From March to September 2024, Peggy Tek Pei Yee, a master’s student of Marine Biotechnology, participated in a six-month exchange at Xiamen University under the XMU4U initiative.
This program aims to bring together the educational resources, faculty, and research strengths of Xiamen University (XMU) and Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), cultivating postgraduate talents with a global perspective. Selected postgraduate students will be able to conduct full-time research or coursework at Xiamen University, under the joint guidance of both campus.
Peggy, under the supervision of Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan (XMUM) and Assoc. Prof. Gao Guang (XMU), conducted full-time research on algae for six months at the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, School of Ocean and Earth, Xiamen University.
Here, we invited Peggy to share her experiences during her exchange program.
Peggy with Dr. Gao Guang
In November 2023, my supervisor, Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan, informed me about an exchange opportunity at Xiamen University. Prior to this, I had heard from some Chinese classmates about the advanced lab facilities there, which had long sparked my curiosity to experience them. I was also eager to meet new people and build new connections. With those goals in mind, I found a Chinese supervisor – Dr. Gao Guang, finalized my research plan, and embarked on this journey.
My master’s research primarily focuses on environmental studies, specifically using fungi to treat heavy metals in the environment. However, during my exchange in China, my work shifted toward algae research. Initially, I was unfamiliar with algae, but this experience exposed me to a new field, enriched my knowledge and broadened my research horizons.
The College of Ocean and Earth Sciences is located at XMU Xiang’an Campus, which is vast. To get around, you need to use shared bikes. At first, I frequently got lost, but over time, I adapted and even started to enjoy cycling around, which became part of my daily routine.
In our lab, which houses over 100 master’s and PhD students, I usually saw only a dozen people each day. Senior students guided me through lab techniques, while the supervisor met with us biweekly to review our progress. My daily schedule was a typical 9-5 one, working for eight hours a day. Each morning, I would check for tasks assigned by the supervisor. If there were none, I planned my own work: cleaning lab equipment, performing algae cultivation and chlorophyll analysis, reviewing papers, or reading literature.
Peggy working in the lab
Additionally, I attended two academic conferences during my exchange. The first was the 22nd symposium of the Chinese Society of Oceanology and Limnology in Shenzhen, where I learned about the diverse applications of cyanobacteria in medicine and environmental sciences. The second was the International Workshop on Fishery Sustainable Development in Fangchenggang, Guangxi. Fangchenggang, near the Vietnam border, was where I observed a Sino-Vietnamese collaboration on stock enhancement and release activities. I was particularly inspired by presentations on successful breeding techniques for key fish species.
Peggy attending Conference and Workshop
These conferences not only expanded my knowledge but also provided valuable networking opportunities, allowing me to connect with many researchers and students. However, with these academic events came the challenge of understanding terminology, especially as Chinese professors and students used terms unfamiliar to me. By reading papers and discussing with senior students, I gradually overcame the barriers.
Back in the lab, I formed close relationships with senior students who helped me with experiments and gave me valuable advice for everyday life. Through their guidance, I also learned to use new graphic software, which benefited my own research. We often had meals together, and during our time at D-SMART, we explored the area, visiting sites like the filming location of the movie The Left Ear.
My counsellor also provided great support, helping me set up a bank account and a phone plan, among other things. Even now, we remain in touch through social media.
In terms of culture and language, I didn’t face significant challenges. The food in Xiamen was quite similar to what I’m used to in Malaysia, though the seasoning was a bit different. The biggest challenge was transportation. In Malaysia, we typically drive straight to our destinations, but at Xiamen University, I had to walk from the hostel to the gate before catching transportation. Initially, this made me inconvenient, but I soon got used to it and found the post-meal walks enjoyable.
My roommate was also Malaysian, and we often explored Xiamen Island on weekends, visiting parks, shopping malls, and landmarks. My favorite spot was Shapowei, a waterfront area reminding me of of Melaka, with shops selling souvenirs and handmade arts and crafts. I loved the street views there. On campus, there were various events like water festivals and marathons, which added to my cultural experience.
Peggy with her peers at the lab
This six-month exchange was incredibly rewarding. On one hand, it exposed me to techniques from different fields of study, broadened my understanding of research methods and lab cultures. On the other hand, working and studying alongside new people for an extended period taught me to appreciate diverse perspectives, enhancing my adaptability and communication skills.
One key lesson for me was the importance of socializing. I tend to be socially anxious, and at Xiamen University Malaysia, I mostly interacted with familiar faces. But in China, I was surrounded by a much larger and more diverse group of students and professors. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, making me realize the essential role of social interaction in personal and professional growth.
Looking back, if I had the chance, I would love to revisit my time at D-SMART – sampling early in the morning, analyzing results, eating, and then relaxing or focusing on personal tasks. It was a fulfilling routine that I deeply cherished.
However, I do have some regrets. I often feel that I didn’t make the most of my time there, especially regarding my experiments. Yet, the professors and peers I met were wonderful and extremely helpful, for which I am grateful.
Lastly, with this chance, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their financial support during this exchange. I am also deeply thankful to my supervisor, Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan, for his guidance throughout this journey, and to all the people in China who enriched my experience with their kindness and support.