SIBU: Three alumni associations representing leading Chinese universities have issued a joint statement to clarify the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) in university admissions in China, following comments by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
The Peking University Alumni Association of Malaysia, the Association of Graduates from Tsinghua University, Malaysia, and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Malaysia Alumni said Dr Asyraf’s recent Facebook post did not accurately reflect the long-standing admission practices of Chinese universities.
Dr Asyraf stated in his post that, based on discussions with top universities including Tsinghua University, Peking University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the UEC was not an entry requirement.
The three alumni associations said this statement could mislead the public, especially students and parents, and thus required clarification.
According to the joint statement, the UEC has long been recognised by many leading universities in China and remains an important qualification for Malaysian students seeking admission. They highlighted that a substantial number of Malaysian students have been admitted to top Chinese universities based on UEC results over the years. Peking University, for example, has recognised the UEC since 2009, with all Malaysian undergraduates admitted that year applying using their UEC results.
“In subsequent years, the number of Malaysian students enrolling at Peking University continued to increase, with a significant proportion admitted on the basis of their UEC results,” the associations said in a statement on Thursday (Dec 18).
They added that in 2021 alone, 48 Malaysian undergraduates were admitted to Peking University, 35 of whom were accepted based on their UEC results.
The associations stressed that the UEC is not the only qualification accepted by leading universities in China, as other recognised qualifications include the Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM), A-Level and SAT results.
They said students from a range of educational backgrounds may apply according to the qualification that best suits their academic preparation and circumstances.
While reiterating the importance of the UEC as one recognised entry qualification, the associations welcomed the acceptance of multiple examination pathways, which they said provides students with greater flexibility and choice.
They also expressed hope that public discussions on education and university admissions would be based on accurate information to avoid confusion that could affect students’ decisions about higher education.
The joint statement was issued by the Peking University Alumni Association of Malaysia, the Association of Graduates from Tsinghua University, Malaysia, and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Malaysia Alumni Association.
