RECENTLY, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Chairman of the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), published a post on his personal Facebook page stating that, “in his discussions with leading universities in China, such as Tsinghua University, Peking University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the UEC certificate is not an entry requirement.”
This statement does not accurately reflect the long-established admission practices of Chinese universities, nor the actual criteria on which many Malaysian students are admitted to these institutions.
To avoid public misunderstanding—particularly among students and parents—the Peking University Alumni Association of Malaysia, the Association of Graduates from Tsinghua University, Malaysia, and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Malaysia Alumni hereby issue this joint statement to clarify the relevant facts.
Fact 1: The Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) has long been recognised by many leading universities in China and remains an important qualification for admission for Malaysian students.
Over the years, a substantial number of Malaysian students have been admitted to leading Chinese universities on the basis of their UEC results. Peking University, for example, has recognised the UEC since 2009. In that year, all Malaysian undergraduate students admitted to Peking University applied on the basis of their UEC results. In subsequent years, the number of Malaysian students enrolling at Peking University continued to increase, with a significant proportion admitted based on their UEC results.
In 2021, a total of 48 Malaysian undergraduate students were admitted to Peking University, of whom 35 were admitted on the basis of their UEC results.
Fact 2: The UEC is not the only qualification accepted by leading universities in China.
In addition to recognising the UEC, leading Chinese universities also accept other local and international examination results, including STPM, A-Level and SAT. Students from different educational backgrounds may apply based on the qualifications that best reflect their academic preparation and individual circumstances.
The associations emphasise that the UEC, as one of the recognised qualifications for admission to Chinese universities, has long been an important option for Malaysian students seeking higher education in China. At the same time, the acceptance of multiple qualifications provides students with greater flexibility and choice.
We welcome all eligible applicants—whether applying on the basis of the UEC or other recognised examination results—to pursue their studies at universities in China, broaden their perspectives, develop both academically and personally, and contribute to society upon completion of their studies.
The associations further hope that public discussions on education and university admissions will be based on complete and accurate information, so as to avoid unnecessary confusion that may affect students’ choices about higher education. – December 17, 2025
This is a joint statement by the Peking University Alumni Association of Malaysia, the Association of Graduates from Tsinghua University, Malaysia, and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Malaysia Alumni