March 10, 2025 – Qingdao, China – Jesselton University College (JUC), alongside Twintech International University College of Technology, has officially entered into a strategic collaboration with HengXing University to foster greater cross-border academic exchange and innovation. This partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening educational ties between Malaysia and China, paving the way for deeper academic cooperation and shared development. This collaboration aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reinforcing the importance of cross-border cooperation in higher education, research, and knowledge exchange.
During the official visit to HengXing University, JUC President Prof. Datuk Dr. Fred Chin Yuk Fong, Vice President Dr. Desmond Lee Cherng En, and International Relationship Manager Mr. Nelson Wong Zee Yang engaged in extensive discussions with HengXing University leadership, including Chairman Dr. Chen Changjin, Executive Director Chen Hufeng, and Vice Presidents Zhao Jingjing and Fa Liangshan. The meeting served as a platform to explore synergies in academic mobility, student exchanges, and joint research initiatives.
The collaboration is built upon a shared commitment to advancing applied education and fostering sustainable academic partnerships (SDG 17), facilitating knowledge transfer, and creating innovative learning environments that prepare students for a globally connected workforce. As part of this initiative, the institutions will work towards:
- Academic Exchange Programs – Enhancing student and faculty mobility between Malaysia and China through short-term exchanges, study visits, and cross-cultural learning experiences.
- Credit Recognition & Joint Curriculum Development – Establishing pathways for academic credit transfer and jointly developing programs that align with global education standards.
- Research & Innovation Cooperation – Encouraging collaborative research efforts in key disciplines to drive knowledge creation and industry-driven solutions, with a focus on sustainability and innovation in education (SDG 17).
- Industry & Enterprise Engagement – Strengthening linkages with businesses and industry partners to create real-world learning opportunities for students.
Prof. Datuk Dr. Fred Chin Yuk Fong emphasized the strategic significance of this collaboration, stating, “International academic partnerships are essential in addressing the evolving needs of higher education. By working together, JUC, Twintech, and HengXing University will contribute to the development of globally competitive graduates while fostering innovation in education and research. Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to establish a global network for sustainable education, ensuring long-term partnerships that empower students and faculty to tackle future challenges through shared expertise and innovation (SDG 17).”
HengXing University Chairman Dr. Chen Changjin echoed similar sentiments, recognizing the mutual benefits of this initiative in broadening opportunities for students and faculty alike.
As Malaysia and China continue to strengthen their educational and economic ties, this collaboration represents a step forward in creating a more interconnected academic landscape. JUC and Twintech remain committed to shaping the future of education by embracing strategic international partnerships that drive excellence, inclusivity, and global knowledge exchange.
The signing of this agreement marks the beginning of a long-term initiative aimed at bridging educational communities across borders and creating impactful opportunities for students, faculty, and industry partners. Moving forward, all three institutions will continue to explore avenues for deepening their collaboration, ensuring that this partnership evolves in alignment with regional and global educational trends. As part of its commitment to SDG 17, JUC will actively engage in international partnerships that promote sustainable development in education, fostering an inclusive and globally connected academic ecosystem
