Building A New Bridge For Youth Exchange Between Malaysia and China

The 3rd Malaysia-China University Students Chinese Debate Competition Concludes Successfully — Building a New Bridge for Youth Exchange Between Malaysia and China

The 3rd Malaysia-China University Chinese Debate Competition, which organised by the Confucius Institute at SEGi University & Colleges and co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, recently held its closing ceremony.

The event attracted student participants from 20 universities across Malaysia and China. Competing teams engaged in heated debates on topics ranging from culture, technology, lifestyle, and education. The debates were intense and captivating, reaching one climax after another. The debaters impressed with their fluent expression, rigorous logical reasoning, and sharp adaptability—fully demonstrating the global vision and language proficiency of the new generation of students.

After rounds of outstanding competition, the debate team from Jinan University (China) emerged as the champion. The Universiti Sains Malaysia (main campus) and Wuhan University teams claimed the first and second runners-up positions respectively. Additional awards were also presented, including Best Debater, Most Promising Debater, Outstanding Team Award, and the Collaborative Award.

At the closing ceremony, Mr Zhao Changtao, Education Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, congratulated all participating students on their brilliant performances and thanked SEGi University and the Confucius Institute for providing an excellent platform for China–Malaysia educational exchange. He also noted that President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Malaysia further solidified China–Malaysia relations, bringing bilateral educational cooperation to new heights. He expressed hope that through this debate competition, Malaysian and Chinese students could deepen mutual understanding, broaden their horizons through critical thinking, and pursue their dreams through determined efforts.

Following that, Ms. Koh Yok Leng, Malaysian Director of SEGi’s Confucius Institute, stated that this debate competition was not only a test of language proficiency but also an important platform for the exchange of ideas and sentiments between young people from China and Malaysia. She highlighted the deepening relationship between both countries since diplomatic ties were established, especially under the Belt and Road Initiative, which has promoted closer cooperation in education and culture. She encouraged students to use language learning and intellectual exchange as bridges to foster China–Malaysia friendship and write a new chapter of development between the two nations with knowledge and wisdom.

The ceremony also featured a special performance by students from Peninsula International School Australia, Malaysia, adding a touch of youthfulness and artistry to the event. A group of primary students performed a lively and spirited “Mulan” dance, showcasing another facet of Chinese culture.

The competition concluded in a warm and spirited atmosphere. Looking ahead, the Confucius Institute at SEGi University will continue to serve as a bridge through language and a bond through culture, promoting deeper connections among Malaysian and Chinese youth through mutual understanding and cooperation.

Since its establishment in 2014, the Confucius Institute at SEGi University has been actively promoting Chinese language education and China–Malaysia cultural exchange. It offers a wide range of Chinese language courses from beginner to advanced levels, and regularly organises vibrant cultural events such as the Malaysia–China Cultural Festival, calligraphy exhibitions, and traditional festival experiences—widely appreciated by local students and communities alike. As one of the official test centres for the HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) in Malaysia, the Confucius Institute provides great convenience for Chinese learners in the surrounding regions, reinforcing its key role in regional language promotion.

Through cultural activities hosted by the Confucius Institute, Chinese students are able to immerse themselves in local communities, experience Malaysia’s rich multicultural charm first-hand, and actively engage in student clubs, volunteer services, and cross-cultural exchanges—broadening their horizons and enriching their study-abroad experiences.