On 14 May 2026, Malawakil Kunming visited the Yunnan-Malaysia Institute (YMI) at the Yunnan University (YNU) campus in Chenggong, Kunming. Malawakil Kunming was led by CG Kunming and was welcomed by Prof. Ma Wenhui, President of Yunnan University (Prof. Ma).
Upon arrival, Malawakil Kunming delegation was brought on a tour around YMI facility and met with the Malaysian team from University Malaya attached with YMI.
Malawakil also had discussion with YNU. After the usual exchange of pleasantries, Prof. Ma briefed on YMI which was established in June 2025 under the cooperation between YNU and UM with the first enrolment of 288 students in September 2025. YMI has 3 core programmes namely AI, Material Science and Engineery; and Chemical Engineering and Technology, in which by the end of the 4 years programmes, the students will be awarded with degree from both universities, YNU and UM.
Prof. Ma added, under this programme, thus far 13 UM Officials have been attached to YMI. The duration of attachments subject to final decision from both YNU and UM, ranging from 1 semester (6 months) to 2 years. UM has designated one Deputy Dean-level UM official to be attached at YMI on long term basis (minimum of 2 years).
Prof. Ma also highlighted on other cooperation YNU has with other higher education institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia such as University Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas). YNU was in discussion with Unimas to establish Confucius Institute in Unimas.
