THE Chinese research vessel “Tan Kah Kee” from Xiamen University will dock at Malaysia’s Port Klang, offering free public tours on Aug 3 and 4, from 10AM to 4PM.
This event coincides with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, celebrated as the “Malaysia-China Friendship Year,” and commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Tan Kah Kee, the university’s founder and an esteemed Chinese-Malaysian leader, entrepreneur, philanthropist, educator, and social activist.
It also serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy of dedication to education and societal service while strengthening educational, research, and cultural ties between Malaysia and China.
Known as the “Marine Campus of Xiamen University”, the vessel – the first Chinese research vessel to dock in Malaysia, is a state-of-the-art 3,600-ton oceanographic research ship equipped for extensive marine science exploration.
The vessel can conduct real-time, synchronised observations and on-site scientific experiments in hydrology, chemistry, biology, geology, geophysics, atmospheric science, and related interdisciplinary fields.
This vessel is making its second appearance in Malaysia since 2019, when its inaugural visit drew over 1,000 visitors, including teachers, students, and various members of the public.
Pursuing dreams in the deep blue
Construction of the vessel started in March 2015, and was launched and named in May 2016, before it was officially delivered and put into use in April 2017.
Boasting a length of 77.7m, a width of 16.24m, and a gross tonnage of 3,611, it can travel over 12,500 nautical miles and sustain itself for more than 50 days, accommodating up to 54 people.
Additionally, the vessel is capable of conducting oceanographic research and hosting teaching internships in all ice-free oceans around the world.
Since its delivery, the vessel has been operated an average of nearly 270 days a year, providing marine science research services and technical support to thousands of researchers from hundreds of universities, research institutes, and enterprises in China and other countries.
The ship also serves as an important link between Xiamen University’s main campus and its Malaysia campus.
Tan, who founded Xiamen University in 1921, dedicated his resources to establishing the university with a strong emphasis on serving the overseas Chinese community, focusing on marine studies, practical applications, and research.
This laid a solid foundation for the promotion of marine science research and talent cultivation.
Xiamen University established a branch campus in Malaysia 95 years later, continuing its tradition of contributing to Malaysian society.
Currently, Xiamen University Malaysia offers 23 undergraduate programmes, 12 master’s programmes, and seven doctoral programmes, with about 8,000 students from over 40 countries and regions, including Malaysia and China.
Marine science is one of Xiamen University’s strongest disciplines, and its China-Asean College of Marine Science at the Malaysia campus has already initiated undergraduate and master’s programmes in marine biotechnology and marine environmental chemistry, producing nearly 200 graduates to date, with plans to begin doctoral admissions.
An immersive training platform
The Tan Kah Kee vessel visit supports the “Xiamen University at Sea” programme, offering immersive international marine science training, covering research-oriented maritime practice and professional learning at sea, for students from both the main and Malaysian campuses, and other international universities.
Since 2018, the programme has hosted four sessions, engaging over 300 participants from 11 universities across four countries.
Prior to the Malaysia stop, students and instructors from Xiamen University will complete two weeks of marine science training in the South China Sea.
Following the visit, an estimated 30 students and teachers from Xiamen University Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, and the University of Hong Kong will board the research vessel to return to Xiamen, during which they will also conduct the training in the South China Sea.
Spaces for the tour are limited and require advance booking through the following link:
Boarding the vessel requires climbing a gangway, and the ship features numerous stairs and other facilities. To ensure safety, participants must be at least 10 years old. The vessel cannot accommodate individuals with mobility issues.
