Bridging Knowledge and Culture in China

The UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan has organized a Malaysia-Global Industrial and Educational Linkages 2025 from 10 to 17 September 2025. The delegation comprising eight academicians from UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan and two international industry partners (the International Future of Education Association (IFEA) and Taiwan Halal Certification Development Co Ltd) visited Zhengzhou and Xi’an, China. The visit aligned with the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) strategic aspiration of Globally Renowned University, Locally Rooted (GRULR) 2025. The aspirations emphasize strengthening international networks while remaining committed to local values. Thus, the program engagements reflected this mission by building bridges between academic excellence and cultural understanding. Interactions with Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy and Zhengzhou E-Commerce Vocational College demonstrated these missions.

The Chinese celebrated their delegation throughout the program, and this example demonstrated the extent to which cultural practices permeate professional and social landscapes. At the formal luncheons, over twenty-five conventional dishes were served, each with a symbolic meaning behind it. The fish head placed in front of the guest of honor served as a gesture of greeting. The tradition of the host toasting the guest of honor three times, followed by the guest of honor toasting him in return three times, demonstrated mutual respect. The dish of long noodles symbolizes longevity, showing how values are conveyed through cuisine.

Cultural immersion extended to martial arts demonstrations at historic courtyards, emphasizing discipline and the continuity of heritage. Artistic expressions, including embroidery and painting, emphasized the significance of aesthetics and tradition, even in a modern society. Culinary experiences, such as traditional beef noodles, further demonstrated how regional identity is integrated into daily life.

Xi’an, known for its historical significance as an ancient capital, enhanced this cultural insight. The Terracotta Army, commissioned during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, embodies loyalty and craftsmanship, with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers arranged to guard the emperor in the afterlife. This heritage site stands as a testament to China’s long-standing balance between cultural preservation and societal progress.

The visit demonstrated how academic discourse and heritage appreciation can foster effective collaboration. The delegation was able to learn some valuable ideas on future collaboration by observing the way China integrates tradition and modernity. This educational experience served the institutional end as well as the broader intercultural knowledge.