The Malaysia-China (University-Industry Collaboration) Talent Development Programme has entered its third year with its largest cohort to date, reflecting the continued growth of the cross-border initiative jointly developed by TAR UMT, University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), and Eastern Steel Sdn Bhd (ESSB).

The opening ceremony for the 2026 cohort was held at TAR UMT's Kuala Lumpur campus, bringing together representatives from the three partner institutions to celebrate the latest group of scholarship recipients and reaffirm their shared commitment to developing industry-ready talent through international academic and industry collaboration.

This year's cohort comprises 34 students, an increase from 24 scholarship recipients in 2025 and 14 in the inaugural 2024 intake. Of the 2026 recipients, 21 students will pursue the 2+2 Bachelor of Metallurgical Engineering programme, spending their first two years at TAR UMT before continuing their studies for another two years at USTB. A further nine students will enrol in TAR UMT engineering programmes, while four will pursue accounting and finance programmes at TAR UMT.

The growing intake reflects the programme's expanding reach and the increasing interest among students in pathways that combine academic study with international exposure and industry support.

In his opening address, Prof Dato' Indera Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT, emphasised how the programme has grown steadily since its launch in 2024.

"Over the past three years, we have seen this initiative develop from its first cohort of 14 students into a programme supporting 32 students this year. This growth reflects the confidence placed in the collaboration by our students, our university partners, and industry," he said.

He added that the programme continues to provide students with a clear pathway from university education to the workplace by combining academic learning with international exposure and industry engagement.

Second row sitting order from left to right, Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Vice President of UTAR, Datuk Tee Choong Hock, Director of ESSB, Mr Zheng Anyang, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of USTB, Mr Wang Sheng Hua, Chief Operating Officer of ESSB, Prof Dato' Indera Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT and Beh Siok Kun, Deputy Director (Language Unit of the Learning Sector) of  the Selangor State Education Department

Representing USTB, Zheng Anyang, Vice Chancellor of USTB, highlighted the significance of the partnership under the broader framework of international educational cooperation. "As a flagship project uniting education and industry between Malaysia and China, this joint initiative addresses the talent demands of the metallurgical sector.

It not only provides Malaysia with highly qualified technical professionals but also builds a strong bridge for youth exchanges between both nations. USTB will continue to leverage its strengths in metallurgy and materials science to deepen cooperation with TAR UMT and ESSB," he noted.

Underlining the industry’s perspective and long-term commitment, Wang Shenghua, Chief Operating Officer of ESSB, reiterated the company's role in nurturing talent from the ground up. "Developing skilled professionals requires patience, vision, and continuous investment. By providing full scholarships alongside structured internship and career support, we are bridging the final mile from academic theory to real-world industrial practice.”

“We encourage these students to seize this cross-border learning opportunity, master their disciplines, and ultimately become the driving force behind the advancement of the steel and engineering industries," he said.

Speaking on behalf of the 2026 scholarship recipients, Low Jia Xuan, who will pursue the 2+2 Bachelor of Metallurgical Engineering programme, expressed her appreciation to ESSB and the programme partners for the opportunity. “Receiving this scholarship is more than financial support or an admission opportunity. It represents trust, expectations and a reminder that we must become more mature, disciplined and clear about the direction we want to take in the future,” she said.

She added that the students recognised their responsibility to the company and the industry, and would make full use of the opportunity to build strong professional foundations. “Regardless of our fields of study, we hope to grow into young professionals with the skills and sense of responsibility needed by the industry. We will carry this gratitude with us, work hard throughout our studies and, in the future, repay the company’s investment in us through our actions and contribute to the development of the industry and society,” she said.

From 14 students in its inaugural year to 32 students in its third cohort, the Malaysia-China Talent Development Programme continues to build a sustainable pipeline of talent by bringing together higher education and industry. The partnership between TAR UMT, USTB, and ESSB remains focused on equipping students with the technical knowledge, international exposure, and practical understanding needed to meet the evolving needs of industry in both Malaysia and China.