Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) is expanding its international academic engagement with China, exploring opportunities for research collaboration, student mobility and industry-linked education through a higher education exchange involving universities from Malaysia and China’s Heilongjiang Province.
The university participated in the 3rd China (Heilongjiang)–Malaysia Higher Education Exchange Conference, held on 2 November 2026 at Sunway University, bringing together academic leaders and institutional representatives to strengthen cross-border cooperation in higher education.
The conference brought together approximately 28 delegates from nine higher education institutions in Heilongjiang, alongside representatives from more than 10 Malaysian institutions, providing a platform to explore academic partnerships, knowledge exchange and talent development opportunities.
Jointly organised by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Heilongjiang Province, the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Education and the Malaysia-China Cultural Tourism Association (MCCTA), the conference aimed to strengthen institutional linkages between the two countries.
The event was officiated by YB Lee Chin Chen, Deputy Speaker of the Pahang State Legislative Assembly.
Representing UniKL, Ts. Dr. Zulkifli Mahmoodin, covering the responsibilities of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Internationalisation), delivered a partnership keynote highlighting the university’s strengths in technical and professional education, industry collaboration and talent development.
His address outlined the potential alignment between UniKL’s industry-oriented educational expertise and the academic capabilities of participating Chinese universities, providing a foundation for exploring mutually beneficial partnerships.
Among the institutions represented in the Heilongjiang delegation were Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin Medical University and Heilongjiang University of Business and Technology.
The conference also brought together Malaysian higher education institutions, including Sunway University, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Management and Science University (MSU), University of Cyberjaya (UOC), New Era University College (NEUC) and ASWARA.
The participation of institutions with diverse academic strengths created opportunities to explore how international cooperation could connect technical education, research capabilities and professional development across different disciplines.
Beyond institutional networking, the conference provided a platform to discuss potential collaborations in student and academic exchanges, joint academic programmes, research and innovation, internships and industrial training.
These areas are particularly relevant to UniKL’s emphasis on industry-oriented higher education, where technical knowledge and practical learning are central to preparing graduates for evolving professional and technological demands.
Through such exchanges, UniKL aims to strengthen its international academic network while identifying opportunities that could support future cross-border learning and industry engagement.
Also representing UniKL was Associate Professor Dr. Rosni Ab. Wahid, Director of the UniKL International Office (UIO), reflecting the university’s continued efforts to facilitate international partnerships and academic cooperation.
The engagement is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through opportunities for international academic exchange and technical education; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through potential research and industry collaboration; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through cross-border institutional engagement.
The exploration of internships, industrial training and skills development opportunities also relates to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, particularly its emphasis on productive employment and workforce development.
