About the Institute
The Kong Zi Institute at Universiti Malaya (KZIUM) was established on July 8 2009, through a partnership between Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) and Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia’s leading research university. The Institute commenced operations in March 2010.
KZIUM is dedicated to promoting mutual understanding between China and Malaysia through Chinese language education, academic collaboration, and cultural exchange. The Institute was recognized as the Confucius Institute of the Year in 2019 in recognition of its outstanding achievements in Chinese language education and cultural exchange.
Located on the main campus of Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, KZIUM occupies approximately 1,470 square metres of dedicated facilities, including seven modern classrooms, a reading area, and spaces for cultural exhibitions and activities. KZIUM is supported by a dedicated team comprising 11 Chinese language teachers and 18 International Chinese Language Education Volunteers seconded from China, 4 local teachers, 3 part-time local instructors, and 7 Malaysian administrative staff.
Today, KZIUM is one of the leading centres for Chinese language education and cultural exchange in Malaysia, serving learners, educators, and professionals across the country. As of the end of 2025, the Institute has served more than 11,240 enrolled students across 20 teaching sites throughout Malaysia, including universities, secondary schools, and cultural institutions.
Programmes and Activities
Chinese Language Teaching & Proficiency Tests
KZIUM is committed to providing high-quality Chinese language education to learners from Malaysia's diverse linguistic and cultural communities. Its comprehensive curriculum offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses as well as Chinese language skills and Chinese culture modules.
In collaboration with Universiti Malaya, local secondary schools, cultural organizations, and professional institutions, KZIUM has established an extensive teaching network comprising 20 teaching sites across Malaysia. To meet the evolving needs of society and industry, the Institute also offers customized Chinese for Professional Development programmes in partnership with government agencies, higher education institutions, and industry partners.
KZIUM is an authorized test centre for the HSK, HSKK, and YCT tests. In 2025, more than 1,100 candidates sat for these examinations. In recognition of its excellence in examination administration and service, KZIUM was awarded the Outstanding Chinese Language Test Centre in 2022.
Faculty Development & Academic Research
KZIUM places strong emphasis on the professional development of local Chinese language teachers. In collaboration with partners such as the Majlis Amanah Rakyat Malaysia (MARA) and Malaysian vocational and higher education institutions, the Institute regularly conducts teacher training sessions, pedagogical workshops, and teaching demonstration sessions to strengthen the professional competence and instructional skills of local educators.
Beyond teacher development, KZIUM actively promotes academic exchange through seminars and public lectures on contemporary China, Chinese language education, cross-cultural communication, and China–Malaysia relations. These initiatives foster collaboration among educators, researchers, and practitioners while contributing to the sustainable development of Chinese language education in Malaysia.
Cultural Programmes
Cultural exchange is a core component of KZIUM's mission. In 2025, the Institute organized 42 cultural programmes, attracting a total of 3,679 participants.
Its signature events include the annual Kong Zi Institute Open Day, the Malaysia Finals of the Chinese Bridge-Chinese Proficiency Competition for University Students, Secondary School Students, and Primary School Students, Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) showcases, tea culture experiences, and a wide range of hands-on cultural activities that promote appreciation of Chinese language and culture.
KZIUM maintains close partnerships with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, and local educational and cultural institutions to co-organize cultural festivals, academic exchanges, public lectures, and community engagement programmes throughout the year. Through these initiatives, the Institute fosters mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges between China and Malaysia.
Signature Initiatives
KZIUM is distinguished by its commitment to serving non-Chinese-speaking communities and developing Chinese for Professional Purposes programmes that respond to Malaysia's social and workforce needs. Two flagship vocational programmes stand out: Chinese language training for immigration officers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), and a customized Chinese language programme for the Royal Malaysia Police. These initiatives demonstrate the Institute's contribution to strengthening public service capacity through language education.
KZIUM has extended its Chinese language education services to universities, schools, and institutions across Malaysia. Its signature cultural events—including the Chinese Bridge competitions, the annual Kong Zi Institute Open Day, Hanfu exhibitions, and the Twenty-four Solar Terms cultural experience series—have positioned KZIUM as a widely recognized platform for Chinese language education and cultural exchange in Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asian region.
Looking Ahead
KZIUM will continue to expand its Chinese for Professional Development programmes in collaboration with government agencies, universities, and industry partners, delivering customized language training tailored to the needs of public service, professional, and vocational sectors.
The Institute will further strengthen the professional development of local Chinese language teachers through enhanced training programmes, enriched curriculum resources, and structured mentoring initiatives, contributing to the long-term sustainability of Chinese language education in Malaysia.
Building on its strong network of academic, governmental, and cultural partnerships, KZIUM will continue to promote innovation in Chinese language education, deepen China–Malaysia educational and cultural cooperation, and further establish itself as a leading regional hub for international Chinese language education, teacher development, and China–Malaysia cultural exchange.
Contact
Malaysian Director: Dr. Nur Shahadah Jamil
Chinese Director: ZHAO Wanzhen
Email: kongzi@um.edu.my; kongzium@gmail.com
Website: https://kongzium.my/
Phone: +60-3-7967-7347
Address: Kong Zi Institute, Universiti Malaya, Jalan Pantai Bahru, Lembah Pantai, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
