Students can enjoy cross-cultural experiences at Sunway University

Dedicated to fostering mutual understanding between students from diverse backgrounds, Sunway University, which is run by Sunway Company, a major conglomerate in Malaysia, is offering a variety of activities and programs to Chinese students.

Since 2024, Sunway University has established partnerships with Chinese universities, focusing on cultural exchanges in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). These collaborations comprise two-way exchange programs, in which Sunway students will be visiting its Chinese partner institutions, while Sunway University will be welcoming students from China.

In addition to semester exchanges, Sunway University offers a vacation English school program to Chinese partner institutions. This short-term program provides Chinese students with the opportunity to experience Malaysian culture while improving their English language skills over a two- to four-week stay on campus. The immersive learning experience is designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and academic enrichment.

Another key initiative is the English Training Programme, which not only supports Chinese students in improving their English proficiency but prepares them to engage confidently in a global learning environment.

In addition to language development, the university is creating rich cultural experiences. For example, students will be able to visit Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Malaysia's most historic towns, to explore the roots of Malaysian culture and history.

The university also organizes Malaysian cultural appreciation events, introducing Chinese students to local traditions through traditional Malaysian cuisine and tropical fruits — including favorites like durian and mangosteen. These moments offer an enjoyable way for Chinese students to experience the local lifestyle.

Furthermore, the Centre for English Language Studies and the International Office of Sunway University work closely with each other to provide continuous support throughout the students' journey.

"Our goal is not only to provide a quality academic experience, but also to ensure that students take home a rich understanding of Malaysian culture and warm, lasting memories," said Sibrandes Poppema, president and vice-chancellor of the university.

He added that there are weekly check-ins to discuss their life on campus, answer questions they may have and ensure they feel welcomed and supported, especially in their ability to speak English and be happy during their time at Sunway.

About 68 percent of Sunway University's student population are Malaysian-Chinese students. As a result, there are thriving Chinese clubs, such as the Independent Chinese School Alumni, Sunway Chinese Cultural Society, Sunway University Chinese Orchestra and the Sunway 24 Festive Drums Team. Each of them are organizing activities on what is recognized as "the most happening campus".

Malaysian-Chinese and Chinese nationals can learn about each other's culture and the cultures of more than 80 different nations through the Sunway International Student Association.

Sunway University has several agreements with Chinese universities that enable students to study two years in China, followed by two years at Sunway University. This enables students to obtain three degrees: one from their home university in China, one from Sunway University in Malaysia, and one from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.

At the same time, Sunway University students can attend summer courses in China, such as one run by the Smart Manufacturing Laboratory at the North China University of Technology in Beijing.

"Sunway University strongly believes in the value of cultural exchange as a foundation for meaningful international educational collaboration, particularly between China and Malaysia," Poppema said.

Sunway is the only private university in Malaysia and the ASEAN featured in the world's prestigious university rankings. It is named in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (400-500); QS World University Rankings (539); and Academic Ranking of World Universities/Shanghai Ranking (900-1,000).

With more than 7 percent of its staff among the top 2 percent of scientists in the Stanford/Elsevier list, Sunway offers research-inspired undergraduate and postgraduate programs taught by those researchers.