The online AoC signing ceremony and the guests of honour.

Kuala Lumpur, 30 June – UCSI University, Shangqiu Medical College (China), and the Consortium of Malaysia Universities signed an Agreement of Cooperation (AoC) to establish the Luban Workshop in Malaysia.

With the support of the Henan Province government, China and the Negeri Sembilan state government, the project will facilitate the exchange of knowledge in the area of technology and Chinese Medicine. Additionally, the project will promote the advancement of education and Chinese Medicine and job opportunities.

Veerapan Superamaniam, Executive Council Member (Health, Environment, Cooperatives, and Consumerism) of the Negeri Sembilan State Government, was present at the online signing ceremony. He also extended the full support of the state government for this project.

“The signing of this Agreement is important to Negeri Sembilan for three reasons. Firstly, in demonstrating our strong support for the efforts of UCSI University and Shangqiu Medical College to expand and strengthen the state’s medical capability. Secondly, in harnessing our people’s capabilities to create and apply innovative solutions. Finally, it is an important part of our continuing contribution to community development in Negeri Sembilan,” Superamaniam said.

“UCSI University is honoured to be chosen as a partner to establish the Luban Workshop. I believe this collaboration will provide services for the development of Malaysia, the training of medical and technical personnel, and the creation of job opportunities for the Malaysian youths. This collaboration will instil the cooperation between the governments, schools, and enterprises for the benefit of all parties,” Dr Jimmy Mok said.

Shangqiu Medical College Vice President Jia Mei shared her delight at the collaboration for the workshop.

“Shangqiu Medical College was set up in 1921 under its previous name “St Paul’s Hospital Nursing School”. It is one of the oldest medical schools in the Henan Province. Currently, it has a hundred years of history in producing excellent medical professionals. As such, I believe this collaboration is beneficial for the two institutions and their respective countries,” Jia said.

The Luban Workshop is established as a response to a segment under the Belt and Road Initiative regarding global collaboration in education and job opportunities. Upon signing the AoC, UCSI University and Shangqiu Medical College will set up a centre for Chinese Medicine and a centre of the workshop at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FHMS) in UCSI University Springhill Campus. The centres are expected to start operating this year.

The Henan Province government will provide the necessary support to UCSI Luban Workshop through Shangqiu Medical College. These supports will come in the form of Chinese Medicine facilities and training in the area of Health, Sickness Prevention, Recovery, and Treatment for the students and staff of FHMS. There are plans to organise health seminars for the public to attend in the future.

Since the inception of the first Luban Workshop at Thailand in 2016, the Chinese government has set up many Luban Workshops in various countries. These countries include Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and several countries in Africa.

The guests of honour who were present at the signing ceremony include Dr Davis Wong, President of the Malaysian Osteopathy Society; Professor Datin Dr Noor Hamizah, Advisor of the Consortium of Malaysian Universities; Sean Calvin Yong, Director of UCSI University’s Global Engagement Office; and Associate Professor Dr Cheah Shiau Chuen, Head of Praxis, Industry, and Community Engagement of FHMS in UCSI University.