Setting Sail in The New Era, Unite in Strength Towards the Future

Setting sail in the new era, unite in strength towards the future. The Association of Graduates from Tsinghua University Malaysia (AGTHUM) is on the verge of commemorating its 10th anniversary in 2024, a milestone prompting contemplation of the swift passage of time. Through a series of twists and turns, the association secured approval from the Malaysian Registry of Societies on September 26, 2014, officially establishing itself as a non-governmental, non-profit, national organization. The inaugural general meeting and council election unfolded on January 10, 2015, culminating in the formal establishment of the association on February 27 of the same year. This momentous occasion was realized in collaboration with the Tsinghua Alumni Association, Tsinghua Education Foundation, Malaysian-educated and non-educated alumni, and current Malaysian students. The transfer of the school flag by Vice President Jiang Shengyao marked the official inception, accompanied by well-wishes and encouragement from various quarters, underscoring the challenges and responsibilities that lay ahead. Initiating any venture is formidable, particularly in the face of numerous industries poised for growth. Thus, the imperative to unite alumni, consolidate various forces, and set sail to amplify Tsinghua University's influence in Malaysia becomes paramount. Together, our aim is to contribute to fostering new developments in Sino-Malaysian relations, supporting our alma mater's initiatives, and aiding alumni in navigating new paths and directions in entrepreneurship and employment.

 

Unity in diversity and resolute progress characterize our trajectory. Since its inception, the alumni association has tirelessly worked to unite alumni and fortify their cohesion. Collaborating with the Annual General Meeting, we orchestrate Lunar New Year and annual Mid-Autumn Festival gatherings, evolving into signature events for the association. Through celebratory exchanges, we deepen the bonds of mutual assistance, trust, and love among alumni, creating a robust platform for the future alumni association board. Concurrently, we have established online social platforms, including a homepage and groups, and instant messaging groups to disseminate information related to our alma mater and the alumni association.

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The rallying cry "Without sports, no Tsinghua" echoes through the new era of Tsinghua sports. In 2018, the inaugural Tsinghua Alumni Badminton Tournament was successfully held, drawing active participation from representatives of other universities such as Zhejiang University, Renmin University, China Agricultural University, and Xiamen University. This event not only enhanced Tsinghua's reputation among other institutions but also became an annual activity for the alumni association.

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The clarion call of the times serves as our inspiration and driving force. In 2016, Tsinghua University unveiled its "Global Strategy," outlining the school's development goals, educational philosophy in the new era, three major central tasks, and nine strategic directions. Aligned with the global strategic goals of our alma mater, the alumni association has warmly welcomed and assisted Tsinghua University leaders and faculty in their visits to Malaysia for various projects, ushering in new opportunities for both Malaysia and China.

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In 2016, Tsinghua University expanded undergraduate admissions in Malaysia, providing scholarships and resulting in a significant increase in the number of students pursuing their studies at Tsinghua, opening new horizons for Chinese education in Malaysia. In 2017, the PBC School of Finance successfully launched the Financial EMBA "Belt and Road" Southeast Asia Program, creating a new milestone for the Malaysian government and business community. In the summer of 2017, the third phase of the "Starry Sky Program" and two squads of the "Swan Program" visited Malaysia for social practice, cultivating globally competent talents and providing a new perspective for current students. In 2018, in collaboration with the Tsinghua Holdings subsidiary, Tus-Holdings, the Tsinghua University Malaysia Alumni Activity Center was jointly established to revitalize Tsinghua's alumni and resources, drive innovation and entrepreneurship activities, and pave new avenues for alumni in entrepreneurship and employment. The gentle breeze has transformed into a perennial norm.

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Self-strengthening and resilience stand as our guiding principles. The lyrics of the Tsinghua alma mater, composed in classical Chinese by Professor Wang Luanxiang, resonate with timeless grandeur and profound meanings. The alma mater's themes focus on erudition, self-strengthening, moral integrity, and loyalty.

 

The line "The integration of Eastern and Western cultures, gathering in one place" signifies the synthesis of Eastern and Western cultures, embracing ancient wisdom while exploring the contemporary. "To know, to explore ancient truths," emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge, blending the old with the new, and merging diverse paths to a common destination.

 

"The spring breeze, the endless music of self-improvement," underscores the idea that work and learning should emulate the natural order, striving tirelessly, and never resting in the quest for self-improvement. "The sea can lower itself to accommodate all waters, and knowledge is earnest, creating brilliance," encourages humility and magnanimity in learning, akin to the vastness of the sea, where virtuous conduct can bear abundant fruits. "The first consideration is capacity and knowledge, with arts and sciences following," highlights the importance of personal character and knowledge as the foremost qualities, with talents and artistic abilities considered secondary. "Ten thousand honesties are like one arrow of loyalty," emphasizes sincerity and honesty, symbolizing unwavering loyalty. This verse speaks to the deep sentiments and emotions that Tsinghua students and alumni harbor for our alma mater.

 

We trust that our alumni will uphold the spirit of Chinese culture embedded in the alma mater lyrics, carving out new territories in this new era, perpetuating the spirit of Tsinghua, and persisting in self-strengthening and moral integrity.