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XMUM 10th Anniversary Special Feature | A Career Change, A Life Rewritten
When I decided to change my career and join Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), I thought I was making a professional decision. I expected new responsibilities, new colleagues, and a different work environment. What I did not expect was how deeply this move would change the way I live, think, and care for myself. Looking back now, the transition was not just a change of career; it was a change of lifestyle, and perhaps even a quiet transformation of who I am.One of the biggest changes began with something very simple: walking.Living on campus means that walking is part of my daily routine. I walk to my office, to the library, to ZUS Coffee, and sometimes just to clear my mind. Before coming to XMUM, I had never walked this much in my life. Like many working adults, my days involved a lot of sitting: driving, working at my desk, or attending meetings. Even when I needed to go to class, I would park as close as possible and avoid walking more than necessary. Movement was something I unconsciously tried to minimize. Even when I tried to schedule exercise, most of the time it never happened.At XMUM, walking became effortless and natural. The campus is designed for people to move: shaded paths, open spaces, and beautifully maintained greenery make every walk pleasant. What began as a necessity slowly became something I looked forward to.Somewhere along the way, I discovered something unexpected: walking brings serenity.There are moments between classes or meetings when I walk slowly under the trees, feeling the breeze and watching students pass by. Sometimes, I pause by the lake, watching the geese glide quietly across the water, unhurried and undisturbed. During these short walks, my thoughts begin to settle. Problems that once felt overwhelming become clearer. Ideas for lectures, research, or writing quietly take shape. Walking has become my thinking time, a space where my mind can breathe.In a way, the campus itself has become my thinking companion.This change in movement also led to another shift. I began exercising regularly. The facilities at XMUM make it easy to build healthy habits. The running track, gym, and swimming pool are not just well-maintained; they are inviting. For someone who never saw herself as an “exercise person”, this was a surprise.Slowly, a routine formed. A short run. A gym session. Occasional swimming. Nothing extreme, but consistent.Over time, I began to notice the difference. I felt healthier. My energy levels improved. More importantly, I felt calmer and more structured. Exercise gave rhythm to my days and a sense of discipline that extended beyond physical health.This calmer state of mind began to influence my work as well.With reasonable teaching hours and a more balanced daily routine, I found myself thinking more clearly and working more intentionally. I began writing again, not out of pressure, but out of interest and enjoyment. The ideas came more naturally. The process felt less rushed and more thoughtful.I may not have produced my best publications yet, but something more important has happened: I have rediscovered the joy of writing.For the first time in many years, I feel that I have space: space to think, to reflect, to grow. I have time not only to fulfil my professional responsibilities but also to invest in my own development. There is a quiet satisfaction in ending the day knowing that I have taken care of both my work and myself.This balance is something I did not realise I was missing until I found it here.XMUM did not just give me a new job. It gave me a healthier routine, a calmer mind, and a renewed sense of purpose. It reminded me that productivity is not about doing more, but about living well enough to do meaningful work.Sometimes, life-changing moments do not come from dramatic events. They come from small, daily experiences: a quiet walk under the trees, morning stretches under the sun, and a clear mind before opening a blank page.As XMUM celebrates its 10th anniversary, I find myself deeply grateful to be part of this community. This campus has given me more than a workplace. It has given me a way of living that I hope to carry with me for many years to come.XMUM did not just change my career. It changed my pace, my priorities, and the way I live. For that, I will always be grateful.By Dr. Norzita binti YunusSchool of Communication
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahadzadeh Asharafsadat Publishes in SSCI Q1 Journal
The Research and Postgraduate Centre congratulates Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahadzadeh Asharafsadat from the School of Communication on the publication of her research article in Health Communication, an SSCI Q1 journal with the latest impact factor of 2.9. Dr. Ahadzadeh Asharafsadat is the first author and corresponding author of the paper, which was co-authored with Dr. Kam Fon Lee from SEGi University and Prof. Dr. Fon Sim Ong from Curtin University Malaysia. The article, titled “Negotiating Mask-Wearing: Relational Dialectics Among University Students in the Post-COVID-19 Era”, explores how individuals negotiate the changing meanings of mask-wearing in the post-COVID-19 era. Drawing on Relational Dialectics Theory 2.0 (RDT 2.0) and semi-structured interviews with 14 university students, the study identifies key tensions between individual autonomy and collective responsibility as well as contextual conformity and personal continuity. The findings highlight the evolving role of mask-wearing as a social practice shaped by health concerns, personal choices, and social expectations, offering valuable insights for health communication research and practice.The published full article can be accessed online at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10410236.2026.2708898This work was financially supported by Xiamen University Malaysia Research Fund (Grant No. XMUMRF/2025-C16/IART/0025).Dr. Ahadzadeh Asharafsadat is an Associate Professor at the School of Communication, Xiamen University Malaysia. She obtained her PhD in Mass Communication from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Her research expertise lies in health communication, digital health, and media psychology, with a particular interest in examining how communication processes, media technologies, and psychological factors intersect to shape individuals’ perceptions, attitudes, decision-making, and behaviours.
XMUM Hosts First Summer School with University of Law, Hue University
Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) hosted its first Summer School for students from the University of Law, Hue University, Vietnam, from 1 to 8 August 2026.Titled "Law, Language and Culture Summer School", the event brought 15 law students and one faculty member to XMUM for academic and cultural activities. The programme included sessions on English, law and the Malaysian legal system, as well as Chinese language and cultural activities. Students also visited several landmarks in Malaysia and interacted with XMUM student volunteers.The first half of the programme focused on academic sessions, during which Dr. Irina Ivanova led a session on IELTS listening and reading using examples related to criminal law. Dr. Liu Lingzi gave a seminar on law and economics in international business, while Ms. Alice Tamah introduced the Malaysian legal system and discussed its similarities and differences with the Vietnamese legal system.Students also learned about Chinese language and culture. Dr. Tang Renfang introduced Pinyin, vocabulary, pronunciation and calligraphy, while Dr. Song Jiayang introduced different forms of traditional Chinese opera, including Pingju, Yueju, Huangmei Opera and Peking Opera.For participant Nguyễn Thanh Tâm, the differences between the Vietnamese and Malaysian legal systems stood out during the programme."I realized that Vietnamese law and Malaysian law are actually very different. But that difference made me even more interested in learning more about Malaysia."She said she had already started thinking about returning to XMUM for further study."After this Summer School, I don’t know why, but somehow I keep thinking about doing my Master’s degree at XMUM."Outside the classroom, the students visited Putrajaya, the National Museum, Kuala Lumpur and Beryl's Chocolate Factory. They also spent time at KLCC, where they watched fireworks near the Petronas Twin Towers.Bùi Trương Vân Khánh said she was impressed by the languages she heard and used during her time in Malaysia."I was really impressed by the fact that almost everyone speaks at least two main languages. It's something I truly admire."She also talked about the people she met during the trip."This trip to Malaysia also helped me make many new friends from different countries, gain new knowledge, and broaden my perspective on the world."XMUM students also took part in the exchange as volunteers, accompanying the visiting students during the programme and spending time with them outside scheduled activities.Cheok Qin Wen, one student volunteer from XMUM, said she was surprised by how quickly they became friends: "They invited me to try Vietnamese food, and we even joked, 'Who's the guest now?'"Another volunteer, Weng Kaizhi, recalled a moment from the programme. "Lay, my Vietnamese friend, visited my dorm and played the ukulele for me. I think he has made me like this instrument more and more."The programme ended with a presentation and reflection session, followed by a closing ceremony and certificate presentation. Students shared their experiences from the week, while faculty members from both universities reflected on the programme.In a letter of appreciation to XMUM, Prof. Dr. Doan Duc Luong, Rector of the University of Law, Hue University, thanked XMUM for its hospitality and support."We believe that meaningful international cooperation is not simply about academic activities or student mobility; it is also about creating opportunities for our students and academics to connect, learn from one another, and develop a deeper understanding of our respective cultures and educational environments."The University of Law, Hue University, also expressed interest in continuing its cooperation with XMUM, including through student and faculty exchange, academic programmes and future Summer School programmes.
Public Space Operation Time During Semester Break (Degree)
Public Study Room Image *Public Study spaces are open for all XMUM students while no prior booking is required. LibrarySemester Break: 1 Aug – 24 Sept 2026Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Friday)Closed: Weekends & Public HolidaysCanteen Image
R/V Tan Kah Kee Port Klang Open Day
Image Xiamen University's prestigious research vessel, the R/V Tan Kah Kee, will be docking at Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT) this August.This is a unique opportunity to explore a state-of-the-art oceanographic research vessel, and we warmly invite everyone to join our FREE guided tours.Registration InformationFor participants who wish to take the complimentary bus between XMUM and PKCT, please sign in using your XMUM staff/student ID when making your reservation.Bus transportation is available only for the following two sessions (limited seats):16 August, 10:00 AM16 August, 2:00 PM17 August, 10:00 AM17 August, 2:00 PMIf you plan to drive to PKCT on your own or wish to join any other available tour session, please register using your personal email address and select PUBLIC during registration.Registration Link: https://events.xmu.edu.my/tkkrv/port-klang/Registration deadline: 13th August 2026, 12 PM About the R/V Tan Kah KeeThe R/V Tan Kah Kee is a global-class, 3,600-ton oceanographic research vessel equipped with cutting-edge marine science exploration technology. Known as the "Marine Campus of Xiamen University," it supports real-time observations and on-site scientific research across multiple disciplines, including hydrology, chemistry, biology, geology, geophysics, and atmospheric science.Spaces are limited, so register early to secure your preferred session.
The 22nd Cross-Strait “University Campus” Academic Symposium
研讨会简介About the Symposium海峡两岸“大学的校园”学术研讨会于 2001 年 12 月 6 日由北京大学发展规划部联合台湾沈祖海建筑文教基金会首次举办,旨在庆贺侯仁之院士九十华诞并开启两岸学术对话。二十余年来,研讨会秉持“校园承载大学精神、空间映照教育理念”的核心宗旨,围绕大学校园规划、建筑设计、文化传承、教育空间、人文精神与城市发展等议题展开深入讨论,逐步发展成为两岸大学校园研究领域最具影响力与持续性的学术平台之一。历届研讨会先后由北京大学、厦门大学、湖南大学、西安建筑科技大学、深圳大学、天津大学、沈阳建筑大学等高校承办,汇聚了海峡两岸建筑学、城市规划、教育学、文化研究及校园管理等领域的专家学者。会议不仅关注大学校园的物质空间与规划设计,更强调大学精神、文化积累、社会责任与区域协同发展的深层价值,持续回应全球化、数字化、生态转型与城市更新背景下大学校园所面临的新挑战与新机遇。2026年海峡两岸“大学的校园”学术研讨会将于2026年11月在厦门大学马来西亚分校举办,由分校图书馆承办。本届会议以“跨文化・数字化・新演进:大学校园的传承,发展与创新”为主题,结合跨境高等教育发展与数字时代校园转型的全球趋势,重点探讨大学校园空间演进、跨文化共生、校城融合、知识服务及学习环境创新等议题。会议旨在进一步推动海峡两岸及国际高校之间的学术合作与经验共享,深化大学校园研究的人文关怀与国际视野,并为未来大学校园建设、知识传播与教育创新提供新的理论思考与实践路径。The Cross-Strait “University Campus” Academic Symposium was established on 6 December 2001 through a joint initiative by the Department of Development Planning of Peking University and the Shen Zuhai Architectural and Educational Foundation in Taiwan. Originally organized to celebrate the 90th birthday of Academician Hou Renzhi, the conference sought to initiate sustained academic dialogue across the Taiwan Strait with university campuses as its central concern. Over the past two decades, the conference has upheld the principle that campuses embody the spirit of universities, while spatial forms reflect educational philosophies. Through continuous discussions on campus planning, architectural design, cultural heritage, educational space, humanistic values, and urban development, it has gradually become one of the most influential and enduring academic platforms in the field of university campus studies across the Taiwan Strait. Previous editions of the conference have been hosted by leading institutions including Peking University, Xiamen University, Hunan University, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Shenzhen University, Tianjin University, and Shenyang Jianzhu University. The conference has brought together scholars and professionals from the fields of architecture, urban planning, education, cultural studies, and campus administration. Beyond discussions of physical space and campus design, the conference has consistently emphasized broader concerns including university spirit, cultural continuity, social responsibility, and regional collaboration, while responding to emerging challenges and opportunities associated with globalization, digital transformation, ecological transition, and urban renewal. The 2026 Cross-Strait “University Campus” Academic Symposium will be held in November 2026 at Xiamen University Malaysia and hosted by the Xiamen University Malaysia Library. Under the theme “Cross-Cultural, Digitalization, and New Evolution: Heritage, Development and Innovation in University Campuses,” the conference will address global trends in cross-border higher education and digital-era campus transformation. Particular attention will be given to issues such as the evolution of campus spaces, intercultural coexistence, university–city integration, knowledge services, and innovation in learning environments. The conference aims to further strengthen academic collaboration and intellectual exchange among universities across the Taiwan Strait and beyond, deepen the humanistic and international dimensions of university campus studies, and contribute new theoretical insights and practical approaches to the future development of university campuses, knowledge dissemination, and educational innovation.会议主题与子议题Symposium Theme and Sub-themes主题:跨文化・数字化・新演进:大学校园的传承,发展与创新Theme: Cross-Cultural, Digitalization, and New Evolution: Heritage, Development and Innovation in University Campuses子议题:Sub-theme: (1) 数字时代:大学校园演进、变革与空间转型Digital Era: Evolution, Transformation, and Spatial Transition of University Campuses(2) 跨文化共生:跨境大学发展及区域贡献Intercultural Coexistence: The Development and Regional Contributions of Cross-Border Universities(3) 校城融合:大学空间边界、更新与遗产保护University–City Integration: Spatial Boundaries, Urban Renewal, and Heritage Conservation of University Campuses(4)知识服务:图书馆转型与校园学习环境创新Knowledge Services: Library Transformation and Innovation in Campus Learning Environments 主办单位与承办单位Organizer and co-host主办单位:海峡两岸“大学的校园”学术研讨会组委会Organizer: Organizing Committee of the Cross-Strait “University Campus” Academic Symposium承办单位:厦门大学马来西亚分校图书馆Co-host: Xiamen University Malaysia Library缴费方式: 请通过 https://epayment.xmu.edu.my/event-listing 完成缴费Payment via: https://epayment.xmu.edu.my/event-listing缴费时间: 2026年9月15日至2026年10月30日。Payment period: 15 September 2026 – 30 October 2026 Image


