BEIJING, July 3 – A delegation from the Master of Science in Sustainable Urban Design (MSUD) program at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) recently completed an intensive academic visit across the Greater China region, encompassing Mainland China, Macau, and Taiwan. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen academic ties, explore collaborative research opportunities, and expose postgraduate students to diverse urban design practices and innovations.
The 12-day journey commenced in several vibrant cities in Asia, starting with Chongqing, Shanghai, and Beijing in China, followed by a stop in Macao. The delegation then continued to Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Taipei in Taiwan. Each destination offered participants an immersive, firsthand experience of various urban development strategies and cultural landscapes, demonstrating how different regions approach city planning, regeneration, and sustainable growth.
Highlights of the visit included significant engagements that enriched the academic and professional experience of the participants. Collaborative discussions were held with leading universities, including Chongqing University, Peking University, and top institutions in Taiwan such as National Taiwan University and China University of Technology. These dialogues focused on potential joint research, academic exchanges, and comparative urban studies, paving the way for stronger international academic collaboration.
The itinerary also featured impactful industry visits, most notably to Turenscape—a world-renowned landscape architecture and urban design firm founded by Kongjian Yu, the visionary behind China’s “Sponge City” concept introduced in 2000. Turenscape has played a crucial role in integrating nature-based solutions into large-scale urban development. The visit allowed students and academics to learn firsthand from experts pioneering ecological urban resilience and innovative landscape strategies.
Additionally, the group explored various cultural and professional sites, including iconic urban landmarks, regeneration projects, and heritage districts across all visited locations. These immersive experiences broadened the students’ perspectives on urban dynamics, city planning, and heritage conservation, particularly concerning different socio-political contexts.
The delegation was led by Dr. Rohayah Che Amat and Dr. Mohammad Hussaini Wahab, representing the MSUD program at the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), UTM Kuala Lumpur. This overseas study tour highlights UTM’s commitment to nurturing globally aware urban designers and fostering international partnerships in education and research.
This strategic initiative reflects UTM’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a leader in sustainable urban design education in the region while respecting and embracing the unique identities of its international partners.
The MSUD delegation extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Long Hao, Head of the Department of Architecture at Chongqing University, and his dedicated team for their warm hospitality and fruitful academic discussions, which enriched the delegation’s understanding of China’s urban planning landscape. The group is also deeply grateful to Li Dihua of Peking University for generously sharing insights on urban regeneration and sustainable city-making.
Special thanks also go to Chen Xi, Associate Dean of Turenscape’s Fifth Studio, for facilitating a comprehensive professional dialogue on Sponge City strategies and nature-based urban solutions. Acknowledgement is also due to the team from ICOMOS China for coordinating the site visit to the Beijing Central Axis, where participants received exclusive access and expert insights into managing one of the world’s most significant cultural heritage sites.
In Taiwan, sincere appreciation is extended to Assistant Prof. Dr. Chih-Wen Lan of China University of Technology for the thoughtful campus arrangements in Taipei, and to Chi-Jong Sun of National Taiwan University for welcoming the delegation and providing meaningful academic exchanges that broadened perspectives on regional urban approaches.
This international study tour was made possible through the collaboration and generosity of all partners involved, significantly contributing to the learning outcomes and global engagement objectives of the MSUD program.