In 2024, RV TKK embarked on the fifth “XMU at Sea” Undergraduate Training Cruise which was also a commemorative voyage in honor of Mr. Tan Kah Kee’s 150th birth anniversary. The ship hosted public open days in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, China during the three-leg training cruise, showcasing its scientific capabilities and promoting cultural exchange. These events provided an opportunity for the public to gain insights into oceanographic research while honoring the legacy of Tan, a prominent philanthropist and educator.
Singapore Open Days:
On July 26, the RV TKK arrived at Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore, to host the opening ceremony of Singapore public open day after the cruise participants completed the first leg of training cruise. Over 150 guests attended the event, including Singapore’s Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Desmond Tan Kok Ming, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Singapore, Mr. Cao Zhongming, Chairman of Tan Kah Kee Foundation, Mr. Tan Han Tong Lawrence, and Tan’s granddaughter, Ms. Peggy Tan. The event emphasized Tan’s contribution to education and cultural exchange between China and Singapore, calling for the continued promotion of his values in the modern era.
After the ceremony, guests were invited to explore RV TKK cutting-edge facilities, including high-tech ocean data collection systems, which drew significant attention from visitors.
Over the next two days, thousands of locals attended the public open days. Guided by local and Xiamen University student volunteers, visitors engaged with scientific equipment, fun educational videos, and ocean-themed experiments. The event aimed to inspire a deeper understanding of ocean science and spark public interest in marine conservation.
Malaysia Open Days:
Five years after her first visit, RV TKK made her second port call at Port Klang, Malaysia in early August, marking a special occasion coinciding with the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations and Tan’s 150th birthday. On August 2, the opening ceremony for the Malaysia Public Open Days was held, which was attended by over 100 guests, including notable figures such as Y.B. Chang Lih Kang, Minister of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation; H.E. Ouyang Yujing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia; and Dato’ Tan Yew Sing, Chairman of the Tan Kah Kee Foundation Malaysia. After the ceremony, guests toured the vessel and engaged in friendly exchanges with onboard faculty and students from Xiamen University and Xiamen University Malaysia.
During the two-day public open days, over 1,000 local visitors toured the ship, participating in laboratory tours, exhibitions, science videos, and interactive activities.
Afterward, students and lecturers from Xiamen University Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu embarked on another “XMU at Sea” training cruise back to China, conducting marine research and training in the South China Sea.
The event fostered greater public appreciation for marine science and ocean conservation in Malaysia while strengthening academic and cultural ties between Xiamen University’s main campus in China and its Malaysia campus.
Hong Kong Open Days:
In mid-August, RV TKK made its inaugural visit to Hong Kong, China. From August 17 to 19, the ship docked at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, offering Hong Kong residents the opportunity to explore the vessel.
Despite adverse weather conditions, over 1,700 people braved the storm to visit the ship. Visitors marveled at oceanographic displays, such as marine biology specimens, cutting-edge data visualization interfaces, and sediment sampling equipment. Even those familiar with icebreakers and large cruise ships were impressed by the advanced equipment of RV TKK
The Hong Kong open day highlighted Xiamen University’s advancements in marine research, enhancing public awareness of ocean science and conservation. Many visitors expressed newfound respect for China’s achievements in oceanography and a deeper understanding of the need for marine environmental protection.
On August 20, the RV TKK departed Hong Kong, concluding its series of public open days that spanned Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, China. Over 5,000 people visited the ship during these events, which aimed to honor Tan’s legacy by promoting education and fostering international collaboration.
Throughout the event, the RV TKK facilitated cultural and scientific exchanges between China and Southeast Asia. By uniting researchers, students, and the public, the vessel’s mission transcended scientific exploration, playing tribute to Tan’s lifelong dedication to education and his visionary contributions to China-Southeast Asian relations.
The 2024 “XMU at Sea” Undergraduate Training Cruise, echoing historical journeys across the South China Sea, forged new connections in science, education, and cultural understanding, embodying China’s commitment to marine research and conservation.
As a base for the “XMU at Sea” program, the vessel will continue to drive collaborative efforts in scientific research, talent cultivation, and cultural exchange among the countries and regions along the China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Translated by Qiuling Liu
Photo: Jing Dong, Jiajun Hunag, Weidi Yang, “Jia Meng Hai Yang” Social Practice Team
Revised by MarOps
Links of some media sources:
1. LIANHE ZAOBAO: https://www.zaobao.com/news/singapore/story20240726-4373449
2. Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Singapore (WeChat Official Account): https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/CKVh9YYVPqEiCqDfe-mt-w
3. The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/29/xiamen-universitys-research-vessel-visits-port-klang
4. CHINANEWS: https://m.chinanews.com/wap/detail/zw/gj/2024/08-03/10262756.shtml
5. Universiti Sains Malaysia：https://news.usm.my/index.php/english-news/10606-xiamen-university-research-vessel-held-open-ship-day-in-memory-of-founder-two-usm-oceanography-students-selected-for-on-board-training
6. BERNAMA：https://bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2324784
7. HKTKWW: https://www.tkww.hk/a/202408/01/AP66ab1982e4b051980694f308.html
8. Chiyu Bank (WeChat Official Account): https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/8XLglNEy9LLOeqK6kBJUsQ
9. takungpao.com: https://www.takungpao.com/news/232109/2024/0817/1001632.html
10. People.cn: http://fj.people.com.cn/n2/2024/0823/c181466-40954103.html
