(2:30 PM, February 19th, University Malaysia Sabah)
Honorable Vice-Chancellor of University Malaysia Sabah Professor Datuk Dr. Taufiq Yap Yun Hin,
Senior Officers, Deans of UMS,
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good afternoon! Two months ago, I was very honored to participate in the unveiling ceremony of the Confucius Institute at the UMS. I still remember the longing for bright future of the Confucius Institute in eyes of every guest at that time. Here I come again today, I feel the selfless care and sincere friendship of the lecturers and students of UMS to the people of China. At this moment, the deadly battle with the Coronavirus is in full swing in the thousands of kilometers away land of China. Under the strong leadership of the Chinese government, the heroic nationals of China are united to fulfill their duties respectively in curbing the disease. We are confident, and are capable to achieve ultimate victory in this battle!
At present, the situation of epidemic prevention and control in China is still grim, but there have been many encouraging positive signs. The number of newly confirmed and suspected cases in provinces outside Hubei has fallen for two consecutive weeks, and the outbreaks in Hubei and Wuhan have begun to be effectively controlled. The number of patients who have been cured and discharged is increasing rapidly every day. To date, more than 14,000 people have recovered and been discharged. More than 1,800 people were cured yesterday. These achievements are inseparable from the strong support and assistance given by the international community. Last night, the Sabah State Government held “We Care We Love” Charity Dinner to raise fund for China in fighting the epidemic. We deeply feel that we are not alone in fighting the outbreak. The people of Malaysia and Sabah stand with us.
Attending today’s donation campaign in UMS, I was very touched to see that everyone does not hesitate to lend a helping hand and extend their support to China in this time of difficulty. On behalf of the Consulate General, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all of you from UMS who care and support China's fight against the epidemic. China will always remember your precious friendship!
I witnessed the establishment of Confucius Institute two months ago, and today I will be the first to see the Confucius Institute logo. Accordingly, the Institute will be officially opened this weekend. I am very glad to see this. Here, I would like to thank Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Taufiq Yap Yun Hin, Directors of Confucius Institute Professor Dr Low Kok On and Associate Professor Deng Rong for their hard work.
President Xi Jinping once said that the Confucius Institute belongs to China and the world. Today, there are more than 500 Confucius Institutes and more than 1,000 Confucius classes worldwide, which have taught nearly 10 million students. As an engineering and technology-orientated institute, the Confucius Institute at UMS not only teaches language and culture, but also trains technical talents for local infrastructure construction. It is hoped that the Confucius Institute in Sabah will further develop into an excellent place for Sabah’s students to learn Chinese language, science and technology, and becoming an important platform for the exchanges and mutual learning of China-Sabah culture. Serving its role as a bridge for strengthening friendship between the peoples of China and Sabah, it will continuously promote China-Malaysia friendship and China-Sabah cooperation to a new level!
Last, I wish you all good health and successful in work! Wishing all students steady academic progress and promising future!
Thank you!