Nobel laureate Michael Levitt, Professor Fan Gang and leading academicians appointed by KLUST
Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology (KLUST) has welcomed a group of internationally recognised scientists, academics and experts through a series of high-level appointments. Their involvement is expected to strengthen the University’s international partnerships, support its continued development and create more opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry.
On 28 October, KLUST held a ceremony to appoint its new Honorary Chancellor. Professor Michael Levitt, the 2013 Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry and a distinguished scientist at Stanford University, was officially appointed to the position. The appointment letter was presented by Mr Chen Xiaoyun, Chairman of the KLUST Board of Directors.
During the ceremony, Professor Levitt delivered an address to KLUST’s staff, students and guests. He encouraged young people to stay curious, explore new ideas, embrace scientific discovery and recognise the importance of working together to advance innovation.
Later that evening, KLUST held a separate appointment ceremony for distinguished academics and experts. Professor Fan Gang, a renowned economist, national think tank expert and professor at Peking University’s HSBC Business School, was appointed Honorary Professor of the University.
The appointments received strong support from the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences. Four academicians, including Academician He Yigang and Academician Tan Qingmei, were also appointed to support the University’s development.
The newly appointed experts expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to work with KLUST. They shared their support for the University’s goals, vision, and values, and pledged to contribute to its growth and international development. They also expressed their commitment to supporting the Belt and Road Initiative and the broader vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity.
These appointments represent an important step in expanding KLUST’s network of academic advisers and strengthening its access to expertise from around the world.
The appointed experts also expressed their intention to visit KLUST regularly to deliver lectures, provide academic guidance and support research activities. Their contributions will also focus on strengthening cultural exchanges between different regions, advancing research on China-ASEAN relations and supporting closer cooperation between Malaysia and China in education and industry.
During the discussions, the experts expressed strong support for KLUST’s international ambitions and its vision for higher education. They look forward to contributing their knowledge and experience to the University’s development, while helping to strengthen the long-standing friendship between Malaysia and China through education and research.
These new appointments build on KLUST’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international academic and cultural exchanges. The University has consistently worked to connect people and institutions across borders while supporting greater cooperation within the region.
Professor Ooi Kok Loang, a prominent young academic and Director of KLUST’s Asia-Pacific Institute of Finance, has represented the University at several international engagements. He has been invited to deliver lectures at the Asia-Pacific Mayors’ Training Programme and has also served as a keynote speaker at Macau University of Science and Technology and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
His presentations have covered topics such as the relationship between the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and urban development, the Belt and Road Initiative, and how the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity can support development and strengthen the influence of ASEAN countries.
Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Tan Chee Fai, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Industry, Alumni & Strategic Engagement) of KLUST and a member of the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology, has also played an active role in Malaysia-China and China-ASEAN exchanges. He has been invited for several consecutive years to participate as an international expert at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai and as an ASEAN academician and expert at the World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit.
These ongoing engagements reflect KLUST’s long-standing commitment to building stronger relationships between Malaysia and China. The support shown by Professor Levitt and the newly appointed academicians and experts also reflects their confidence in the University’s role in promoting international cooperation and closer ties between the two countries.
The two appointment ceremonies represent a significant milestone in KLUST’s international development. By bringing together leading experts from different fields, the University aims to strengthen its academic network and create more opportunities for research, innovation and international collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Moving forward, KLUST will draw on Professor Levitt’s extensive research experience, scientific knowledge and international academic network. It will also benefit from Professor Fan Gang’s expertise in macroeconomics and industrial development, alongside the knowledge and experience of the appointed academicians and experts.
Through these partnerships, KLUST aims to encourage collaboration across science, engineering, technology and industrial economics. The University also seeks to provide more opportunities for young researchers, strengthen its academic programmes, improve its research capabilities and expand its international partnerships, particularly between Malaysia and China.
With growing connections across the region and beyond, KLUST is committed to exploring new ways for universities and industries in Malaysia and China to work together. The University will continue to support cross-border education and industry partnerships, while pursuing research and initiatives that deliver meaningful scientific, industrial and social benefits.
KLUST aspires to become a leading example of higher education cooperation between Malaysia and China, strengthening the educational, scientific and cultural connections between the two countries while contributing to the continued development of the Belt and Road Initiative.