On October 2, 2024, the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), expanded its reach to China through the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Nanjing University, China. This collaboration was established with the Department of Economics, Nanjing University Business School. Nanjing University is one of the oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions in China. Established in 1902, it holds great historical significance and is renowned for its excellence in research, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. This first collaboration between IKMAS, UKM, and the Department of Economics, Nanjing University Business School focuses on research activities and studies in the field of national development. The LOI was signed by the Dean of the Department of Economics, Nanjing University Business School, Prof. Dr. Zheng Jianghuai, and the Director of IKMAS, Prof. Dr. Sufian Jusoh, who was represented by Associate Professor Dr. Andrew Kam Jia Yi. The event was officiated by Dato’ Dr. Tan Yew Chong, Advisor to the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, who was also a key contributor to the collaboration between the two institutions.