Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited Tsinghua University on March 31. He was warmly welcomed by Qiu Yong, secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee and chairman of Tsinghua University Council. Anwar addressed the Tsinghua audience with a keynote speech themed "The Asian Century: Peace and Prosperity Connecting the Continent and Beyond”.

Qiu Yong (R), chairman of Tsinghua University Council, holds a meeting with Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Qiu, on behalf of Tsinghua University, warmly welcomed Anwar and provided a comprehensive overview of Tsinghua's history and development, discipline construction, talent cultivation philosophy, global strategies, as well as the progress made in innovative international cooperation initiatives such as the Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center and Asian Universities Alliance. Qiu also reflected on the fruitful cooperation between Tsinghua University and Malaysia, emphasizing the university's strong commitment to international collaboration and its aspirations to attract more outstanding young talents and top scholars from around the world. Additionally, he expressed Tsinghua's desire to further deepen cooperation and exchanges with Malaysian universities and research institutions in various fields.

Anwar expressed his recognition of Tsinghua University's distinguished reputation of excellence in the world. Given Malaysia's strong emphasis on university education, he expressed a keen interest in further promoting cooperation between Malaysian universities, research institutions, and Tsinghua University in areas such as education, technological innovation, and other related fields.

Zeng Rong and Wang Hongwei, vice-presidents of Tsinghua University, together with Li Jinliang, dean of Tsinghua's Office of International Affairs, Kehkooi Kee, a Malaysian professor at Tsinghua's School of Medicine, and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing attended the meeting.

Following the meeting, Anwar delivered a keynote speech hosted by Wang.

During his opening remarks, Qiu highlighted that Anwar is the first foreign Head of Government to visit Tsinghua University since the COVID-19 pandemic. He also emphasized that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Malaysia comprehensive strategic partnership. Malaysia is one of the first countries to respond to “Belt and Road Initiative” and has a long history of keeping frequent cultural and people-to-people exchanges with China.

Qiu Yong also said that Tsinghua University has maintained long-term friendship with Malaysian universities and institutions. The University of Malaya, the Prime Minister’s Alma Mater, is one of the founding members of the Asian Universities Alliance initiated by Tsinghua University, and has been actively participating in various activities. A large number of outstanding Malaysian students studying in Tsinghua are the envoy for friendship between our two countries.

Qiu Yong, secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee and chairman of Tsinghua University Council, makes a welcome speech.

Qiu said that Tsinghua formulated and implemented the Global Strategy 2030, in which Tsinghua put great emphasis on global engagement. By actively promoting the plan for greater connectivity with neighboring countries, the university will enhance exchanges and cooperation with our partners in Malaysia in areas of education, research, personnel training, innovation and so on. Moreover, Tsinghua will actively build joint programs that accelerate exchanges and mutual learning among the young generations.

Qiu believes that with the support of Anwar, Tsinghua University, together with our Malaysian partners, will continue to promote educational collaborations, consolidate the foundation of cultural exchanges, facilitate the smooth advancement of “Belt and Road Initiative”, and make further contribution to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks at Tsinghua University.

In his speech, Anwar praised Tsinghua as one of the most prestigious higher education institutes in the world in research in science and technology, as well as its programs in humanities, environment, climate, public administration, and civilization.

"I am proud as an Asian and as a friend of China to believe in good neighborhood, to believe in the Asian century, to believe in working together with various initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, and also beyond just economic fundamentals but also civilization to associate it with a university that has proven that we in China and in Asia can excel if we are focused on research and discipline in the academic fields," said Anwar.

Anwar pointed out that China's road to democracy and development demonstrated that while it prioritizes economic development, it also places significant emphasis on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and culture. He also noted that it is truly remarkable that China has made historic strides in poverty alleviation, a feat that has garnered worldwide attention. In addition, he praised China's efforts in tackling climate change." China has taken up these bold measures, far better than many countries in Europe," said Anwar.

He also stressed the historical and cultural ties between Malaysia and China. He stated that collaboration with Tsinghua and all the universities of Malaysia will be further strengthened and enhanced.

Wang Hongwei, vice-president of Tsinghua University, hosts the event.

A Tsinghua student poses questions to Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The speech venue

Following the speech, Anwar fielded several questions from Tsinghua students. The questions centered on topics such as the future of education in Malaysia, the Malaysian government's efforts to strengthen cultural and academic exchanges with China, and ways in which young people from both nations can contribute to future exchanges.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim meets Malaysian students studying in Tsinghua.

During the visit, Anwar also had a friendly exchange with Malaysian student representatives studying in Tsinghua.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Qiu Yong, chairman of Tsinghua University Council, pose for a group photo with Malaysian students and scholars currently studying at Tsinghua University.

Anwar assumed office as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2022.

Tsinghua University has established a strong partnership with Malaysian universities and research institutions, having previously signed cooperation memorandums and student exchange agreements with the University of Malaya, as well as a cooperation memorandum with Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

Writer: Rhui Poh

Editors：John Paul, Li Han