From 29 to 31 July, 23 architecture students and staff from UCSI University, Malaysia, visited the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC). Representing Department of Architecture and Built Environment (ABE), Dr Yat Ming Loo coordinated a 3-day trip for the visiting team. The visit fostered intercultural dialogue and exchange in architectural education between the two universities.

On the first day, the UCSI team was welcomed by Professor Jing Xie, Dr Yina Sima and Dr Yat Ming Loo. They introduced in detail of ABE’s undergraduate and master teaching programs and research activities, outlining the international and intercultural education environment and pedagogy of UNNC.

During their stay, the UCSI team visited Ningbo’s buildings and places in Ningbo, including notable contemporary works by architects of Wang Shu, Álvaro Siza, Zhang Yonghe and Kengo Kuma. The architectural tours were organised by Dr Yat Ming Loo with the participation of ABE’s PhD, master and undergraduate students. Students from Ningbo Urban Memory Lab (NUML), a research platform led by Dr Loo, also guided an citywalk through central Ningbo, offering insights into the city's architectural heritage and urban development.

The visit followed an earlier event on 30 June 2026, when Dr Emmanuelle Khoo Fong Yi, a UNNC PhD graduate and current lecturer at UCSI University, delivered an ABE Guest Talk hosted by Dr Yat Ming Loo. She shared insights into PhD research and practical strategies for academic writing with present ABE’s PhD, master’s and undergraduate students.

These events provided opportunities for students and staff from both universities to exchange intercultural perspectives on architecture, urban culture and the built environment through shared learning experiences.