In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the BRI, Centre of Regional Strategic Studies collaborated with Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities, to organize the Belt and Road Symposium Malaysia on October 25, 2023, at the St Regis Hotel.
More than 400 influential figures, including government leaders, policymakers, academics, industry experts, business innovators, and members of the media, convened at this symposium, themed “The Path Ahead for Malaysia Madani and BRI”, to participate in conversations and share forward-thinking insights on the economy, technology, and green initiatives.
This endeavour seeks to nurture a forward-looking collaboration between Malaysia and China, in harmony with the ethos of “Malaysia Madani” and the BRI.
Guest of Honor:
- YAB Dato Sri Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia
- Chargé d’Affaires Zheng Xuefang, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia
- YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science,Technology and Innovation
- Dr. Zhao Xiangdong, Counsellor for Science and Technology, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia with us throughout the event.
YB Lee Chean Chung, the Chairman of CROSS envisions a future of robust Malaysia-China trade collaboration, focusing on cutting-edge sectors such as digitalization, automation, chip technology, aerospace manufacturing, and sustainable development. He advocates for tailored industrial parks across Selangor, Perak, Melaka, and Sarawak, harnessing local strengths for mutual prosperity.
In his speech at the opening ceremony for BRSM 2023, YAB Dato’ Sri Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, emphasized the longstanding advantages that Malaysia has gained from China’s impressive economic progress in recent decades. He underscored the significant economic and societal gains brought about by the strategic collaboration with China in projects like the East Coast Rail Link and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative.
“China’s outstanding achievements, especially in the pivotal area of economic advancement, serve as a valuable source of learning for Malaysia. We have the opportunity to leverage potential in sectors such as agriculture, digital innovation, and the green economy. This entails the establishment of partnerships in renewable energy, the development of intelligent urban infrastructure, and effectively addressing urgent environmental issues through advanced pollution control technologies.”
Chargé d’Affaires Zheng Xuefang of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia said that throughout these ten years, Belt and Road cooperation has achieved tangible and significant outcomes with more than 3,000 cooperation projects embarked, nearly 1 trillion U.S. dollars of investments catalysed and lift nearly 40 million people out of poverty.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Malaysia, and next year we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations. China is willing to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and make deeper and more substantive progress towards a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.”
YB Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation pointed out that in order to advance Malaysia’s upcoming economic development phase and elevate its industrial chain to a more technologically advanced level, it requires cutting-edge technology, inventive business models, a proficient and tech-savvy workforce, and well-planned strategic investments.
“Our nation is swiftly emerging as a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation, attracting substantial global investments and top talent. These advancements not only enhance our economic competitiveness but also create new avenues for collaboration within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.”
Dr. Zhao Xiangdong, Counsellor for Science and Technology, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia stressed that Malaysia is an important member country of BRI, highly compatible with China in social and economic development. Attaching great importance to STI development, both China and Malaysia have national strategies of developing high-tech supported digital and smart industries.
“STI is an important part of China-Malaysia cooperation which is gaining strong momentum. China will continue to work jointly with Malaysia in strengthening cooperation in R&D and high-tech application.”
The forum has delved into green economy initiatives and industries, recognizing them as crucial drivers for sustainable progress in both Malaysia and China.
Forum 1: Progressive Partnerships: Madani Economy and BRI in the Golden Decade
Panel Speakers:
- Dr. Lee Boon Chye, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd
- Professor Dr. Wong Chin Yoong, Economics Professor at UTAR
- Dr. Ngeow Chow-Bing, Advisor of CROSS
Moderator:
Dr. Ong Shueu Li, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics at the Faculty of Business and Economics, UM.
Forum 2: Digital Silk Road Collaboration: Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Technology Innovation in Malaysia
Panel Speakers:
- Datuk Dr. Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, Deputy Secretary General (Technology Development) of MOSTI
- Lim Seh Jiang, COO of Graphjet Technology
- Dr. Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam, Head of Centre for Advanced Electronics & Embedded Systems at MIMOS Berhad
Moderator:
Ms. Seah Jhen Pei, Expert Committee Member of CROSS
Forum 3: Sustainable Development along BRI Region: Malaysia and China’s Path to a Green Economy
Panel Speakers:
- YBrs. Tuan Ahmad Zairin Ismail, Chairman of the Sustainable Energy Development Authority
- Dr. Lin Woon Leong, Senior Research Fellow of SEARCH
- Adjunct Professor Rina Neoh, Secretary General of Persatuan ESG Malaysia (ESGAM)
Moderator:
Ir. Nick Liew Kar Hoe, Expert Committee Member of CROSS.
