From January 12 to 17, a delegation of 25 students from Nanning University, led by Chen Yanyan, Deputy Dean of the College of Civil and Architectural Engineering, embarked on a cultural and academic exchange program at Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL) in Malaysia. Through field investigations and academic interactions, the program aimed to enhance students' professional competencies and broaden their global perspectives.
On the first day, officials from both universities and study tour members gathered at IUKL's Student Center for the opening ceremony. Mr. Tan Chee Fai, IUKL's Vice President, and Tan Kim Song, Director of IUKL's China Operations, extended a warm welcome, encouraging students to embrace Malaysian culture and engage in professional coursework in an English-speaking environment. Li Junyi, Deputy Director of Nanning University's Development Planning and Cooperation and Exchange Office, expressed gratitude to IUKL and urged students to act as bridges for future international collaborations. Following the ceremony, Doctor from IUKL's School of Language Studies and Mr. Xiao Weisen delivered lectures on IUKL's academic offerings and Malaysian traditions, laying the groundwork for the study tour.
The second day featured specialized workshops: a morning session on Civil Engineering (Structural Mechanics Modeling) and an afternoon session on Automotive Technology (Vehicle Performance and Diagnostics). Students actively participated in practical activities, experiencing the British-style pedagogical approach.
On the third day, students divided into three groups for specialized courses: High-Rise Building Design, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems, and Operations Management. In the HVAC Systems class, the professor used relatable examples to explain automotive climate control principles, enabling non-specialist students to grasp the content through Dr. Wu Qiwen's guidance and engage in lively discussions with local peers. For Operations Management, the Lecturer illustrated strategic organizational principles through case studies, blending Eastern and Western management practices. Nanning University students received praise for their proactive participation and articulate contributions.
On the fourth day, the group embarked on a cultural excursion to Malacca, guided by local tour guide Zhang. They visited Baoshan Temple, a historic site linked to Admiral Zheng He's voyages, and explored the fusion of Chinese and Malay cultures through a Peranakan lunch. The afternoon included visits to the Malacca Strait—a vital maritime crossroads—the 17th-century Dutch Red Square heritage site, and Chinatown, where students savored local cuisine and reflected on the cultural synthesis shaped by generations of overseas Chinese.
The final day concluded with a closing ceremony, where IUKL officials awarded certificates to participants and commemorated the event with a group photo. This winter study tour not only provided Nanning University students with global academic exposure but also fostered cross-cultural understanding.
UNN aims to deepen international exchanges, empowering students to thrive on global stages. The university also anticipates expanded collaboration with IUKL, jointly advancing educational innovation and mutual prosperity.
