From 7 to 18 September 2026, 20 students from the School of Communication (SOC), Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), participated in a two-week summer camp at Xiamen University (XMU)’s main campus in Siming District, Xiamen, China.

Hosted by XMU School of Journalism and Communication, XMU, the programme included academic sessions, creative activities, campus visits and cultural experiences. The students also had opportunities to interact with XMU students and academic staff and experience university life at the main campus.

Hu Tianjing, an Advertising student, said the classes, market research and creative activities helped her develop a more systematic understanding of advertising, while exploring Xiamen helped her connect what she learned in class with everyday experiences.

“The journey gave me a broader and more concrete understanding of communication,” she said.

The experience also gave students a chance to look at their own university life from a different perspective. Penny Cheng said that studying at XMU and interacting with students from another campus gave her a new perspective on her own journey. As a first-time visitor to China, she was also impressed by Xiamen’s convenient transport, vibrant daily life and coastal scenery.

Beyond the classroom, the students explored Xiamen, tried local food and experienced aspects of the city's culture and daily life. Wong Zhi En said the experience gave her a deeper understanding of Xiamen, Minnan culture and life at the main campus, while strengthening her sense of connection between XMUM and XMU.

For Ainsley, the two weeks were also about the people and everyday experiences that became part of her memories.

"From exploring the campus and the city to trying different food and meeting new friends, every experience became part of my memories," she said.

Launched in 2025, the summer camp is part of Xiamen University's efforts to strengthen educational exchange and provide opportunities for cross-campus learning. The 20 SOC students were selected based on their academic performance and other achievements.