During his state visit to China, Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim attended a ceremony to rename the Beijing-based Chair of Malay studies after him. Zhou Jiaxin has more.
Having a dedicated chair in Malay studies in China has been considered a testament to the continued interest in the Malay language among native Chinese speakers. Renaming it the Sultan Ibrahim Chair of Malay Studies was officially announced during the new King's first state visit to China. The inauguration of the academic chair at Beijing Foreign Studies University highlights the enduring friendship between Malaysia and China.
JIA WENJIAN President, Beijing Foreign Studies University "Up to now, we have educated 390 alumni. They're now working in different areas such as culture, education and foreign affairs, trade and economics, contributing to our relations and friendship between our two peoples."
A Malaysian instructor with a Beijing-based international education institute said the monumental event is not only to celebrate the 50th anniversary diplomatic ties this year.
JOANNA JOHAMI Instructional Leader, Daystar Academy Beijing "Our Malaysian students are able to come to China and expand their learning opportunities. But more than that, I think it gives opportunity for Chinese student to come to Malaysia to understand each other. And it is monumental for a continued partnership."
Data shows an estimated 10, 000 Malaysian students studied in China in 2023, and the numbers are set to increase thanks to the affordable costs, generous scholarships and the growing prestige of Chinese universities. Zhou Jiaxin, CGTN, Beijing.