The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang and the Foreign Affairs Office of Yunnan Provincial Government co-organised a Consular Protection Campus Activity for Chinese international students in Northern Malaysia (“领保进校园”—北马四州中国留学生专场) on 8 November 2023 at UTAR Kampar Campus. The seminar was conducted in hybrid mode.

The seminar saw over 100 participants from UTAR.  Meanwhile, there were over 400 participants from other universities in Northern Malaysia.

Present to grace the seminar were Consulate General of China in Penang Acting Consul General Madam Ding Qiao, Consul Mr Li Jie, Vice Consul Ms Cui Yan and Administrative Assistant Mr Kok Yeow Joo; UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, UTAR T&CM Centre Director Assoc Prof Dr Te Kian Keong, UTAR Department of International Student Services (DISS) (Kampar Campus) Head Mr Ngan Mun Wai, staff and students.  

Level II Bureau Rank Official of the Foreign Affairs Office of Yunnan Provincial Government Mr Cui Huan Yong, Police Officer of Public Security Bureau of Kunming, Yunnan Province Mr Chen Xuan, Professor of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University Mdm Jiang Hongyan and representatives from Foreign Affairs Office of Yunnan Provincial Government joined the seminar online.

In his welcome speech, Prof Choong thanked the Consulate General of China in Penang and said, “UTAR is very honoured to be part of this year’s Consular Protection Campus Activity, a special event for Chinese international students in the four states of Northern Malaysia. Organised by the Consulate General of China in Penang, this event aims to provide a platform for the students to learn more about the Consular Protection by the Consulate General and relevant authorities, as well as come together to exchange and expand networking with students from other universities.” 

He then shared the benefits of studying in Malaysia and introduced the UTAR Department of International Student Services (DISS) as well as the services provided by the Department. “We hope that students who encounter difficulties in study or life will never bear it alone silently. Try to seek help from the international student services department in each university or consular assistance/services from the Consulate General in Penang. The relevant units will definitely try to help all the students. Therefore, please remember to save the contact information of the Consulate General in Penang and the person in charge of the international student services department of your own university in case of an emergency,” he exhorted.

Acting Consul General Madam Ding thanked all the universities and parties for their strong support at the event. She said, “The Consulate General of China in Penang always adheres to the principle of ‘people-oriented, diplomacy for the people’ (以人为本，外交为民). Our consular protection officers actively provide consular protection and assistance services to students to help them improve their awareness of safety protection, adapt better to the living environment in Malaysia, and achieve study-abroad safety. Through today’s lecture sharing on scam prevention and mental health, we hope students can learn from the sharing, and build up the confidence and ability for self-help.”  She also reminded students to stay in touch and communicate with their families in China, so that their families can feel more at ease and assured.

By attending the seminar online, Mr Cui expressed his gratitude to the collaborative partners in China and Malaysia for the event. He mentioned, “I hope the students will gain from the informative sharing session. I also wish everyone to have a fruitful and safe study life in Malaysia.”

The seminar started with a sharing session by Vice Consul Ms Cui on consular protection knowledge and safety precautions. It was followed by the sharing sessions titled “Preventive measures and knowledge against telecom and online fraud” by Mr Chen, and “Mental health knowledge” by Mdm Jiang.

The seminar ended with an interactive session between the students and the delegates of the Consulate General of China in Penang.