What Our Students Say About Us
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XMUM has enriched me with a wonderful, fruitful, and marvellous PhD journey. I am truly fortunate to have been a pioneer student from the 2016 batch, continuing to pursue my dream of becoming an academician. I am also deeply grateful to have met so many amazing friends, mentors, and fellow researchers who accompanied me along the way.★★★★★Ong Sui ChangDoctor of Philosophy in New Energy Science and Engineering - Image
My journey at XMUM has been truly rewarding—dedicating myself to academic excellence, performing with the Music Club, and proudly representing XMUM in business competition. Being awarded with multiple scholarships were meaningful recognition of my efforts, and I’m deeply grateful to the inspiring mentors who guided me along the way. Now, I look forward to pursuing my master’s in China, embracing new challenges and opportunities, just as XMUM has prepared me to do.★★★★★Guan Ee JayAlumni, Bachelor of Management in International Business - Image
I've spent six unforgettable years at XMUM and given the chance, I’d do it all over again. Studying Advertising here taught me that university life is more than just academics; it's the connections, friendships, and experiences that truly shape who we are. With a deep passion for filmmaking, I took part in numerous events, and this campus community became the perfect platform for me to challenge myself and grow both personally and professionally.★★★★★Jorge Lim Yi ChengAlumni, Bachelor Of Arts In Advertising - Image
At the Chinese Studies Department of XMUM, I’ve learned to observe the world beyond black and white, to avoid making hasty judgments, and to treat every details seriously. The generous guidance by my lecturers has helped me realize my small existence in the flow of culture and history, and the gap between ideals and reality. At XMUM, knowledge has become a wind that helps me refine myself, and when it passes through, life finds a new beginning.★★★★★Choo Min YeeAlumni, Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies - Image
Studying Bachelor of Arts in Communication at XMUM was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. At XMUM, I truly experienced the charm and impact of Communication. From being unfamiliar at first to now skillfully using various equipment and creating engaging works, the experience has supported my growth in every way.★★★★★Sheldon Kong Qi DongStudent, Bachelor of Arts in Communication - Image
I’m grateful for my decision to study at XMUM. The course schedule and syllabus of Marine Biotechnology at XMUM are very well-structured, with a balance emphasis on both theoretical and practical classes. Besides, XMUM also maintains close ties with XMU China, ensuring academic continuity and collaboration. The program is fully conducted in English, and Malaysia’s multicultural environment has fully met my expectations.★★★★★Wang ChengzuoAlumni, Bachelor of Science in Marine Biotechnology - Image
XMUM emphasize the integration of both traditional Chinese and modern medicine. The courses are taught in Mandarin and English, which not only helps us develop a precise understanding of medical terminology, but also builds a solid foundation for serving patients in multilingual environments. This approach helps in preserving and advancing the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine.★★★★★Oon Jing ShenStudent, Bachelor of Medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine - Image
My MBA Journey with the MBA Centre, Xiamen University of Malaysia have been academically enriching, both on a professional and personal level. I will forever be grateful of the knowledge gained and the bond of friendship forged among my fellow alumni and that of the teaching staff at XMUM.★★★★★Muzambli Bin MarkamConsul General of Malaysia, Hong Kong S.A.R., 2024 l MBA Alumni
See Our Highlights
Dr. Thomas Boryniec: From Finance to Classrooms, Finding Home in Malaysia
Over the past years, Xiamen University Malaysia has welcomed scholars from around the world whose diverse experiences enrich both the classroom and campus life. Among them is Dr. Thomas Boryniec, Assistant Professor at the School of Economics and Management.Since joining XMUM in April 2025, Dr. Boryniec has brought with him an international academic journey spanning Europe and Asia. From Austria and Poland to the United Kingdom, Singapore, China and now Malaysia, he has lived and studied across six countries while working with four languages (he is currently learning his fifth language which is Malay). Today, his research focuses on venture capital, international business, artificial intelligence and blockchain finance.For Thomas, this global journey began with a simple piece of advice from his father.While studying as an undergraduate at Queen Mary University of London in 2007, after being recommend by his department, he had the opportunity to apply for three exchange destinations: Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the University of Sydney, and the University of California, Berkeley. Like many students, he initially leaned toward Berkeley. However, his father encouraged him to consider a different path.“He suggested that I go to Asia,” Thomas recalls. “He said Asia is the future. Instead of following the crowd, I should explore something unknown.”That exchange experience soon became a turning point in his life. During his time at Nanyang Technological University, he was first deeply exposed to East Asian culture and gradually developed a strong interest in the Chinese language and Chinese culture.In 2008, he travelled to China during his holidays to study Chinese for the first time. The country left a profound impression on him.“I was amazed by how friendly people were, and the food was incredible,” he says. “I felt that the country had enormous potential.”The following summer in 2009, he travelled again to China, this time to Shijiazhuang, to continue learning Chinese. The experience still feels surreal to him. Not long after the Beijing Olympics, many locals were curious about foreign visitors and often approached him warmly wherever he went. Even more surprisingly, he was the only student in his Chinese class, which essentially became a one-on-one learning experience.“That was when I released that one day I would want to return to China,” he says.After graduating from Queen Mary University of London, Thomas entered the investment banking sector in London, working as a research assistant in debt capital markets at the financial technology company Dealogic. The job allowed him to gain valuable exposure to global financial markets and analytical work.However, over time, he began to realize that his true interests lay elsewhere.“I discovered that I enjoyed the process of learning and explaining complex ideas much more than purely industry work,” he explains. “Teaching and research gave me a sense of fulfilment that finance alone could not provide.”This realisation eventually led him back to academia. In 2018, he began his PhD studies in Applied Economics at Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University.The transition was not easy at first. He had to adapt to both demanding academic coursework and studying in a non-native language.“The learning curve was quite steep,” he recalls.Fortunately, the support of his classmates helped him overcome these challenges. Through regular discussions and study groups, they worked together to tackle difficult concepts and problem sets.“That kind of collaboration had a profound impact on me,” he says.With persistence and a supportive academic environment, he gradually adapted to the programme and achieved strong academic results in both coursework and qualification examinations. During his doctoral studies, he published papers in SSCI-indexed journals, participated in international conferences, reviewed academic manuscripts and contributed to a China National Social Science Foundation research project.His doctoral supervisor also played a crucial role in shaping his academic development.At the beginning of his PhD, Thomas was eager to move directly into data collection and empirical analysis. However, his supervisor insisted that he first build a strong theoretical foundation through an extensive literature review. After completing his coursework, he spent an entire year writing a comprehensive review of more than 100 pages, systematically analyzing all SSCI-indexed research on cross-border venture capital.The work was later refined and published in a core journal in the venture capital field.“Spending a year writing that review completely changed the way I conduct research,” he reflects. “It made everything afterwards faster, clearer and more impactful.”His supervisor also encouraged him to combine academic research with real-world practice. Drawing on his earlier experience in investment banking, Thomas collaborated with venture capital funds and start-ups, gaining first-hand insights into investment decision-making, innovation and financial risk. These experiences continue to shape his current research interests in venture capital, international business, artificial intelligence and blockchain finance.Thomas at his PhD Graduation CeremonyAfter completing his PhD, Thomas initially planned to remain in China to pursue an academic career. However, his plans changed after interviewing at Xiamen University Malaysia.“When I first saw the campus, I fell in love with it immediately,” he says. “XMUM is one of the most beautiful campuses in Malaysia, and the atmosphere here made me feel very welcome.”He was also attracted by the university’s integration of different educational traditions and its strong emphasis on both teaching and research.“Here, you can develop as a scholar while also being deeply involved in students’ learning. I value that balance very much.”At XMUM, Thomas primarily teaches Financial Econometrics and Blockchain Finance. Drawing on his experiences across different education systems, he adopts an interactive teaching style that encourages discussion and practical application.He still remembers his first lecture at XMUM.“I was very nervous walking into the classroom,” he recalls. “Financial Econometrics is a highly technical course for final-year students, and it requires a solid foundation in statistics and econometrics. I knew I had to be extremely well prepared.”To improve the classroom experience, he constantly communicates with students and adjusts his teaching approach. He often explains difficult concepts in several languages to ensure that students from different backgrounds can understand them. He also invites students to the whiteboard to work through problems together, creating a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment.Preparing for classes frequently keeps him working late into the night, sometimes until the early hours of the morning. Even after midnight, he often replies to students’ questions.At the end of his first semester, several students approached him after the final class to take photos together and thank him. The moment left a lasting impression on him.“That moment really touched me,” he says. “It reminded me why I chose this profession.”Later, one student from that class became the first undergraduate thesis student he supervised.Thomas with his first studentsFor Thomas, economics is not simply about equations. It is a way to understand how markets, institutions and individuals behave and interact - and how those interactions shape everyday life.For this reason, he hopes to combine rigorous academic training with practical industry perspectives in his teaching, helping students understand not only economic theories but also how they operate in the real world.“Research enhances teaching, while teaching helps to clarify and organise ideas,” he says. “But the most rewarding part of academia for me is seeing students develop the skills and confidence that will shape their future careers.”(Contributed by Zhai Fangrui)
Dr. Chen Lei Publishes in Social Media + Society
Research and Postgraduate Centre congratulates Asst. Prof. Dr. Chen Lei from the School of Communication on his recent research article published in Social Media + Society, a SSCI Q1 journal with the latest impact factor of 6.8.Dr. Chen Lei is the first author of the paper, co-authoring with Asst. Prof. Dr. Kim Sang Jun and Ms. Zhou Kun, a PhD candidate, both from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Iowa, USA.Titled "'You Are Not Fat': The Postfeminist Contradiction in #RejectBodyAnxiety - A Computationally Assisted Critical Thematic Analysis", the research explores whether and how postfeminism - a dominant way in which contemporary women understand empowerment - has evolved in the context of increasing self-expression by ordinary women through short-form video on social media. Using a computationally assisted critical thematic analysis of 1,915 posts from a body-positivity hashtag on RedNote (Xiaohongshu) with over 540 million views, it identifies a new iteration of postfeminism, showing how such discourse simultaneously enables new forms of empowerment while reinforcing subtle modes of discipline.https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051261419392This research was supported by the Arts and Humanities Initiative (AHI) program at the University of Iowa.Dr. Chen Lei is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication at Xiamen University Malaysia. His research interests include online discourse, digital media, global communication, health communication, and computational approaches. Prior to joining XMUM, he received his PhD from the University of Iowa and conducted teaching and research in both China and the United States.
XMUM Joins International Media Conference as Academic Partner
During 23 to 24 March 2026, the 11th World Conference on Media and Mass Communication (MEDCOM 2026) was successfully held in Bali, Indonesia, bringing together 196 participants from 41 countries and regions. The event served as a vibrant platform for scholarly exchange on emerging issues and future directions in media and communication studies.The School of Communication, Xiamen University Malaysia, participated as an Academic Partner of the conference. Prof. Wang Changsong, Dean of the School of Communication, attended the conference and contributed as a member of the evaluation panel, engaging in scholarly assessment and dialogue with researchers from diverse backgrounds. Since 2019, the School of Communication has served as a co-host and academic partner of the Conference.Under the theme “Rethinking Media Future: Sustainability, Resistance, and Communication Justice”, MEDCOM 2026 addressed critical challenges facing contemporary media ecosystems, including issues of equity, power, and ethical responsibility in global communication.Among the distinguished keynote speakers was Daya Thussu, President of International Association for Media and Communication Research. In his keynote address titled “Intellectual Imperialism: Artificial or Real”, he offered a thought-provoking reflection on the evolving relationship between human intellect and artificial intelligence, questioning the boundaries between technological advancement and authentic intellectual engagement in the digital age.
Winners Announced - XMUM's 10th Anniversary Essay Competition
Xiamen University Malaysia is pleased to announce the results of the 10th Anniversary Essay Competition and congratulate the winners on their outstanding work!The winners were chosen by a professional panel of judges, including Dr. Ng Kee Ong, Dr. Ooi Bee Peng, Ms. Li Xiaowen, Dr. Al-Saggaf Mohammad Ali Abdellah, Dr. Irina Ivanova, and representatives from the organizing committee. Here is the list of winners:First Prize: Abdi Abdifatah Ibrahim - The Silence That Changed Everything: My 8,000-Kilometer JourneySecond Prize: Tang Wing Lok - 十年·我在厦门大学马来西亚分校的故事Third Prize: Chan Yi Ying - My Favourite Mid-AutumnSpecial Prize: Fang Xiao（方晓） - 感恩碑Meanwhile, we would like to congratulate another 12 essays that have been selected from the 60 entries we received. They are listed below in alphabetical order:Cheah Yuat Hoong - 我与马来西亚厦门大学的第一个十年Esenalieva Aizhamal Esenalievna - Brick by Brick: Growing Up with XMUMFang Xiao & Zhou Hailiang（方晓 & 周海亮） - 忆厦大马校创办初期的招生工作Gamakharova Mariia - Everything Starts With A DreamIlhomov Azizbek Akbarjon Ugli - Companions, Changes, and Becoming: My Story at XMUMKudaibergen Niara - At XMUM, I Finally BelongedLow Kit Yin - 忆味Lydia Yap Ern Whui - UntitledMubanga Kalumba - My Life at XMUMNorzita Binti Yunus - A Career Change, A Life RewrittenTan Hao - 再见，我的大学Zhang Siyu（张思钰）- The Algorithm of Resilience: How I Coded My Way from Tears to TriumphEssays of the winners and the top stories will be collected into the 10th Anniversary e-Anthology, which is expected to be released later in the year.We would like to thank all the participants who have supported this competition. Your stories have added meaningful chapters to XMUM's journey, and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones together in the years to come.
Southeast Asia Division Contest of China International College Students' Innovation Competition 2026
Video file About the CompetitionSEA-CICSIC 2026 is the Southeast Asia regional contest of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition (CICSIC), providing a regional platform for students to participate in this prestigious global competition. It aims to foster cross-cultural collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship among university and college students from Southeast Asian countries, while encouraging participants to apply their innovative solutions to regional and global challenges.The China International College Students’ Innovation Competition (CICSIC) is a premier global event that unites university and college students worldwide to engage in innovation and entrepreneurship. It provides a platform for participants to showcase their ideas, collaborate with peers, and explore innovative solutions addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development. Since its inception in 2015, CICSIC has successfully held consecutive annual competitions. In 2025, it attracted 24.43 million participants from 5,673 universities, with 6.19 million projects submitted and 4,729 projects awarded.All projects submitted to SEA-CICSIC 2026 will be eligible for recommendation to the CICSIC 2026 global competition. Students passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship are invited to participate.Project Entry Requirements1.Projects should address social needs, create new products and business models, and promote the transformation of key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, health, energy, and environmental protection. They should also facilitate the integration of digital technology with education, medical care, transport, finance, and cultural exchange.2.Projects must be ethical, legal, and free of any content that violates Chinese and any other Southeast Asia countries’ laws or regulations. All inventions, patented technologies, and resources involved must have the attendant legal intellectual property rights and proprietary rights. Entrants who submit plagiarized or pirated entries will be disqualified from the competition, forfeit any awards received, and shall bear all legal liabilities.3.Entrants must choose the proper category for submitting their projects. The participating teams must truthfully fill out and submit entry materials in the registration system in a timely manner. Projects that have won the Gold or Silver Awards in previous sessions of the CICSIC and Gold Awards in the MCYIC are not eligible for submission.4.Entrants must be under 35 years old (born in/after 1991).How to ParticipateThe Competition only accepts team entries. All entrants shall participate as teams of 2 to 15 members (team leader included). A team may be formed by members from more than one college. All entrants shall be core members of the team.All entrants must be students who are currently enrolled at a university/college or those who have graduated within the past 5 years (graduated in/after 2021). The application should be submitted by the team leader. A team shall represent only one foreign institution in which the team leader is currently enrolled or has graduated from. In this case, a foreign institution refers to a higher education institution that is located in Southeast Asia countries (outside Mainland China as well as Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions of China) and is qualified to provide tertiary education and award degrees. Participants from different universities are allowed to form a team.All submissions will be classified into one of the following two categories depending on the entrants' academic status: Undergraduate or Postgraduate. The submissions will be further classified into two sub-categories based on the projects’ business stage: Idea Stage and Startup Stage Projects. All participating colleges shall instruct entrants to correctly fill out the application and register in the appropriate category.Requirements for Undergraduate & PostgraduateIdea Stageare creative;have mature product prototypes or service models;have not completed business registration or other types of registration on or before 1 April 2026.The applicant must be the team leader, and the team leader and members must currently be undergraduates or junior college students.Startup StageProjects are projects that have completed business registration or other types of registration (before 1 April 2026).The applicant must be the team leader, the legal representative of the start-up and a current undergraduate or an undergraduate/junior college student who has graduated with an undergraduate degree within the past 5 years.Timeline:Registration Opens: April 11, 2026, 12:00 noon Registration Closes: April 27, 2026, 12:00 noon Eligibility Review: April – May 2026 Finalists Announcement: May 2026 (tentative) Final Competition & Award Ceremony: June 2026Learn more:Event Website: https://events.xmu.edu.my/seacicsic26/Registration Website: https://mys.pilcchina.org/homeXiamen University Malaysia – Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center: innocompetition@xmu.edu.my Image
Education Roadshow April 2026
Join our April Roadshow to explore programmes, scholarships, and campus life 🎓✨Let’s plan your next step together — don’t miss the chance to discover exciting opportunities and exclusive offers 🔥 Image Image