Silk Road South: China – Malaysia Collaboration in Higher Education

Abstract

For something like two millennia, the Silk Road has functioned as a conduit, for ideas as well as trade. China’s rise now presents both challenges and opportunities to countries situated on both the maritime and terrestrial Silk Roads, particularly in higher education. Beginning with Europe’s response to China’s renaissance as a major knowledge system, differential responses within Europe are charted, and student and staff flow treated. Some signs of change are evident, from 2018, particularly in relation to sensitive high-tech areas such as those listed in the signature Made in China 2025 policy. But the Silk Road also points South, hence the remainder of the chapter addresses higher education relations between China and ASEAN, and in particular, Malaysia. The Six Pillars framework is used to outline the major elements of China–ASEAN relations, particularly regarding higher education, including the development of the overseas campus of Xiamen University in Malaysia.