Two years after embarking on a Malaysia-China talent programme, Yap Lu Yun is about to experience the other half of her university journey, studying metallurgical engineering in China.
The 20-year-old from the first cohort will continue her third and fourth years at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) after spending two years at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT).
It will be Yap’s first overseas study experience and her first trip to China.
“I am very much looking forward to it,” she said when met at the opening ceremony of the Malaysia-China (University-Industry Collaboration) Talent Development Programme (third cohort) at TAR UMT on Aug 24.
Yap, from Batu Berendam, Melaka, said her understanding of engineering had changed during her first two years, from initially focusing on formulas and examinations to recognising that engineers had to solve real-world problems while considering cost, efficiency, safety and environmental impact.
“I used to think engineering is mainly about getting the formulas right and passing examinations. Now I understand that engineering is about solving complex, real-world problems,” she said.
The programme is a collaboration between TAR UMT, USTB and Eastern Steel Sdn Bhd (ESSB), aimed at combining university education with industry exposure and support.
The partnership also provides scholarships for students pursuing various courses, including a 2+2 pathway in metallurgical engineering that allows students to spend their first two years at TAR UMT before continuing at USTB.
USTB is a leading public research university in China, renowned for its strengths in engineering, metallurgical engineering and materials science.
Tan Bing Qian, 19, a second cohort student from Klang, Selangor, said the past year had broadened his understanding of the steel industry and his responsibilities as a future engineer.
“Through the sharing sessions and activities organised by Eastern Steel, we started to understand more about the direction of the steel industry and our responsibilities as future engineers,” he said.
For Sekolah Tinggi Cina Melaka’s Low Jia Xuan, the scholarship he received under the programme is a reminder to become more mature, disciplined and clear about his future direction.
“Beyond financial assistance, this scholarship represents trust and expectations (that I must live up to),” the 18-year-old said.
TAR UMT president Prof Datuk Dr Lee Sze Wei said the programme has grown steadily since its launch in 2024, with this year’s intake comprising 34 scholarship recipients, up from 24 in 2025 and 14 in the inaugural intake.
“The programme is not just about passing examinations. We want our students to develop problem-solving skills, communication skills, teamwork and the ability to think independently,” he said.
Prof Lee said the programme also allows students to experience both Malaysia and China, particularly in the field of metallurgical engineering.
USTB vice-chancellor Zheng Anyang, who was also present, said the partnership addresses talent needs in the metallurgical sector while strengthening educational exchanges between Malaysia and China.
“This ‘two countries, two universities’ training model not only ensures a structured progression of professional knowledge, but also broadens students’ international outlook and promotes multicultural exchange,” he said.
ESSB chief operating officer Wang Shenghua said scholarships, internships and employment support help bridge the gap between academic learning and industrial practice.
“Developing skilled professionals requires patience, vision and continuous investment,” he said.
The programme has already produced early industry outcomes, with two students from its inaugural cohort joining ESSB last year.
