The Xiamen University Malaysia Campus project at Dengkil Sepang currently under construction is progressing well. Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting, Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to China was brief by the President of Xiamen University China, Zhu Chongshi on the progress during the courtesy call by Xiamen University (XMU) delegation on 27.1.2015.
President Zhu mentioned on some challenges faced by the project team at the project site. However, they are confident of completing the basic infrastructure works and buildings for the initial phase for it to be operational by the target date. The three strategic areas in the overall development of the campus are the infrastructure development which they regard as hardware; staff and student’s recruitment exercise as the software and the financing planning and arrangement with supporting banks.
The ground breaking ceremony of this campus was officiated by Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Najib on 3rd July 2014 in the presence of China’s Assistant Minister of Education, Chen Shun and the Minister of Education II Datuk Seri Idris Jusof. The XMU Malaysia Campus is the first Chinese renowned university to be set up outside China. This campus covering 150 acres with the capacity to house 10,000 students on completion of its final phase will accept quality students from Malaysia, China and South East Asia region. Through the effort of Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib, this project has gained the strong support from the top Chinese Government leaders whenever this agenda was raised during the separate bilateral meetings between Prime Minister and President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang of China.
Tan Sri Ong narrated the special historical tie of XMU with Malaysia as the main campus in Fujian China was founded in 1921 by Mr. Tan Kah Kee, a famous rubber magnate who made his fortune in Malaya. His selfless sacrifice has left a deep impression and respect to the people of China and oversea Chinese in general. This project is also symbolic of the special friendship between Malaysia and China that had just celebrated their 40thAnniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relation last year.
The XMU President’s delegation comprises of the Vice President Ye Shiman, President-designate of XMU Malaysia campus Wang Ruifang, Assistant President Zhang Jienlin, President of Sinohydro Bureau No. 7, Shen Maoxia and senior staff of the construction company.
