Bridging dreams and urban design

In the heart of Sarawak state, Malaysia, surrounded by the ancient rainforests of Borneo, lies the story of a young man inspired by the contrasts of his homeland.

Chek Qin Tan, a Year Three BEng Urban Planning and Design student at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), recalls the spark that set his path in motion.

“I’ve always wanted to contribute to my hometown’s growth,” he says. “There’s so much potential in Sarawak, but the challenges are equally great.”

Chek Qin Tan

Growing up in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, Tan witnessed how the state’s unique geography posed difficulties for modern urban planning.

“Due to the rainforest geological structure of Borneo Island and the government’s allocation of resources towards East Malaysia, the planning in Sarawak couldn’t catch up with the modern world’s standard,” he says.

For Tan, this wasn’t just an observation, it was a call to action.

Determined to make a difference, he sought a learning environment that could give him both international perspectives and practical expertise. He found this in XJTLU’s BEng Urban Planning and Design programme.

“Sharing urban planning ideas from different hometowns is one of the greatest treasures of studying here,” Tan explains. With a curriculum that bridges Eastern and Western approaches, and classmates from diverse cultural backgrounds, the programme offered him insights far beyond what textbooks could provide.

Gathering with classmates

One of the defining moments of his academic journey came during a course on environmental sustainability.

“This module taught me how to balance urban growth with environmental conservation,” he reflects. “It’s the kind of knowledge I can use to develop my hometown.”

Through hands-on projects and collaborative assignments, Tan explored how urban design could coexist with ecological preservation.

“The learning outcomes of this course reshaped how I think about urban planning for the future,” he says.

Tan posing in front of the Gate of Orient

While his academic work forms the foundation of his learning, Tan sees XJTLU as more than a classroom. “The University offers so many opportunities to grow beyond lectures,” he says.

From participating in student clubs to attending job fairs, he has found countless ways to build his skills and networks. These activities, he notes, aren’t just about professional development. They also provide a space to exchange ideas and learn from peers in different fields.

“I’ve gained invaluable perspectives from others,” he says.

Board Game Club activity at XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang)

His leadership role as Finance Manager of the Malaysia Student Association of Jiangsu Province is one such example. It’s a position that has allowed him to apply his organisational skills while staying connected to his cultural community abroad.

At the same time, Tan credits XJTLU’s academic structure for pushing him to excel.

“The marking scheme encourages critical thinking,” he explains. “It’s not just about memorising theories, it’s about applying them meaningfully.”

Practical skills, such as using software like SketchUp for urban design, have also played an important role in his education. “These tools are vital in my field, and mastering them has been a rewarding challenge,” he adds.

Tan posing in front of his urban design project

Looking back on his journey, Tan offers simple but valuable advice to students following a similar path. He encourages them to seek out internships and workshops, apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects, and build a strong portfolio to showcase their skills.

But perhaps more importantly, he reminds them not to lose sight of the bigger picture.

“University is a time to grow and learn, but it’s also about enjoying the experience,” he says.