Unforgettable Experience for FKT Students in Outbound Program to Peking University, China

Zainul Akmar Zakaria

BEIJING, Apr 30 – In its ongoing effort to equip students with the essential skills before graduation, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is fully committed to supporting initiatives that directly enhance this objective. UTM aspires to produce graduates who not only possess strong technical knowledge but are also equipped with effective communication skills, uphold responsible ethical standards, and demonstrate resilience and adaptability in diverse cultural settings, whether in the community or workplace.

In line with this commitment, the Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT) at UTM is honored to have the opportunity to send 10 students (nine final-year undergraduates and one postgraduate) for a 3-day Short-Term Outbound Academic Program from April 28 to April 30, 2025. The program took place at Peking University (PKU), one of the world’s leading universities located in Beijing, China. The visit was accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainul Akmar Zakaria, the Manager for External and Global Engagements at FKT.

group airport PKX — Warm reception by MSE students for the arrival of FKT students at Beijing Daxing Airport

group MSE — FKT students at the courtyard of MSE, Peking University, China

At Peking University (PKU), the delegates from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) were welcomed by Dr. Zhao Xiaoxu, the Director of the International Exchange Office for the School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). Prior to this visit, Dr. Xiaoxu and his team visited UTM on December 10, 2024, where they were received warmly by Associate Professor Dr. Asnida Abdul Wahab from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE). Dr. Wahab played a vital role in facilitating potential collaborations between researchers from UTM and PKU.

The visit featured a series of comprehensive, student-centred activities, including classroom sit-ins where FKE students had the opportunity to attend lectures alongside MSE students. Dr. Xiaoxu also provided a platform for FKE students to enhance their communication skills through dedicated discussion sessions with MSE students and staff, which took place during the closing ceremony.

Another highlight of the program was an industrial visit to the Beijing Graphene Institute (BGI). During this visit, FKE students gained insight into how fundamental discoveries, developed through years of rigorous experimentation, can evolve into fully fledged ventures that provide sustainable income for the Institute and its stakeholders.

Additionally, the cultural aspect of this outbound program was highlighted by a tour of the Summer Palace, which served as an Imperial Garden during the Qing dynasty and is recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

classroom — Classroom sit-in activities allow FKT students to experience a teaching and learning environment in one of the world’s top 20 universities, such as PKU

student act — Ice-breaking activities between FKT and MSE students

Industrial visit to the world-class BGI, who were founded by a Professor from PKU with the full support of the Chinese government

BGI rooftop — At the rooftop of BGI, which doubles up as a shared area for recreational and social activities for BGI staff

This visit was made possible through financial contributions from UTM International, which provided seed funds primarily used to cover the return airfare costs for FKT students partially. The remaining airfare expenses, along with the daily subsistence for the students, were financed by generous donations from Unbox Resources Sdn. Bhd., Synchro Focus Engineering Sdn. Bhd., and Innochems Engineering Sdn. Bhd.

Additionally, we would like to acknowledge the excellent support from MSE and PKU, who kindly offered accommodation for FKT students at Peking University’s state-of-the-art hotel facilities, the Peking University Zhongguan Xinyuan Global Village (PKUGV), as well as local transportation to facilitate all scheduled program activities.

dinner — Welcome Dinner warmly provided by MSE, PKU

In conclusion, it is anticipated that the successful short-term outbound academic visit by FKT to PKU will encourage increased cross-border activities between students and staff from both institutions. Additionally, the fact that both countries share a similar time zone is expected to facilitate and strengthen collaborative initiatives between UTM and PKU.