CRI听力:Xiamen University Malaysia Welcomes First Batch of Students

Xiamen University was founded by a Malaysian-Chinese business tycoon, Tan Kah Kee, in 1921.

It's now one of the top universities in China, ranking 37th in Asia, and 275th in the "2016 Best Global Universities Rankings" published by U.S. News.

It's origins have helped the newly-established campus garner support from the Malaysian-Chinese community, including Chairman of the Kerry Group and owner of luxury hotel chain Shangri-La, widely known as the "Sugar King of Asia."

Wang Ruifang, president of Xiamen University Malaysia, says enrollment has exceeded expectations, and that's a sign that the new university is hailed by high school graduates and their parents in Malaysia.

"Graduates from XMUM will have a better understanding of China, the ASEAN nations, and East Asia, and they can make their contribution to constructing the 21st century maritime Silk Road."

Over 180 students are ready to start their college lives at Xiamen University Malaysia. Law Ying Ping, is one of them. She's pursuing a degree in International Trade and believes studying at the university will provide her with a deeper understanding of China.

"I think we can learn more about China here, like business information and culture. There will be many Chinese students so we can communicate with each other and learn more about the Chinese culture."

The 180 freshmen can choose from seven programs on offer, including New Energy Science and Engineering, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese Studies, Journalism, Accounting, Finance, and International Business.

Ong Ka Ting, the Malaysian Prime Minister's Special Envoy to China, believes the founding of the university will contribute to China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative.

"As far as I know, besides the courses offered now, the XMUM has plans to set up the ocean engineering college. This will benefit the construction of the 21st century maritime silk road."

A second batch of students is set to start in April, followed by another intake for bachelor's degree programs in September. The total number of students to be enrolled in 2016 will eventually surpass seven hundred.

For CRI, this is Huang Shan.