Shaping One’s Destiny: Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Delivers Lecture at Tianjin University

On September 1, 2025, The Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, together with his wife, visited Tianjin University. He delivered a public lecture entitled “Sovereign Interdependence: Building a Shared Future in Asia.” His visit highlighted the enduring friendship between Malaysia and China and underlined the importance of educational and cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral ties.

Welcomed by university leaders, faculty, and students, Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged Tianjin University’s long and distinguished history since its founding as Peiyang University in 1895. He praised its motto, “Seeking Truth from Facts,” as a guiding principle not only in academia but also in international relations. He emphasized that universities serve as vital platforms for dialogue across cultures and generations.

In his lecture, the Prime Minister addressed the challenges facing the global economy and pointed out that fragmentation has become an urgent concern. Quoting from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he noted that history often alternates between periods of unity and division. He emphasized that Asia must take an active role in transforming today’s turbulence into renewal, rather than allowing it to deepen divisions. He further underlined that Asia, as the engine of global growth, should contribute its voice to shaping a fairer and more inclusive international order.

Introducing the concept of “sovereign interdependence,” Anwar stressed that nations can safeguard their sovereignty while remaining open to flows of trade, technology and talent. He drew on the voyages of Admiral Zheng He, who promoted exchange and mutual learning, to illustrate that harmony without uniformity remains a timeless principle. He called on nations to choose cooperation over confrontation and to transform interdependence into resilience and shared prosperity.

The Prime Minister highlighted the vital role of young people, urging Malaysian students at Tianjin University to pursue advanced knowledge, develop a global vision and serve as ambassadors of friendship between Malaysia and China. He stressed that educational cooperation between the two countries is a cornerstone of their relationship and a foundation for building a shared future in Asia.

At the conclusion of the lecture, Anwar presented a calligraphic inscription to mark the 130th anniversary of Tianjin University and joined students in an engaging dialogue. The event brought together over 520 university leaders, faculty, staff and students, along with officials from Tianjin Municipality, the Malaysian ambassador to China and members of the Malaysian delegation.

The visit not only reflected the depth of Malaysia–China friendship but also reaffirmed Tianjin University’s commitment to serving as a global platform for dialogue, cooperation and talent cultivation in pursuit of a shared future for Asia.

By: Qin Mian