In brief
Xiamen University Malaysia marks ten years of growth with a focus on marine biotechnology—a discipline that combines biological, chemical and oceanographic research. Graduates such as Ng Boon Ful praise the university’s multicultural classroom and exchange programmes with mainland China, while the convocation ceremony drew 1,677 graduates from 23 undergraduate and seven postgraduate tracks. Leaders from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and the university highlighted the institution’s role as a bridge between East and West.
Xiamen University Malaysia opened its doors ten years ago with a promise to blend innovative science with cross‑cultural learning; five years later, it celebrates that promise with a grand convocation that drew 1,677 graduates from 23 undergraduate and seven postgraduate programmes, including 978 local Malaysian students and 699 from 23 other countries.
The university’s flagship marine biotechnology course—described as a combination of biology, chemistry, physics and oceanography—stands out because it covers mobile marine chemistry, environmental science and advanced bioprocessing, rather than the more limited marine agriculture focus of most Malaysian universities. Biotechnology graduate Ng Boon Ful, who completed the course last year, said on the sidelines of the ceremony: “Marine biotechnology is different and unique compared with programs related to marine science at other universities…this marine biotechnology course also allowed me to learn a greater variety of knowledge.” He added that he would recommend it to others interested in the field.
"When I participated in the study exchange programs at Xiamen University and in China, I was very impressed," Ng said.
Ng’s experience illustrates the university’s broader outreach: students can join exchange programmes that grant access to specialised equipment available in mainland China, especially in marine chemistry and environmental monitoring. The institution’s network thus extends beyond Malaysian borders and creates pathways for hands‑on research that few other universities can match.
The convocation, held on Oct. 10, was attended by Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, Mohammad Shatar Sabran, and Xiamen University President Prof. Hu Wenping. In his remarks, Hu urged graduates to view their studies as a starting point for broader global engagement. He emphasized that the university’s multicultural environment—students from more than 50 countries interact daily— “teaches you to understand differences, respect diversity, and collaborate responsibly across cultures.”
Growth, Cross‑Cultural Ties and Future Ambitions
Founded in 2016, Xiamen University Malaysia has expanded its campus infrastructure and academic offerings every year. According to Xinhua, its 2026 milestone now includes 23 undergraduate and seven postgraduate programmes, all anchored by a research focus that integrates marine science with biotechnological innovation. The institution’s partnership with Chinese universities supplies graduate students with high‑resolution sequencing platforms and genome editing laboratories, elevating the quality of regional research output.
Graduates observe that the university’s design fosters a professional mindset: “What Xiamen provides is precisely a multicultural environment…What this experience has given you is not just a broad perspective, but also the ability to live, work, and cr….” The incomplete quote reflects the sentiment that intercultural immersion enhances both academic performance and employability in a rapidly changing world.
Looking ahead, Xiamen University Malaysia plans to strengthen its marine biotech focus by establishing new research centres that will pursue genome‑edited algae for biofuel and marine sensor technology. These ambitions align with the institution’s decade‑long commitment to bridging East and West, producing scientists who are technically capable and culturally competent.
