Malaysia-China academic partnership lays the foundation for next-gen global tech leaders

Against the breathtaking backdrop of Guilin’s limestone peaks and serene rivers, a landmark collaboration between Guilin University of Technology (GUT), China, and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), Malaysia, was officially launched with the unveiling of the GUT-APU College of Information Technology (GACIT).

Held on 28 June 2025 at the scenic GUT campus in Guangxi, the inauguration ceremony brought together senior leadership from both institutions, officials from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region’s Department of Education, representatives from the Malaysian Embassy in China, and influential industry leaders. This strategic partnership signals a significant step forward in developing globally competitive talents in computing, software engineering, and network technology. 

A Transnational Bridge in Higher Education

With a robust student body of over 19,000 and 59 undergraduate programmes, GUT stands as one of China’s premier public universities. APU, a top-ranked Malaysian institution renowned for its innovation-driven programmes, brings to the table its strength in technology-focused education and applied research. The newly established GACIT reflects a deep alignment of vision between the two universities, transcending borders to create a transformative learning platform. 

“This collaboration is more than a partnership between two institutions,” said Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice-Chancellor of APU. “GACIT represents a shared commitment to shaping future talents who are technically capable, globally aware, and ready for the demands of a fast-evolving field.” 

He further emphasised, “By embedding our academic rigour and industry focus within this collaboration, we are jointly shaping a talent pipeline that supports both national development and ASEAN’s growing digital economy.” 

Cultural Exchange Meets Technical Excellence 

GACIT will offer specialised degree programmes in Software Engineering, Computer Science, and Network Engineering—designed to integrate both foundational knowledge and applied industry skills. These dual-degree programmes allow students to graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering from GUT and a Bachelor of Science from APU, further enhancing their international credentials. 

A defining feature of the collaboration will be the mobility of academic staff from APU’s School of Computing (SoC) and School of Technology (SoT), who will travel to Guilin to co-lecture and co-develop courses alongside GUT faculty. This cross-border academic engagement not only enhances the student experience but also signals GUT’s confidence in APU’s pedagogical and technical strengths. 

Strengthening ASEAN-China Educational Ties 

Representing the Malaysian Embassy in China, Mr Muhammad Sallehuddin Bin Mohd Dilif, Education Counsellor, applauded the partnership. “This is more than an academic alliance—it is a bridge between China and the ASEAN region, especially Malaysia, fostering cultural exchange and collaborative research,” he said. 

“With Malaysia holding the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, we hope that this Information Technology College can become a hub for students across ASEAN and China, contributing to technological advancements that benefit societies regionally and globally.” 

The ceremony was also graced by Mr Nong Yi, Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Committee at GUT; Mr Wang Dunqui, President of GUT and Dean at GACIT; Ms Lv Qing from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region’s Department of Education; and Mr Zhang Haifeng, General Manager of Guangxi Liugang Dongxin Technology Co. Ltd., reinforcing the strategic relevance of GACIT within regional and industrial contexts. 

With its establishment, APU’s Senior Head of the School of Technology, Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei, will serve as Deputy Dean, supported by Associate Professor Ts Dr Tan Chin Ike, Head of the School of Computing. Both will assume key leadership roles to ensure the successful implementation of teaching and learning activities at GACIT. 

GACIT in the Heart of a Booming Innovation Zone 

As Guangxi continues to rise as a core component of the ASEAN Free Trade Area and innovation corridor, the timing of this academic alliance could not be more pertinent. GACIT aims to cultivate a new breed of professionals—graduates who are not only technically proficient, but agile and globally attuned. 

The curriculum has been thoughtfully curated to reflect the latest demands of the global tech ecosystem, blending classroom theory with real-world application. Students will benefit from the combined strengths of two technology-driven universities and gain access to industry networks and research platforms across borders. 

During their visit, representatives from APU and the Malaysian delegation toured GUT’s cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and its celebrated Geological Museum—symbols of the university’s enduring commitment to research and innovation. 

Towards a Shared Vision of Global Tech Excellence

The launch of GACIT is more than a celebratory milestone—it is a promise. A promise that tomorrow’s tech professionals will emerge not only equipped with knowledge but also inspired by cultural diversity, global perspectives, and a sense of shared responsibility to shape the future of technology. 

As GACIT opens its doors to its first cohort, the partnership between APU and GUT is poised to serve as a model for transnational education, grounded in excellence, driven by innovation, and committed to nurturing a better-connected, technologically empowered world.