In May 2024, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations and the "China-Malaysia Friendship Year," 87 Malaysian students at Tianjin University (TJU) jointly wrote to Chinese President Xi Jinping to share their study and life experiences in China and express their commitment to promoting China-Malaysia friendship.
"China and Malaysia are neighbors bonded by millennia, friends who connect heart-to-heart, and partners striving for mutual success," President Xi remarked, highlighting the profound friendship between the two nations. In their exchange of congratulatory messages, Chinese President Xi Jinping and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, specifically mentioned the story of these TJU Malaysian students: "It is heartening to see the cause of bilateral friendship being carried forward by the next generation."
As of 2024, Tianjin University hosts over 600 Malaysian students, with annual admissions exceeding 100—making it one of China's top universities for Malaysian student enrollment. Among these, more than 200 have been cultivated by CoME.
In recent years, CoME has achieved record-breaking international student enrollment while continuously optimizing its training programs and curriculum. Tailoring to students' academic interests, it offers specialized course modules and enriches postgraduate education with diverse practical activities including lectures, forums, business research, and internships. By incorporating China-specific case studies into classrooms, CoME actively deepens international students' understanding of China's economic, social, and cultural landscape.
From the historical legacy of Zheng He's seven maritime voyages with five stopovers in Malacca to the rich cultural exchanges in the new era, revisiting the China-Malaysia friendship stories shared by President Xi Jinping and listening to Malaysian students' voices, we gain deeper insight into the "unbreakable water-cut" bond between the two nations.
Chen Jinyong, an international student majoring in Information Management and Information Systems at CoME of TJU and one of the joint letter's authors, expressed: "We never expected the letter would receive a reply from President Xi—it was truly a wonderful surprise. Over the past year, this letter has greatly inspired us, reinforcing our belief that what we're doing is meaningful and can further promote China-Malaysia friendship."
Last year, Chen Jinyong actively engaged in social practice, completing a four-month internship at NetEase Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. "This internship gave me firsthand experience of the rapid development of Chinese corporate culture and technological innovation, while also sparking more ideas for promoting China-Malaysia business exchanges," Chen remarked. Through the internship, he observed the efficient management models and cutting-edge technologies of Chinese enterprises, recognizing the vast potential in China-Malaysia corporate collaboration. After graduation, he plans to join a Chinese enterprise in Malaysia to facilitate partnership expansion. "We hope to use the power of youth to sustain the friendship between our countries," he added.
The earnest aspirations reflected in these young students' clear eyes represent the vibrant new sprouts in the garden of China-Malaysia friendship.
From January 13 to 27, 2025, supported by the Tianjin Construction Industry Association and Tianjin University alumni, the "Concrete Dreams & Silk Road Navigation" practice team, led by CoME, visited Malaysia and two other Southeast Asian countries. They conducted on-site research at overseas projects by Chinese enterprises, including the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur project and Penang land reclamation project, witnessing how Chinese companies implement high-quality BRI development through localized operations and regional growth.
Shi Lifeng, the team leader, noted: "The Pavilion Mall project in Malaysia exemplifies innovation-driven construction techniques and rigorous safety management, while systematically cultivating local talent for faster operational localization. Through our field research, we observed how Chinese enterprises integrate deeply into overseas markets through professional excellence and community-rooted development philosophies."
The team found these projects actively contribute to local economic growth, industrial upgrading, and cultural integration. Companies like Huayou Cobalt not only practice sustainable development but also support local economic transformation through multiple channels, empowering high-quality BRI cooperation. Chinese enterprises further demonstrate social responsibility by promoting multicultural employee engagement and supporting local schools and cultural infrastructure.
Team member Wang Yihan shared: "Commissioned by the Tianjin Construction Industry Association, we conducted field research to identify challenges in corporate overseas expansion and develop practical solutions. Our findings will also inform Tianjin's construction industry development plan for the 15th Five-Year period, reflecting our commitment as young students to global engagement and international cooperation."
Mao Zhaofang, Party Secretary of CoME, stated: "For years, our faculty and students have dedicated themselves to serving BRI development through talent cultivation, academic research, and social services, while strengthening international exchanges and industry-academia collaboration. Aligning with national strategies for education advancement, we established a 'Silk Road' international class in Business Administration, primarily recruiting outstanding students from BRI partner countries."
Moving forward, CoME will enhance international students' industry internships and overseas career support, continuously refining talent development programs tailored to their needs. The "Silk Road" class will serve as a model for international education, further supporting disciplinary excellence and high-quality development.
By: College of Management and Economics
Editor: Sun Xiaofang
