What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to explore the experiences and dynamics of learning Chinese at the Confucius Institute in East Malaysia.

March 4, 2026Open Access

Learning Chinese at Confucius institutes in Malaysian universities: Perspectives from east Malaysia through a cultural diplomacy lens

Key Points

This research aims to explore the experiences and dynamics of learning Chinese at the Confucius Institute in East Malaysia.
Qualitative case study design
Semi-structured interviews with two CI management directors and three students
Focus on experiences, pedagogy, challenges, and strategies
Data analyzed using thematic coding in Microsoft Excel
Students cited mixed motivations involving career interests and personal goals
Effective contextual pedagogy was noted, but barriers to skill acquisition were present
Limited cultural immersion experiences were highlighted
Directors emphasized the need for community collaboration
Insights offered for program improvement including better cultural engagement strategies

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Global demand for Chinese as a foreign language has surged, especially in Southeast Asia, driven by China’s growth. Malaysia, with strong China ties, has high demand, partly met by Confucius Institutes (CIs), yet research on East Malaysian university CIs is scarce. Since Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) launched East Malaysia’s first CI in 2019, its operations and learner experiences require systematic study. This research addresses this gap, exploring Chinese learning realities at UMS’s CI to illuminate dynamics in multilingual, cross-cultural contexts. Methodology: A qualitative case study was used, with semi-structured interviews of two CI management directors and three students (purposively sampled to capture institutional and learner perspectives). Interviews focused on experiences, pedagogy, challenges, and strategies. Data were analyzed via thematic coding in Microsoft Excel to identify key patterns. Findings: Students highlighted five factors: (a) mixed motivations (career/interest), (b) contextual pedagogy effectiveness, (c) limited immersive cultural engagement, (d) productive skill acquisition barriers, and (e) needs for program enhancement. Directors emphasized: (a) the integrative mission, (b) aligning with local needs, (c) multifaceted challenges, and(d) growth through community collaboration. Contributions: This study fills a gap on East Malaysian CIs, offering insights for improving programs (e.g., cultural immersion, skill practice). It enriches understanding of global language initiatives in local contexts, guiding educators, policymakers, and future research on Chinese education in Southeast Asia. Keywords: Chinese education, Confucius Institute, cultural diplomacy, Malaysia-China relation, East Malaysia. Cite as: Al-Saqqaf, A., Hu, K., Rahim, S., & Rudie, R. (2026). Learning Chinese at Confucius institutes in Malaysian universities: Perspectives from east Malaysia through a cultural diplomacy lens. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 11(1), 1-18. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol11iss1pp1-18

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