On March 23, 2024, the ASEAN(Malaysia)-China Higher Education Forum, co-hosted by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia (MOHE) of Malaysia was successfully held in Kuala Lumper at the KLCC Convention Center. Hon. Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud, Deputy Minister of Higher Education Malaysia, Hon. Wong Kah Woh, Deputy Minister of Education Malaysia, H.E Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ASEAN-China Center (ACC), and H.E. Ambassador Ouyang Yujing of China to Malaysia and Deputy Derector-General Hu Zhiping of Center for Language Education and Cooperation(CLEC) of the Chinese Ministry of Education prsented at the event. HSK Study in China Exhibition and Collegiate Partnering Event was held at the meantime.  

At the Opening Ceremony, SG Shi Zhongjun delivered welcome remarks. He noted the fast development of the ASEAN-China relationship and strong Malaysia-China relationship, and highlighted the pivotal role of higher education in science and technology as well as social and economic development. He pointed out that the ACC will continue to commit itself in bridging and enhancing bilateral education and people-to-people ties between ASEAN and China, Malaysia and China through such events.  

Hon. Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud, Deputy Minister of Higher Education Malaysia pointed out that Malaysia is committed to develop internationalized higher education, and is willing to cooperate with all parties with China included. He looks forward to working together with China to stimulate education cooperation and talent cultivation, so as to support regional social and economic development.

Ambassador Ouyang Yujing noted that ASEAN and China are inseparable neighbours, partners and brothers. As an important member, Malaysia features unique resources and strength. The event this time is an important platform for deeper higher education cooperation, but also an exploration for innovation and talent training. 

Deputy Minister Wong Kah Who mentioned that Malaysia will continue to promoting language and cultural cooperation and youth exchanges with China so as to make greater contributions to Malaysia-China relation.

Deputy Director-General Hu Zhiping stated that 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, as well as the Year of Friendship between China and Malaysia, bringing about new opportunities for bilateral relations. He warmly congratulated the Forum and the HSK exhibition, and reassured that CLEC will continue to support cooperation in Chinese language education in Malaysia to support higher education cooperation and cultivate youth ambassadors for China and Malaysia.

The series of events were held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China and in the context of the 2024 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges. Representatives from 50 Malaysian universities and 50 Chinese universities were invited to exchange views on higher education development, quality assurance, student service, language learning and digital transformation.