Dialogue session with students from Tsinghua University, China

On 27 August 2024, UTAR welcomed fifteen students from Tsinghua University’s (THU) Practice Detachment on Chinese Merchant Culture in Malaysia for a dialogue session at its Sungai Long Campus. The dialogue session aimed to explore the development, cultural integration, and future prospects of Chinese businesses in Malaysia.

Group photo after the dialogue session

Datuk Lim Juay Jin, former Ambassador of Malaysia to the Republic of Korea, was also present at the event. Welcoming the guests were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Institute of Management and Leadership Development Director and Belt and Road Strategic Research Centre Chairperson Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, Faculty of Accountancy and Management Dean Dr Pok Wei Fong, Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies Chairperson Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun, Faculty of Business and Finance Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Dr Peter Tan Sin Howe, Office of International Affairs Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, UTAR staff and students.

Datuk Lim and Prof Dato’ Ewe sharing their knowledge to THU students

THU students during the dialogue session

The event, which took place in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between China and Malaysia, aimed at deepening the understanding of the Chinese business community’s role and its integration into Malaysian society.

During their time in Malaysia, the THU team investigated certain key areas including the historical development of Chinese businesses in Malaysia, the challenges they faced, and the opportunities presented by the evolving digital economy. Their research also encompassed aspects of corporate management, social responsibility, and the ways Chinese businesses integrate traditional cultural values with modern business practices to maintain their competitiveness. Additionally, the team focused on talent development, especially in the context of fostering innovation in a multicultural environment.

The session at UTAR provided the students with an opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders, academicians, and UTAR students, contributing to their understanding of how Malaysian Chinese businesses operate and how these businesses contribute to the broader social and economic fabric of Malaysia. The dialogue covered various topics such as the fusion of Chinese and local Malaysian cultures, the evolution of Chinese enterprises in Malaysia, and the future prospects of these businesses in a rapidly globalising world.

Prof Dato’ Ewe (left) and THU post-doctoral student Dr Cai Zhiji exchanging souvenirs

Campus tour