Chinese research vessel Tan Kah Kee makes first visit to Sabah, Malaysia

(ECNS) -- The 3,600-tonne research vessel Tan Kah Kee, operated by Xiamen University, docked for the first time in Kota Kinabalu, capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state, offering a two-day free visit for local residents starting Thursday.

Jointly organized by the Sabah state government, Xiamen University and Xiamen University Malaysia, the open day event allows visitors to learn about marine exploration, deep-sea research and international scientific cooperation.

Dubbed Xiamen University’s “campus on the sea,” the vessel is equipped for research in marine biology, geology, chemistry, geophysics and other fields.

Chinese Consul General in Kota Kinabalu Zhu Xinglong said the visit has created a new platform for marine science cooperation and youth exchanges between China and Sabah, while promoting bilateral collaboration in science, education and culture.

Since entering service, the vessel has sailed more than 20,000 nautical miles and hosted over 500 students and teachers from 22 institutions. After the event, it will head to Port Klang for a joint research training mission involving 33 participants from 13 institutions.

(By Intern Lin Qiaochu, Zhang Dongfang)