Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) hosted its first Summer School for students from the University of Law, Hue University, Vietnam, from 1 to 8 August 2026.

Titled "Law, Language and Culture Summer School", the event brought 15 law students and one faculty member to XMUM for academic and cultural activities. The programme included sessions on English, law and the Malaysian legal system, as well as Chinese language and cultural activities. Students also visited several landmarks in Malaysia and interacted with XMUM student volunteers.

The first half of the programme focused on academic sessions, during which Dr. Irina Ivanova led a session on IELTS listening and reading using examples related to criminal law. Dr. Liu Lingzi gave a seminar on law and economics in international business, while Ms. Alice Tamah introduced the Malaysian legal system and discussed its similarities and differences with the Vietnamese legal system.

Students also learned about Chinese language and culture. Dr. Tang Renfang introduced Pinyin, vocabulary, pronunciation and calligraphy, while Dr. Song Jiayang introduced different forms of traditional Chinese opera, including Pingju, Yueju, Huangmei Opera and Peking Opera.

For participant Nguyễn Thanh Tâm, the differences between the Vietnamese and Malaysian legal systems stood out during the programme.

"I realized that Vietnamese law and Malaysian law are actually very different. But that difference made me even more interested in learning more about Malaysia."

She said she had already started thinking about returning to XMUM for further study.

"After this Summer School, I don’t know why, but somehow I keep thinking about doing my Master’s degree at XMUM."

Outside the classroom, the students visited Putrajaya, the National Museum, Kuala Lumpur and Beryl's Chocolate Factory. They also spent time at KLCC, where they watched fireworks near the Petronas Twin Towers.

Bùi Trương Vân Khánh said she was impressed by the languages she heard and used during her time in Malaysia.

"I was really impressed by the fact that almost everyone speaks at least two main languages. It's something I truly admire."

She also talked about the people she met during the trip.

"This trip to Malaysia also helped me make many new friends from different countries, gain new knowledge, and broaden my perspective on the world."

XMUM students also took part in the exchange as volunteers, accompanying the visiting students during the programme and spending time with them outside scheduled activities.

Cheok Qin Wen, one student volunteer from XMUM, said she was surprised by how quickly they became friends: "They invited me to try Vietnamese food, and we even joked, 'Who's the guest now?'"

Another volunteer, Weng Kaizhi, recalled a moment from the programme. "Lay, my Vietnamese friend, visited my dorm and played the ukulele for me. I think he has made me like this instrument more and more."

The programme ended with a presentation and reflection session, followed by a closing ceremony and certificate presentation. Students shared their experiences from the week, while faculty members from both universities reflected on the programme.

In a letter of appreciation to XMUM, Prof. Dr. Doan Duc Luong, Rector of the University of Law, Hue University, thanked XMUM for its hospitality and support.

"We believe that meaningful international cooperation is not simply about academic activities or student mobility; it is also about creating opportunities for our students and academics to connect, learn from one another, and develop a deeper understanding of our respective cultures and educational environments."

The University of Law, Hue University, also expressed interest in continuing its cooperation with XMUM, including through student and faculty exchange, academic programmes and future Summer School programmes.