Zahid urges M'sian students to pursue higher education in China

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged youths to take up the opportunity to pursue higher education in China to gain knowledge in various fields, especially technology.

Zahid (above), who is the rural and regional development minister, said China has an advantage in high technology that Malaysians can learn from and utilise for the country’s development.

“What is important is for us to obtain the transfer of knowledge and technology from China’s colleges and universities to be brought back to our country,” he said at a luncheon with the Malaysian community and students in Shanghai, China today.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin, Malaysia’s Consul-General in Shanghai Syed Farizal Aminy Syed Mohamad, and Mara chairman Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki were also present.

Zaid, who is also the National Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Council chairman, requested all relevant parties, including Mara, to be proactive in encouraging Malaysian students to pursue knowledge in China.

“Starting this year, I would like to encourage Mara, especially GiatMara, (and) UniKL, to send their students to study in China to acquire knowledge and technology.

“I would like to see the achievement of our students… China is advanced in terms of high technology. They are very open to sharing their knowledge and technology, especially with us (Malaysia).

“Therefore, I would like to urge the Mara chairman to open up the minds, and (correct) the perception of (Malaysian) parents, especially among the bumiputera, to send their children to study in China,” he said.

Zahid said Shanghai is the best region in China for students to acquire knowledge, learning from its political determination, given the city’s rapid development compared to 30 years ago.

According to the Higher Education Ministry statistics, 5,697 Malaysians are studying in China, including 1,425 students in Beijing, 933 in Zheijang, 735 in Fujian, and 626 in Shanghai.

Zahid is on his first official visit to China since assuming office in December 2022. The 11-day visit that kicked off on May 22 is at the invitation of Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang.

Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974, and this is the highest level of visits involving top leaders in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China ties.

- Bernama

M'sia, China enjoy strong ties, says Zahid

M'sia, Hong Kong agree to collaborate on TVET, economy

Anwar: M'sia adopts a balanced foreign policy, avoids provocations