UM Opening Its First Overseas Campus in China

Universiti Malaya (UM) is set to open its first international branch campus, and it’s headed to Shandong, China.

This historic move marks the first time a Malaysian public university will establish a physical presence in China. According to UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman, discussions are already underway, and if all goes well, the campus will begin operations next year.

Shandong was selected as the host province due to its robust economic standing. “I met with Shandong province vice-governor Zhang Haibo recently, and we expect things to progress smoothly,” he said, highlighting that the province ranked among the top three in China for gross domestic product last year and is projected to continue its growth.

Support from the Shandong provincial government includes financial backing and infrastructure assistance to get the campus off the ground. Prof Noor Azuan believes the initiative will allow UM to strategically tap into China’s strengths in both economy and technology.

“The setting up of a branch campus in China isn’t just about expanding academic footprints,” he said. “It’s about building bridges between cultures, fostering innovation and creating lifelong opportunities for both students and researchers.”

During a recent trip to Beijing, he also met with top officials, including China’s Deputy Education Minister Wu Yan and the president of Peking University, Prof Gong Qihuang. These meetings helped lay the groundwork for deeper educational collaboration.

“With the backing of China’s Education Ministry through these transformative efforts, the stage is set for deeper collaboration in research, innovation and intellectual exchange,” Prof Noor Azuan said. “This momentum reflects Malaysia’s commitment to elevating education standards and fostering global partnerships that will empower future generations.”

UM is also planning to launch a Foundation Programme at Peking University and establish a joint CSCSE-UM Centre in both Beijing and Kuala Lumpur. These initiatives aim to streamline academic pathways and improve access for students.

“My conversation with CSCSE director-general Wang Daquan revolved around harnessing digital technology and AI to enhance student screening processes,” he shared. “This will streamline Chinese student admissions, ensuring a seamless and high-quality selection process that will open doors for the brightest minds to study in Malaysia.”

With these developments, UM is positioning itself not just as a national leader in education but also as a key player in international academic collaboration.