On the afternoon of September 12, the University held a pre-departure meeting for the newly appointed Chinese Dean of the Confucius Institute in the Fifth Conference Room of the Longzihu Campus. Vice President Li Yanbin attended the meeting and delivered a speech, which was presided over by Li Shengji, Dean of the School of International Education.
In his remarks, Vice President Li Yanbin highly affirmed the achievements of the Confucius Institute in recent years. He noted that since its inauguration in 2020, the Confucius Institute at the University of Technology Sarawak has continuously improved its institutional framework, refined its curriculum system, and organized a series of vibrant cultural activities under the joint efforts of both Chinese and Malaysian partners. Its social influence has steadily increased, making it an important platform for educational and cultural exchanges between China and Malaysia. Li emphasized that the Confucius Institute is not only a key pillar supporting the University’s internationalization strategy, but also an important window for serving the Belt and Road Initiative and promoting mutual learning among civilizations. Looking ahead, he called for higher strategic awareness, deeper integration into national development strategies, strengthened cooperation, expanded collaboration areas, and the establishment of a sound quality assurance and operational mechanism to comprehensively improve the Institute’s academic standards and international impact.
Regarding the work of the new Chinese Dean, Li put forward five expectations: 1. Keep the big picture in mind, stay true to the mission, and take the dissemination of Chinese culture as the foremost responsibility. 2. Foster collaboration and synergy, fully leveraging the role of the Confucius Institute as a bridge of communication. 3. Highlight unique features and build a strong brand by developing influential cultural programs and enhancing the “Chinese Language + Water Conservancy” teaching advantage. 4. Demonstrate courage, responsibility, and innovation, showcasing the professionalism and commitment of Chinese educators on the international stage. 5. Care for the team and unite people, cultivating a united and efficient team of teachers and volunteers to lay a solid foundation for the Institute’s sustainable development.
At the meeting, relevant representatives from the School of International Education reviewed the development progress of the Confucius Institute and introduced the details of the new directorship transition. The newly appointed Chinese Dean, Han Fule, expressed gratitude for the University’s trust and support, pledging to perform his duties diligently and strive for new breakthroughs in the Institute’s construction. Participants also discussed how the University could better fulfill its main responsibilities and provide comprehensive policy, personnel, and financial support for the Institute’s development.
This meeting marked an important step in the University’s ongoing efforts to advance the construction of the Confucius Institute, serve national strategies, and promote internationalization. The University will continue to improve top-level planning and support mechanisms, giving full play to the role of the Confucius Institute as a bridge for educational cooperation and cultural exchange between China and other countries.
Attendees included the newly appointed Chinese Dean of the Confucius Institute and responsible officials from the Personnel Department, Finance Department, International Office, and the School of International Education.
