I. Grand Handover Ceremony Marks a New Chapter in China–Malaysia and China–ASEAN Educational Cooperation
With the strong support of the Malaysian Government, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, and other stakeholders, Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL) held a grand handover ceremony of its operational rights on 23 April under the guiding principles of win–win cooperation, service to local development, industry–education integration, and ASEAN leadership.
Star Teenagers International Group completed the acquisition with a 90% equity stake, marking the opening of a new chapter in China–Malaysia and ASEAN educational cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Professor Chen Xiaoyun, Chairman of Star Teenagers International Group and newly appointed Chairman of the University, attended and delivered a keynote address. University leaders, distinguished guests, and faculty members jointly witnessed this historic moment. Following the handover, the institution was officially renamed Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology (KLUST).
II. The 21st Convocation Successfully Held, Showcasing Cultural Diversity and Humanistic Exchange
On 24 May, Kuala Lumpur Construction University held its 21st Convocation Ceremony, attended by nearly 1,000 graduates from over 30 countries. This ceremony marked the first convocation under the leadership of Star Teenagers International Group, symbolising the University’s entry into a new stage of development.
Graduates from 39 countries received their certificates from Chairman Chen Xiaoyun. The ceremony was solemn yet inclusive, reflecting the shared achievements and joy of students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
III. Official Renaming to Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology, Advancing a Strategic Shift Towards Technology and Internationalisation
On 25 June, the University was officially renamed Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology, signalling a new phase of international educational cooperation.
The ceremony was witnessed by Member of Parliament Chen Kok Wai, Minister-Counsellor Zheng Xuefang of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malaya Tan Sri Dato’ Ghauth Jasmon, among others.
KLUST formally established a development strategy centred on science and technology with global connectivity, positioning itself as an application-oriented research university integrating digital technology, intelligent systems, and artificial intelligence, with the ambition to become a regional hub for technological education and innovation in Southeast Asia.
IV. KLUST Back-to-Campus Day & Launching of Expert Talk Series
From 9 to 15 July, KLUST held its first-ever KLUST Back-to-Campus Day, and the launching of Expert Talk Series following the University’s renaming.
At the opening ceremony, Chairman Chen Xiaoyun delivered a keynote speech titled “Setting Sail Under the Starlight: Shaping Technology Pioneers for the Future World”, outlining the cultivation of four categories of elite talents and eight integrated talent-development platforms.
He emphasised the importance of AI proficiency, interdisciplinary capabilities, research commercialisation, and international collaboration.
Academicians from the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, professors from the University of Malaya, and experts from leading Chinese universities were invited to deliver thematic lectures on artificial intelligence, higher education, and management.
V. KLUST Co-hosts the First ASEAN–China Artificial Intelligence Conference to Promote Regional Intelligent Collaboration
From 11 to 12 September, KLUST co-hosted the First ASEAN–China Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
With the theme “Intelligence, Inclusivity, and Sustainability: AI Driving Regional Innovation and High-Quality Development”, the conference brought together government representatives, scholars, industry leaders, and academic experts from China and Malaysia to jointly envision the future of AI development in the region.
Professor Chen Xiaoyun was awarded the ASEAN–China Outstanding Contribution Award for International Education Cooperation and Cultural Exchange in recognition of his significant contributions.
VI. Participation in the Establishment of the China–ASEAN Transportation AI Innovation Cooperation Centre
On 16 September, during the AI Empowerment for Innovation and Development of Vocational Education in Transportation parallel forum of the China (Guangxi)–ASEAN Vocational Education Cooperation Development Conference, KLUST participated as a Vice Council Member of the Centre in launching the China–ASEAN Innovation Cooperation Centre for AI in Transportation.
The centre brings together 60 universities, enterprises, and institutions from China and ASEAN, focusing on intelligent transportation management, autonomous driving, and smart logistics, while advancing joint research, talent development, and standard harmonisation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
VII. Participation in the 2025 QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific and Launch of the World University Rankings Initiative
In early November, President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ts. Dr. David Ngo Chek Ling led a delegation to attend the 2025 QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific at Korea University.
This participation marked a significant milestone in KLUST’s internationalisation journey. During the summit, the University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hansung University, expanding its academic collaboration network.
KLUST has since officially launched its QS World University Rankings Initiative, accelerating internationalisation and high-quality development through collective innovation.
VIII. China–Malaysia Smart Transportation Collaboration Enters a New Phase
On 18 November, the unveiling ceremony of the China-Malaysia Smart Transportation Craftsman College and the China-Malaysia Smart Transportation Laboratory was held at KLUST.
Representatives from KLUST, the MC International Education Centre Sdn Bhd, Guangxi Transport Vocational and Technical College, and Guangxi Transport Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd. attended the event.
The initiative strengthens multi-dimensional integration across education, industry, and research, supporting high-quality smart transportation development in ASEAN.
IX. Gold Award at the “A-Super League” Transportation Innovation Competition
In late November, the AI Empowerment for All Industries Super League (“A-Super”) Transportation Innovation Competition, hosted by the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Department of Transport, concluded in Nanning.
In the AI + Low-Altitude Inspection category, the joint project “Smart Bridge Surface Defect Inspection Technology Enabled by Low-Altitude UAV + AI”, led by Assoc Prof. Ts. Dr. Tadiwa Elisha Nyamasvisva, in collaboration with China Railway Changjiang Transport Design Group Co., LTD., won the Gold Award.
X. Establishment of the Beijing Office and Expert Appointment Ceremony to Deepen Industry–Education Integration
On 13 December, KLUST officially inaugurated its Beijing Office and held an appointment ceremony for professional professors, industry professors, entrepreneurship mentors, and international experts under the Belt and Road framework at Crowne Plaza Beijing Zhongguancun.
Experts from Tsinghua University, Peking University, Beijing Normal University, and leading enterprises such as Xiaomi, Yonyou, and Digital China were appointed, providing strong support for academic development and industry–academia collaboration.
XI. Expanding Global Academic Partnerships and International Collaboration Networks
Throughout the year, KLUST actively engaged in academic exchanges and cooperation with universities in the United Kingdom, United States, South Korea, and Australia.
The University also welcomed delegations from Wuhan University of Technology, Tongji University, Tsinghua University, Minnan Normal University, and Hefei University of Technology, among others.
Discussions focused on joint programmes, student and faculty exchange, research collaboration, industry–education integration, and talent cultivation, injecting new momentum into international education cooperation.
Under the strategic guidance of the University’s Board of Governors, KLUST continues to enhance discipline development, research innovation, faculty strength, talent cultivation, industry integration, and campus infrastructure.
The University now offers 28 undergraduate, 16 master’s, and 10 doctoral programmes.
With a total investment of RMB 30 million, the Star Teenagers AI Artificial Intelligence Innovation Practice Centre and comprehensive campus upgrading projects have officially commenced, supporting KLUST’s high-quality and sustainable development.
