Deputy Premier advocates establishment of Chinese university branch campus in Sarawak

Group photo of (seventh left) Dr Sim, (eight left) calligrapher Sim Poh Yaw, and others posed for the camera unveiling the calligraphy couplet created in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of the China-Malaysia diplomatic relationship held at Friendship Park on Jan 24, 2024.

KUCHING, Jan 24: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Huan has suggested that the Sarawak government reconsider the idea of establishing a branch campus of a Chinese university in the State.

Dr Sim proposed that this campus could be affiliated with a reputable Chinese university, similar to the existing partnerships with Australian universities.

Highlighting China’s leading role in smart technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), Dr Sim expressed the importance of leveraging their expertise in these areas.

Speaking to reporters at the launch of the 50th Anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China, Dr Sim emphasised that diplomatic ties and friendship extend beyond governments to people.

He sees education, specifically through collaborations with Chinese universities, as a means to strengthen these ties.

Dr Sim mentioned that after the establishment of the Xiamen University Malaysia campus, the Chinese government restricted the construction of any more university campuses elsewhere in Malaysia.

Despite this limitation, he emphasised Sarawak’s commitment to nurturing a strong relationship with China.

“Sarawak is the only region in Malaysia to establish a public park called ‘Friendship Park’ to commemorate such diplomatic relations with China,” he noted.

He called for continued efforts in diplomatic leadership between Malaysia and China, expressing hope for the establishment of a Chinese university branch campus in Sarawak as part of the educational collaboration.

The event was attended by China Consul General in Kuching Xing Wei Ping, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, and Temenggong Dato Tan Joo Poi, among others. — DayakDaily