In a move that underscores the growing emphasis on cross-border collaboration in higher education, the Asia School of Business (ASB) and the Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance (Tsinghua PBCSF) have formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement sets the foundation for long-term cooperation between two of Asia’s most prestigious academic institutions, aiming to enhance regional talent development and foster educational ties across borders.
The MoU represents a shared commitment to leveraging education as a bridge between nations—one that nurtures leadership, promotes mutual understanding, and strengthens prosperity through the exchange of ideas and knowledge. Through this partnership, ASB and Tsinghua PBCSF will collaborate on a range of initiatives, including the development of postgraduate and executive education programs, faculty and research exchanges, joint academic conferences, and cross-border research on globally relevant topics.
“This partnership reflects the values of scholarship and goodwill, where collaboration across borders must become a force for good,” said Distinguished Professor Joseph Cherian, CEO, President, and Dean of the Asia School of Business. “With our colleagues at Tsinghua PBCSF, we see this as a pathway to shared leadership, shared knowledge, and shared progress for the region and beyond.”
The collaboration also aligns with Malaysia’s emergence as a leading hub for international education, particularly for Chinese students seeking an English-language learning environment grounded in Asian cultural values and regional context. At the same time, Malaysia is seeing a growing number of its students drawn to China’s top universities, including Tsinghua, due to their academic rigor and the dynamic scale of China’s economy and industry.
Professor Jie Jiao (Dean of PBC School of Finance, Tsinghua University),
Professor Joseph Cherian (CEO, President, and Dean of Asia School of Business)
Echoing the sentiment, Professor Jie Jiao, Dean of Tsinghua PBCSF, emphasized the broader significance of the partnership: “We believe this is not only a partnership between institutions, but also a reaffirmation of a broader friendship between peoples. By investing in joint education and leadership development, the future of Asia will be led by those who can think across borders, act with integrity, and collaborate for the greater good.”
Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Founding Chair and Co-Chair of the Asia School of Business and former Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, highlighted the alignment of both institutions in their mission. “Our shared focus is to deliver education that is contextualized for the emerging world—education that enables a deeper understanding of financial and economic systems, and prepares the next generation of stewards and leaders to make a lasting impact in the global economy,” she said. “This partnership bridges policy, practice, and education in service of the public good.”
The MoU further supports the broader vision of talent development outlined in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly as China intensifies its engagement with ASEAN. A key priority of the BRI is the cultivation of globally minded, regionally grounded talent capable of leading complex projects, managing investments, and serving as cultural and economic connectors across Asia. Positioned at the crossroads of Southeast Asia and with longstanding economic and educational ties to China, ASB is well-placed to contribute meaningfully to this mission.
Looking ahead, ASB and Tsinghua PBCSF plan to co-develop academic programs, produce joint research in areas such as finance, sustainable development, digital transformation, and public policy, and provide immersive learning experiences throughout the region. The partnership, rooted in mutual trust and a shared vision for stewardship, marks a pivotal step forward in preparing future leaders to thrive in an interconnected, rapidly evolving world.