KUCHING: The academic relationship between Sarawak and China has been significantly strengthened with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) receiving the RM40,000 Chinese Ambassador Scholarship.

The official ceremony was held at The Gallery DeTAR Putra, UNIMAS, on Monday.

The scholarship was presented by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing.

This award underscores China's continued commitment to supporting the development of higher education and expanding student exchange opportunities between the two nations.

The new scholarship fund is expected to greatly benefit UNIMAS students by enabling them to pursue international academic experiences, particularly at leading universities in China.

In his welcoming speech, UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit, highlighted the profound impact of UNIMAS's decade-long collaboration with Chinese educational institutions.

“Our partnership with China not only contributes to academic excellence and research, but also carries the vital mission of strengthening understanding, cooperation, and peace between our countries,” he stated.

"In a world facing complex global challenges, education and knowledge exchange are essential foundations for harmony and common progress," he added.

As part of his visit, Ouyang delivered a special lecture titled 'A Community with a Shared Future: A Path Toward Common Progress,' which emphasised the importance of global unity, common development, and the necessity of strengthening strategic cooperation between Malaysia and China.

This deepening network positions UNIMAS as a trusted strategic partner in China's higher education sector, ensuring continuous positive impact for both countries through knowledge sharing, joint projects, and cultural diplomacy.

Currently, UNIMAS maintains over 30 active collaborations with leading Chinese universities, notably through the establishment of UNIMAS Learning Centres in Xi'an and Qilu.

These centres function as strategic hubs for research and academic networking.

The ceremony concluded with a meaningful tree planting ceremony on the UNIMAS campus, symbolising the growth, continuity, and long-term commitment between the university and the People's Republic of China.

Also present were Ouyang's wife, Song Xiaomei, Chairman of the UNIMAS Board of Directors, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Kuching, Xing Weiping, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia, Ma Cuihong, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia, Lin Shiguang, and Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia, Zhao Changtao. - UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim