SU Signs Strategic MOU with Sarawak Educational Partners to Expand Recruitment of Malaysian Students

On June 10, 2025, Soochow University welcomed the “Shared Blue Sky Program” delegation from Sarawak, Malaysia, led by Tick-Chai Siew, President of Sarawak Taiwan Graduates’ Association. The visit marked not only a vibrant education exchange but also the beginning of a promising partnership between Soochow and secondary schools in Miri, Sarawak.

Led by SU President Chyan-Long Jan, the university’s senior administrators, deans, and faculty representatives engaged in a roundtable discussion with with 16 principals and education partners from Sarawak.

During the meeting, Soochow signed a memorandum of strategic alliance with eight national secondary schools in Miri, the Association’s national headquarters, and its Miri branch. This agreement establishes a new channel for outstanding Malaysian students to pursue higher education at Soochow University.

President Jan highlighted Soochow’s robust teaching resources and its integration of cutting-edge technology. The university’s partnership with NVIDIA led to the creation of the “AI Learning Center for Smart Innovation,” which merges Soochow’s strengths in the liberal arts, law, and business with expertise in big data management. Innovative teaching modules now include AI-powered virtual avatars and metaverse-based simulations.

As a member of Taiwan Artificial Intelligence College Alliance (TAICA), Soochow is committed to combining humanistic perspectives with technological advancement. In addition, its School of Science offers both a “Semiconductor Microcredit Program” and a “Semiconductor Credit Certificate Program,” preparing students to engage with core technologies of the future.

Jan also reassured the visitors that Soochow provides comprehensive support services for international students, making it a safe and welcoming destination for Malaysian youth.

Siew emphasized the Association’s long-standing mission to promote higher education in Taiwan, particularly among non-Chinese ethnic groups in Malaysia. Since its founding in 1964, the group has actively created pathways for Malaysian students to study abroad and expand their global outlook.

Through the “Shared Blue Sky Program,” the Association continues to support underrepresented students in accessing quality education and developing their full potential in an international context.

Under the terms of the newly signed agreement, each participating school and alumni association will be eligible to recommend two outstanding students per year to apply for undergraduate admission to Soochow University. Admitted students will receive a generous scholarship covering full tuition, fees, and housing for their first year.

Since launching its strategic alliance recommendation program in February 2025, Soochow has already received applications from three students through this pathway.

Director Wen-Chun Liang of International Affairs Center gave a presentation on Soochow’s history, academic strengths, and scholarship programs for international students. He also outlined support services available for overseas students, providing the delegation with a comprehensive overview of the campus environment.

To offer a hands-on experience of Soochow’s innovation in teaching, the university arranged a series of campus tours and interactive sessions. At the NVIDIA smart classroom, the guests explored how AI technologies are integrated into course delivery through engaging, practical activities—leaving a strong impression of Soochow’s forward-looking approach.

The group also visited Soochow University Memory Archives, where multimedia installations brought the university’s century-long legacy vividly to life. At Songyi Hall, which boasts state-of-the-art acoustic architecture and elegant design, the guests expressed admiration for its professional atmosphere and world-class facilities.

The visit concluded with a joyful cultural moment as Malaysian students presented traditional Sarawak musical instruments and posed for group photos with the delegation. The scene captured not only the warmth of this cross-cultural exchange but also the many possibilities that lie ahead for future collaboration.