Malaysian principals' visit strengthens educational ties with XJTLU

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) recently hosted a delegation of over 20 Malaysian school principals for a five-day visit to strengthen educational collaboration between XJTLU and schools in Malaysia.

Delegates at XJTLU’s Taicang base

The members of the delegation included several schools that had signed a memorandum of understanding when XJTLU Vice President for Student Affairs and Information, Professor Qiuling Chao, visited Malaysia in February.

Professor Qiuling Chao (centre, front) and XJTLU delegates on their visit to Malaysia in February

The visit to XJTLU included an introduction to XJTLU by Professor Chao and tours of the University’s north and south campuses in SIP and the XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang), where the principals toured cutting-edge facilities like labs and the libraries while receiving an overview of XJTLU’s unique East-meets-West education model.

Malaysia delegates and XJTLU representatives

Throughout the visit, the Malaysian delegation had opportunities to interact with XJTLU leadership, academic staff and students. Discussions centred on harnessing emerging technologies like AI to enhance teacher training and classroom instruction.

Delegates with Professor Marc Aurel Schnabel (back centre), Dean of the Design School

Delegates with Professor John Moraros (front, third from left), Dean of the School of Science

At International Business School Suzhou

A presentation at the School of Film and TV Arts

Equipping educators in the AI era

During the trip, the delegation also participated in the ninth Principals’ Tea Talk, where the Malaysian principals joined Chinese peers and experts to explore opportunities and challenges around teacher development in the era of AI.

Hong Seng Loh of Kuala Lumpur’s Tsun Jin High School said: “Our teaching situation in Malaysia differs from China’s, as our school is self-financing, so resources are limited.” However, Malaysian educators were willing to adapt, with Loh’s school launching a “Future Department” in 2017 to drive instructional changes.

Hong Seng Loh, Principal of Tsun Jin High School

While optimistic about AI’s potential, Malaysian educators emphasised preserving teaching’s human aspects. “No technology can replicate teachers who are passionate, caring, and attentive to students,” stated Kooi Looi Ang, Principal of Penang’s Jit Sin High School.

Kooi Looi Ang, Principal of Jit Sin High School

Both countries recognised that comprehensive professional development is needed to enable pedagogical shifts with AI. “Our principals must organise training sessions to provide guidance,” stated Dr Bin Zou, Programme Director of XJTLU’s MA TESOL programme.

Dr Bin Zou, Programme Director of XJTLU’s MA TESOL programme

Ang's words encapsulated the talk's spirit: “In the age of AI, we know that things are not easy, but we have to face it, strengthen ourselves, and believe that we will be able to,” she said.

The delegation on a tour of XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang)

XJTLU aims to build long-term partnerships with top Malaysian schools based on shared goals of nurturing future-ready graduates and empowering professional educators. This multifaceted visit represented a significant step towards realising that vision through mutual understanding and collaboration.