XMUM Ranked No. 1 in Malaysia by Nature Index

Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) has risen to the top of Malaysia's research landscape, securing the No. 1 position in the latest Nature Index ranking based on research output from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

The Nature Index is a recognized database that tracks institutional and national contributions to research published in a curated list of high-quality journals in the natural and health sciences.

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In addition, XMUM is ranked globally top 1% in the Clinical Medicine discipline, Neuroscience & Behavior discipline, Engineering discipline, Chemistry discipline, Social Sciences (General) discipline, according to the Essential Science Indicators (ESI) ranking released in November 2025. This is the first time that the Chemistry discipline of the University has entered the ranking. Meanwhile, 106 research papers published by XMUM scholars have been recognized as ESI Top papers, among which eight (8) papers were picked as Hot Papers, as shown in the ESI database updated in September 2025.

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International Conferences Hosted to Foster Global Academic Networks

Throughout 2025, XMUM successfully hosted a series of international conferences, further strengthening academic exchange and research collaboration.

In June, the WFCMS International Forum on Smart TCM and the 2025 Annual Conference of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS) was held at XMUM, focusing on the internationalization and modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.

In October, the inaugural Cardiff University-XMUM Joint Conference on Sustainable Energy and Climate Challenges brought together scholars from ten countries to discuss frontier developments and future directions in sustainable energy and climate research.

In November, the School of Communication at XMUM co-hosted the 5th International Conference on Media Science and Digital Communication. Under the theme "Media and Communication in a World Reimagined", the conference explored how digital innovation and global transformation are reshaping the ways we connect, access information and inspire one another.

Also in November, XMUM hosted the 2025 Global Chinese Marine Science Symposium, themed "Marine Science and Technology in the Age of Intelligence", which attracted more than 130 experts and scholars from around the world.

13 XMUM Scholars Named Among the World's Top 2% Scientists

On 19 September 2025, Stanford University released its annual list of the world’s top 2% scientists, with 13 scholars from XMUM included.

Among them, Prof. Ong Wee Jun and Prof. Chen Huanyang, together with five other scholars, were listed in both the "Career-Long Impact” and “Single-Year Impact" categories. Prof. Ong Chong Kim was included in the "Career-Long Impact" list, while five scholars, including Dr. Chew Sook Chin and Prof. Yong Wai Fen, were named in the "Single-Year Impact" list.

The recognized scholars come from different of academic backgrounds, including the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, Department of Physics, China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, School of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Computer and Data Science, and Laboratory Center.

Notably, in 2025, Prof. Ong Wee Jun was also named a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher and included in Elsevier’s 2024 list of China Highly Cited Scholars.

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XMUM Faculty Members Receive National-Level Awards in Malaysia

In 2025, XMUM faculty members received high recognition from the Malaysian academic community.

In July, Prof. Yong Wai Fen from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering was named a Malaysian National Outstanding Researcher. The award, jointly organised by the Malaysian Private Education Cooperative (Educoop) and Emerald Publishing, recognizes academic excellence among private higher education institutions nationwide.

In October, Dr. Gan Wee Chen, Associate Professor and Head of Programme of the Bachelor of New Energy Science and Engineering, received the Malaysian National Academic Award (Journal Paper Publication - Science Category), one of the highest honors in Malaysian academia, conferred by the Ministry of Higher Education.

In November, Prof. Ong Wee Jun, Assistant Dean of the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, was awarded the 2025 Malaysian National Young Scientist Award (Engineering Category) by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, recognizing outstanding achievements by scientists under the age of 40.

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International Exchange and External Collaboration Expanded

In 2025, XMUM continued to strengthen external partnerships and international collaboration with enterprises, universities and government agencies, promoting closer integration between academic research and practical application.

In June, XMUM partnered with EVE Energy, a leading lithium battery company, to establish an Innovation Testing Centre and Joint Laboratory aimed at advancing battery research and fostering industry-academia collaboration in Southeast Asia. In July, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Alibaba Cloud (Malaysia) to collaborate in digital training and talent development. In November, XMUM signed clinical teaching cooperation agreements with 15 traditional Chinese medicine clinics to jointly establish clinical practice bases.

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At the same time, XMUM hosted 14 information sessions with overseas universities throughout the year, enabling students to access broader pathways for further study and exchange. Selected students participated in study abroad programmes at partner institutions, engaging in coursework and academic exchange. Notably, XMUM launched its first student exchange programme in 2025, marking a new milestone at the programme level.

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XMUM Hosts the 2025 China International College Students' Innovation Competition (Southeast Asia Regional)

On 20 July, the award ceremony for the 2025 China International College Students' Innovation Competition (Southeast Asia Regional), also known as the China–Malaysia Youth Innovation Competition, was held at XMUM.

The competition attracted more than 1,200 students from ten Southeast Asian countries, with over 700 registered projects spanning sustainable technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and social entrepreneurship. Hosted by XMUM, the Southeast Asia Regional Competition aims to provide a regional platform for students to participate in a top-tier international innovation competition, promoting cross-cultural exchange, collaborative innovation and entrepreneurial spirit across the region.

In 2025, XMUM students continued to achieve strong results in innovation, entrepreneurship and disciplinary competitions, including the China International College Students' Innovation Competition, the China Medical Students' Innovation Competition, the China College Students' Advertising Art Competition, the Penang International Invention, Innovation and Design Competition, and the Huawei ICT Competition (Malaysia).

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PhD Student Receives "Digital Green Talent Award"

Joel Foo Jie, a PhD student from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), was awarded the 2025 Digital Green Talents Award in November 2025. An initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), the award honors 20 young researchers worldwide each year, with the purpose of promoting the international exchange of innovative green ideas that leverage digitalization to foster sustainable development.

As a Digital Green Talent, he will attend a fully-funded Spring School and a research stay in Germany in 2026, where he plans to bring his AI-catalysis proposal to life.

Supported by high-level research platforms, XMUM postgraduate students have continued to gain international recognition in their respective fields, receiving awards such as the IChemE Young Engineer Award for Innovation and Sustainability, IEM Gold Medal Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, and Best Presenter Award at the 5th International Conference on Integrated Coastal Management & Marine Biotechnology.

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XMUM Celebrates Nauryz Festival for the First Time

On 23 April, XMUM hosted its first-ever Nauryz celebration, attracting enthusiastic participation from students from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and other countries. Through traditional games, music and dance, the event showcased the rich cultural heritage of Central Asia and West Asia. Representatives from several Central Asian embassies in Malaysia attended the celebration, adding a strong sense of ceremony and cultural exchange.

Nauryz, one of the most important traditional festivals in Central and West Asia, symbolizes the arrival of spring and renewal, and is often referred to as the "Central Asian Spring Festival".

Currently, XMUM is home to more than 10,000 students from 52 countries and regions. To support its diverse student population, the University continues to enhance student services and intercultural support mechanisms, organizing annual celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Deepavali, as well as events like the Global Carnival, encouraging students to experience and explore multiculturalism while building cross-border friendships in a natural setting.

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The 10th "Nanying Cup" International Chinese Debate Tournament Successfully Held

From 29 to 30 November, the finals of the 10th "Nanying Cup" International Chinese Debate Tournament were held at XMUM. With the theme "Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability", the tournament attracted 48 debate teams from universities worldwide, including Renmin University of China, Zhejiang University, The University of Hong Kong, University College London, the University of Sydney and the University of Malaya.

In the final round, Renmin University of China and Hunan University debated the motion “Does paying for emotional value empower happiness or consume the soul?”, with Renmin University of China emerging as the champion.

As one of XMUM’s flagship student activity, the “Nanying Cup” debate tournament, together with other academic, cultural and exchange activities, contributes to the University’s vibrant campus life. In 2025, XMUM also hosted a wide range of campus events, including the Spookydadooo Halloween celebration, the 7th Traditional Chinese Medicine Week,  X-Nergy Sports Month, providing students with platforms to showcase their talents and engage with one another.

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Campus Life and Facilities Further Upgraded

In 2025, XMUM continued to enhance campus life and facilities to create a more convenient and secure learning and living environment. Eighteen new classrooms on Level 5, Building A3 were put into use. In February, a Kazakhstan restaurant opened on Level G of Building B1, offering greater dining diversity for the growing international student community. In September, the Level 2 cafeteria of LY3 opened, featuring over 20 food outlets serving local cuisine, international dishes and light refreshments to meet the needs of students from different backgrounds. Additional dining options, including Momoyo and Nyonya Kitchen, were also introduced on campus.

To further strengthen campus safety, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were installed across all teaching buildings, student hostels and public facilities in September. First-aid training sessions were conducted for staff and students in November. The campus clinic was also upgraded to provide 24-hour medical services, ensuring round-the-clock healthcare support for the university community.

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