FAS lecturer wins award in essay competition organised by the
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia

A lecturer from UTAR’s Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) attained international recognition by winning Second Place in the Essay Competition organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia.

Cik Farah Nabila binti Hamdan, a lecturer from the Department of Advertising, received the award during the Annual Reception of the China Training Alumni Association 2025, held at Xiamen University Malaysia on 11 December 2025.

The essay competition was organised as part of the annual reception to enhance engagement and strengthen communication among alumni who had participated in various training programmes in China. Participants were invited to reflect on their training experiences, key insights gained, and lessons learnt, as well as to offer constructive feedback and recommendations.

In 2025, Cik Farah Nabila participated in two professional development programmes organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, namely the Seminar on Investment and Trade Promotion under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in Shanghai, and the Seminar for Young Leaders of Friendly Organisations in Pacific Island Countries, held in Beijing and Inner Mongolia. She expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to engage in these capacity-building initiatives.

In her essay, she highlighted that, from a Malaysian perspective, the outcomes of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are evident through enhanced bilateral trade flows, improved connectivity, and increased investment in logistics, industrial parks, and transportation infrastructure. These developments have strengthened Malaysia’s position in regional and global supply chains, supported export-oriented industries, and expanded opportunities for Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access broader markets. She also noted that China’s continued engagement under the BRI reinforces its role as a reliable economic partner contributing to Malaysia’s long-term economic resilience and competitiveness.

Reflecting on her participation in the programmes, Cik Farah Nabila shared that engagement with delegates from Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, and Pacific Island countries broadened her personal and professional perspectives. The experience encouraged a more holistic and cross-cultural approach to her research and teaching, while fostering meaningful intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding among participants.

She expressed her appreciation to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia and the organising committee for providing a valuable platform that promoted learning, reflection, and cultural exchange. She also acknowledged the support and encouragement from UTAR’s management and the Faculty of Arts and Social Science throughout her participation and achievement.

For more information on the Essay Competition Awards Ceremony, please visit the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia’s official Facebook page (Kedutaan China di Malaysia | Facebook).