KUCHING – The Consul General from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching made an official visit to Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, recently.
Liu Quan was welcomed on the campus by Datuk (Dr) Philip Ting from Swinburne Sarawak’s Board of Directors who is also Australian Honorary Consul, Swinburne Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Anthony Cahalan, Academic Director Associate Professor Datin Enn Ong, Government and External Liaison Director Datu Dr Haji Julaihi Bin Bujang, and Business Development and Communications Director James Ho.
Among the topics discussed were the recognition of the university by Beijing and the opportunity for more Chinese students to pursue higher education at Swinburne Sarawak.
A number of students from China are currently pursuing a range of programs at Swinburne Sarawak, the only international branch campus of Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia.
On recognition by Beijing, Liu said officials from the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur will be looking to make a visit to the Sarawak campus.
In thanking Liu for his assistance on the matter, Cahalan believes the environment at Swinburne Sarawak is conducive for Chinese students to pursue their studies.
The campus has a diverse student population comprising those from Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia while international students come from more than 60 countries.
“I think we have a positive environment for Chinese students to come here because they would be encouraged and supported to perform at a high level.
“Swinburne Sarawak graduates are in high demand with over 90% employed six months after graduation,” Cahalan said.
Having been posted in Kuching since 2013 Liu said, “Sarawak is a safe place and (safety) is the first consideration for parents when planning to send their children (abroad),” adding that Chinese students could adapt to life here quite easily as China and Malaysia share many cultural similarities.
Before concluding his visit, Liu was given a tour of the 16.5 acre city campus and briefed on some of the research projects the university conducts with industry.