On 2 August 2024, the opening ceremony for the Malaysia Public Open Days of the Tan Kah Kee Research Vessel (R/V TKK) was held at Port Klang. Over 100 guests attended, including representatives from Malaysian government, academia, industry, social organizations, as well as faculty and students from Xiamen University's main campus and Malaysia campus.

The ceremony featured notable figures such as Y.B. Chang Lih Kang, Minister of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation; H.E. Ouyang Yujing, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Malaysia; and Dato' Tan Yew Sing, Chairman of the Tan Kah Kee Foundation Malaysia.

In the opening speech, Prof. Zhu Chongshi, Honorary Director of the Xiamen University General Alumni Association and former President of Xiamen University, emphasized the importance of inheriting and promoting the spirit of Tan Kah Kee. He noted that the public opening of R/V TKK in Malaysia is both a gesture of gratitude to Mr. Tan Kah Kee and a vibrant continuation of his spirit in the new era.

Prof. Dai Minhan, Deputy Director of the Xiamen University Council and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, discussed Xiamen University's achievements in marine science and its leading academic research capabilities. He highlighted the role of the research vessel in enhancing scientific collaboration and cultural exchange between China, Malaysia, and other countries and regions.

Student representative Trisha Thiagarajan from the China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia expressed heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to participate in the event. She promised to honor Mr. Tan Kah Kee's spirit of exploration and collaboration by striving to learn new skills and explore the mysteries of the ocean during the voyage.

Dato' Tan Yew Sing highlighted Mr. Tan Kah Kee as a proud figure for the Malaysian Chinese community. He stated that this event not only pays tribute to Mr. Tan Kah Kee's outstanding contributions but also continues his selfless spirit.

Ambassador Ouyang Yujing noted the long-standing friendly relations between China and Malaysia, with deep-rooted traditional ties. He emphasized that recent years have seen increasing cooperation between the two countries in education and culture, and that this open day event will infuse new vitality into their friendly relationship.

Minister Y.B. Chang Lih Kang remarked that the Tan Kah Kee research vessel is a crucial link connecting researchers from both countries. He looked forward to using the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to strengthen technological innovation, cultural, and educational exchanges between China and Malaysia, and extended his wishes for the enduring friendship between the two nations.

The opening ceremony also featured a ribbon-cutting event. After the ceremony, guests toured the vessel and engaged in friendly exchanges with faculty and students from Xiamen University and Xiamen University Malaysia who were on board.

The Research Vessel Tan Kah Kee will be open for free public tours on 3 and 4 August 2024. All slots have been fully booked by over 1,000 visitors. During the open days, the vessel will offer laboratory tours, various exhibitions, science popularization videos, and interactive activities.

As a state-of-the-art 3,600-ton oceanographic research vessel equipped with advanced marine science exploration tools, R/V TKK can conduct real-time, synchronous observations and on-site scientific research across disciplines such as hydrology, chemistry, biology, geology, geophysics, atmospheric sciences, and related interdisciplinary fields. It is known as the “Marine Campus” and the fifth campus of Xiamen University. It is also the first Chinese research vessel to dock in Malaysia.

The visit and open day activities of the Tan Kah Kee research vessel are part of Xiamen University's “Xiamen University at Sea” student training program. This program utilizes the Tan Kah Kee vessel to create an internationalized marine science talent training project for students from Xiamen University and its Malaysia campus, and invites students from other universities to participate.

Following the open days, students and lecturers from Xiamen University Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu will embark on a training cruise back to China, during which they will conduct marine scientific research and training in the South China Sea.

(Photo by Yang Weidi, Wu Yulin, Wang Yiran)