To honor the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Malaysia, Haikou University of Economics in China and Mila University in Malaysia, have come together to establish the China-Malaysia International College.

"With the establishment of the China-Malaysia International College, we'll deepen cooperation in exchange between teachers, personnel training and scientific research, and create more opportunities for the teachers and students of both universities to further their studies and study and visit abroad," Zhu Huayou, executive president of Haikou University of Economics, said in a speech at the signing ceremony in Haikou on Nov 16.

"We'll also strengthen exchanges and interactions, and enhance people-to-people exchanges through seminars, cooperative publications and many other forms," he added.

Chen Xiao, president of Haikou University of Economics and director-general of Mila University, said both universities will provide language training and study abroad services for students intending to pursue higher degrees, as well as dual-degree programs and opportunities for international exchange.

Kirthana Thangarajoo, a third-year student majoring in business administration, said the partnership is an exciting opportunity for academic collaboration. "Sharing expertise, resources and diverse perspectives can enrich both institutions, fostering a cross-cultural learning environment beneficial to students and faculty," he said.

A five-year development planning seminar for Mila University was convened after the ceremony. Mila University was renamed from Manipal International University, which was approved by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia on Oct 16.

Cao Chengjie, board chairman of Haikou University of Economics and Mila University, said he hopes the university will become a comprehensive institution that combines entrepreneurship and innovation, emphasizes teaching, research and practice, and exhibits a distinct profile of diversity and internationalization.

"Hainan and Malaysia enjoy a very smooth people-to-people relationship and connectivity, and have a long, friendly history and the best prospects for future collaboration," said Jason Fitzsimmons, chancellor of Mila University.

He believes that Mila University is a good example of Chinese investment in Malaysia, and demonstrates the potential for significant investment by China into transnational education.

"As the first and only foreign-funded university in Malaysia, Mila University has truly created a new model for international higher education, and offered students the opportunities to develop intercultural relationships and become global citizens. Hopefully, this model will further improve the quality of higher education in both countries, and Mila University therefore can become a good example in the history of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations," he said.