On the eve of the Lunar New Year of the Horse, on February 11th, the “Overseas Chinese New Year, Celebrating the Year of the Horse” 2026 Chinese International Student Spring Festival Gathering, meticulously organized by Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology(KLUST), was successfully held. Over 100 Chinese international students gathered together to welcome the arrival of the Lunar New Year. The scene was filled with warmth, where a festive atmosphere intertwined with sincere friendship, painting a heartwarming picture of the Lunar New Year abroad.
This gathering received significant attention from KLUST’s administration and was fully supported by school leaders and various departments. The Executive President, Prof. Ts. Dr. David Ngo Chek Ling, Vice President, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan Chee Fai, and heads of the President’s Office, Registration Department, Student Affairs Center, China Operations Department, and other departments, all attended the event. They joined the international students in celebrating the Spring Festival, offering their blessings, and demonstrating through practical actions the university’s care and attention towards Chinese international students, making the students at KLUST feel warm and reassured.
The event officially kicked off amidst warm applause. Prof. Ts. Dr. David Ngo Chek Ling delivered a New Year’s speech, in which he extended sincere New Year’s greetings to Chinese overseas students and recognized their outstanding contributions to academic excellence and campus culture development. He encouraged the students to persevere diligently on their overseas study journey, to not only delve deeply into their professional knowledge but also to actively take on responsibilities, becoming a friendly bridge connecting Chinese and foreign cultures, and injecting youthful energy into promoting cross-cultural exchanges.
Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan Chee Fai stated that KLUST supports the growth and development of international students. He encouraged the students to cherish their precious study abroad time, actively integrate into the multicultural environment, hone their skills through broadening their horizons, and improve themselves through exchanges and mutual learning, so as not to waste their youth and write a brilliant chapter of growth.
Professor Chen Xiaoyun, Chairman of the Board of KLUST, was unable to attend the event due to his busy official schedule. He specially entrusted his assistant, Ts. Dr . Jaysern Pang Jia Yew, to convey his Spring Festival greetings. He extended his sincere holiday greetings and best wishes to the teachers and students. He stated that KLUST would continue to support the development of various student activities that promote cultural exchange, solidarity, and friendship. He also used the phrase “Three Lives, All Things” to symbolize infinite vitality and a vibrant future, encouraging every KLUST student to accumulate strength and break through themselves through rigorous scholarship, solid practice, and diverse exchanges. He highlighted KLUST’s educational mission with the phrase “Nurturing People through Three Nines”, emphasizing that KLUST has always adhered to the fundamental principle of cultivating virtue and fostering talent. With technological innovation as its engine and humanistic spirit as its foundation, KLUST deepens teaching reforms, expands international horizons, strengthens industrial cooperation, and is committed to cultivating talents who possess a sense of responsibility, an innovative spirit, and a global perspective.
At the event, bowls of steaming hot rice dumplings served as a warm bond. This traditional delicacy, symbolizing reunion and fulfillment, not only carries profound New Year blessings but also allows overseas students to truly feel the warmth of home amid the lingering fragrance, letting the festive warmth penetrate their hearts.
Amidst laughter and joy, teachers and students engaged in cordial conversations, wrote down their wishes and blessings, and took group photos as souvenirs. The atmosphere of unity, celebration, and friendship continued to heat up at the scene.
The successful holding of this Spring Festival get-together not only promoted the excellent traditional Chinese culture, but also strengthened the cohesion among Chinese overseas students, narrowed the gap between teachers and students, and fully demonstrated the core of KLUST’s campus culture, which is diverse, inclusive, harmonious, and integrated. This Spring Festival gathering has added a warm hue to the study time of overseas students and built a warm bridge for cultural exchanges between China and Malaysia.
