7 Days of Wisdom Without Borders Highlights (Day #6)

Pictures Muhammad Naufal Norasikin @ Mohd Zulhilmi, Norfatimah Tarmizi, Zhang Zhao, Nabil Mazlan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurliyana Bukhari and Lan Sixi (Wenshi)

CHINA, 25 January 2026: As part of the Wisdom Without Borders (WWB): Malaysia–China Academic Networking Programme (22–28 November 2025), a delegation from the School of Education (SOE), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), with the support of the Awang Had Salleh Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (AHSGS), undertook a strategic visit to Qinzhou Wenshi Middle School. The visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening school–university collaboration and advancing cross-border educational engagement.

The delegation was warmly received by the school’s leadership and student community, reflecting a shared commitment to international collaboration and global learning. The Opening Ceremony featured welcoming remarks by Mr Huag Jinbing, Principal of Qinzhou Wenshi Middle School, and Assoc. Prof. Dr Md Zawawi Abu Bakar, Dean of AHSGS. Both leaders emphasized the importance of nurturing globally minded learners and creating educational opportunities that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

This collaboration was made possible through the pivotal role of Dr Lily Wu, a distinguished UUM alumna and currently Deputy Dean (Academic) at Beibu Gulf University. Her sustained efforts served as a vital bridge between institutions, and her leadership and commitment were instrumental in fostering trust, facilitating dialogue, and opening pathways for meaningful and enduring cooperation.

A key milestone of the visit was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) and the exchange of a Collaborative Agreement Certificate, formally represented on site by the Dean of AHSGS. Beyond symbolising institutional goodwill, the agreement reflects a shared vision for long-term collaboration in student development, academic exchange, and capacity-building initiatives.

Strategic dialogue sessions with the leadership of Qinzhou Wenshi Middle School identified several promising areas for future collaboration, including English enhancement programmes, summer camps, professional development workshops, and structured academic exchanges.

These initiatives are envisioned to be supported and coordinated through the Future Learning and Development Competence Centre (FLanDeCC) under the School of Education, UUM. As the training and outreach unit of SOE, FLanDeCC focuses on future-ready learning, teacher development, and competency-based education. Through this platform, both institutions aim to design sustainable programmes that strengthen language proficiency, intercultural competence, and global readiness among school students and educators.

The programme also featured a comprehensive introduction to Universiti Utara Malaysia, highlighting its academic strengths, postgraduate pathways, and vibrant international learning environment. The session generated strong interest among Wenshi students, many of whom expressed curiosity about international study opportunities and future academic mobility.

A particularly meaningful component of the visit was the Community Service Engagement session, led by UUM postgraduate students. Through interactive small-group activities, participants were support not only in English language development, but also in nurturing essential soft skills such as communication, confidence, teamwork, and collaborative engagement.

For many students, this learner-centred and facilitative approach represented a new educational experience, and their enthusiastic response reflected the true spirit of educational mobility through shared experiences,  cultural exchange, and mutual respect.

Cultural appreciation continued through a series of performances and immersive activities, including guzheng (古筝) music, Chinese calligraphy (书法), brush painting (国画), traditional paper-cutting (剪纸), and martial arts (武术). These encounters offered the delegation deeper insight into China’s rich cultural heritage while reinforcing the role of culture as a bridge in international education.

The visit concluded with a thoughtfully arranged halal dinner, reflecting the hosts’ attentiveness to cultural and dietary considerations. This gesture of hospitality further strengthened interpersonal connections and left a lasting positive impression on the delegation.

The engagement with Qinzhou Wenshi Middle School represents a significant milestone in WWB’s school-level internationalisation efforts. With shared educational aspirations and aligned values, both institutions are well positioned to expand collaboration through FLanDeCC-supported training programmes, student enrichment initiatives, and future academic exchanges.

As part of the 7 Days of Wisdom Without Borders Highlights Series, Day #6 demonstrates how sustained dialogue, trust-building, and programme alignment can translate into meaningful, future-oriented partnerships, laying a strong foundation for continued collaboration, mutual learning, and global engagement. – Toh Yong Bing, Assoc. Prof. Hasniza Nordin and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurliyana Bukhari