Ho Xu Zhe, also called Randy, from PKU Class of 2020, is a masteral graduate from the Peking University School of International Studies. Randy completed his undergraduate studies at PKU's Yuanpei College from 2014 to 2018 where he majored in International Politics and Economics (IPE).
Randy was one of few international students who chose to further his pursuits at the postgraduate level at PKU, making his six-year journey a memorable and remarkable one. He is currently a research assistant at the National University of Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM) and is looking to pursue his PhD studies in the future.
The Train Enthusiast
One thing that many do not know about Randy is his love for metro transit or trains. Randy's passion for trains has taken him on spontaneous trips every now and then, exploring China and the rest of the world on the railway. He recalled his very first railway experience, where he took the cross-border train from Malaysia to Singapore's Tanjong Pagar railway station (closed since July 1, 2011).
Randy appreciates the historical and cultural significance behind every railway line and credits them as a catalyst that has enticed him to discover more destinations, meet people and engage in international politics and economics. Randy wrote various articles sharing his insights from his train travels. .
"Trains and railways are good connectors between people, cities and countries. They are also one of our joints to history".
In greater testimony, Randy's master's thesis focuses on building a theoretical approach to analyze the various factors behind the politics-driven East Coast Rail Link project in Malaysia.
Sino-Malaysian relations
Randy believes that Sino-Malaysian relations have been enhanced by the implementation of China's Belt and Road Initiative. He expects more economic linkages, investments and opportunities between the two countries in the coming years.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will not only bring greater connectivity through railways but also boost infrastructure, factories and job opportunities. Drawing from his experience as a Malaysian student who studied in China for six years and with his knowledge in international relations, he believes that with BRI in Malaysia, there will be more room to strengthen bilateral relations.
Randy emphasizes the importance of maintaining a "mutual two-way learning". Malaysia should make an effort to understand the Chinese perspective to avoid misinterpretation and promote smooth exchanges between the two countries. Meanwhile, China will be able to have a better understanding of local demographics in Malaysia to bring Sino-Malaysian relations to the next level, as cultural issues are carefully bridged and communicated.
Having spent six years at PKU, Randy recalled his journey as a unique and memorable one. After graduating from his high school in Malaysia, Randy submitted applications to both Malaysian and overseas universities.
The idea of studying in China was placed on the table by his father, who encouraged him to seize the opportunity, looking at China's rapid development over the years and how it is growing in influence politically, economically, socially and culturally.
On a personal level, Randy also shared how his Chinese ethnicity inspired him to want to find out more about his cultural roots in China. He was accepted at PKU and offered a scholarship.
Transiting out of the comfort zone
Randy described his "journey of rediscovery" at PKU. From his first club engagement in the Malaysian Students Association to the Southeast Asian Association of Peking University, he pushed himself to move out of his comfort zone, and get exposed to the international environment. .
Over six years from undergraduate to his master’s, Randy has witnessed the various changes on campus and off-campus. However, he more fondly remembered the food on campus. .He recalled staying in line for PKU's best Spicy Dry Hotpot at the old Jiayuan Canteen as well as grabbing a quick sandwich at the on-campus Subway and satiating post-evening class hunger at the evening open-air Malatang stalls next to Xuewu Canteen. Randy further acknowledged that even though there is an abundance of Chinese food varieties in Malaysia, coming to China provided him with the most authentic food experience.
Along with an engaging on-campus experience, Randy was able to broaden his horizons through various platforms provided by the university. He participated in a summer school program held at Waseda University in Japan and had the chance to represent PKU and Malaysia. He took part in cultural exchanges as a translator during the 2016 Malaysia-China Confucianism and Islam civilization dialogue held in Qufu, Confucius' hometown, in Shandong province. .
Randy said he believes that "being one with Chinese ethnicity hints a tint of cultural intimacy between us and China". While he was in Hantang, Randy spoke his rare Hakka dialect for the very first time, which certainly enhanced a sense of belongingness and attachment to China. For Randy, this was the moment he realized that building the "cultural bridge is not as far as it seems" and that "spending a field trip there was the only way to uncover these silent truths".
Appreciating the cultural intimacy with China is another inspiration for Randy to rethink the dynamics of multiculturalism in Malaysia while he continues to share his experience in China with his fellow friends in Malaysia.
