that the presence of the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in Kuantan, Pahang, could enhance economic development and cultural exchange in Pahang.

"The role of the Confucius Institute UMPSA, established since 2018, has been beneficial in integrating Malaysia and China to enhance understanding and friendship between Malaysia and China by providing Mandarin language teaching and cultural exchanges, especially for local workers.

"In addition, CI UMPSA also provides Chinese language teaching and vocational skills training in TVET, which is a step forward for vocational education in Malaysia.

"Furthermore, CI UMPSA can realize their dreams, whether in cultural exchange activities, examinations, scholarship provision, delegations to China, and many more," he said.

He hopes that this cooperation can be further enhanced for the education between Malaysia and China.

Meanwhile, Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia, Zhao Changtao, congratulated UMPSA and all participants for the success of this conference.

"This conference is a momentum to strengthen China and Malaysia relations.

"May it continue as both countries celebrate the tenth anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

"I can see a broad impact on both countries, not only providing services to local economic development but also making a positive contribution to exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as education, culture, science and technology, and deepening the friendship between China and Malaysia," he said.

He also hopes that the Confucius Institute in this country will continue to grow successfully and play an important role for Malaysians to master the language and culture.

By: Nor Salwana Mohamad Idris, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)