Xiamen University (XMU) started marine studies almost 100 years ago and is recognised as the cradle of China’s marine studies. Its Department of Oceanography, established in 1946, is the first of its kind in China, while its College of Ocean and Earth Sciences has developed into one of China’s best marine research institutions with a state key discipline in marine science, and has faculties that include an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a number of experts involved in “Thousand Talents Plan”, China’s Recruitment Programme of Global Experts. The college boasts excellent research platforms such as the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, outstanding educational centers, such as National Experimental Centre for Education. In addition, its advanced general-purpose research vessel, the Tan Kah Kee (R/V TKK) 嘉庚号, is equipped with state-of-the-art scientific instruments and has supported interdisciplinary oceanographic cruises in international waters since 2016. In addition to the strong support from XMU, China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences (CAMS) was developed as the first college of marine sciences established overseas under the sponsorship of the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. Marine Biotechnology programme was set as the pioneer programme in the China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia. Under this programme, students benefit from learning from experts in both Malaysia and China campus throughout the study. Moreover, the well-equipped facilities serving both teaching and research purposes in marine science and biotechnology fields provide the students with opportunities to conduct practical and research experiences in the programme. Thus, the Marine Biotechnology programme equips graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage the capitalisation of aquatic resources through ecologically friendly methods of aquaculture production as well as to conduct research on marine biological resources, fisheries, aquaculture, and many other biotechnology related techniques. Graduates are also trained to be conscious of current environmental issues and broadly-defined marine biotechnology problem.
