Charting the course towards the collaborative development of Malaysia Madani and the Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Symposium Malaysia 2023 (BRSM) is recognized by important stakeholders as a vital platform for the constructive exchange of innovative ideas and concepts, the formation of strategic partnerships, and the exploration of new avenues for mutual success between Malaysia and China. This aligns perfectly with the enduring developmental aspirations of “Malaysia Madani” and the “Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the BRI, the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH) and the Centre of Regional Strategic Studies (CROSS) collaborated to organize the Belt and Road Symposium Malaysia on October 25, 2023, at the Grand Ballroom of St Regis Hotel. This event received substantial support from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).

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.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, 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.”

Meanwhile, 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.”

Furthermore, the symposium marks the inauguration of the Malaysia-China Belt & Road Institute (MCBRI) and the Belt & Road Overseas Venture Incubator (BROVI). These initiatives aim to foster academic and business collaboration between China and Malaysia across international borders.

This year’s inaugural BRSM has delineated strategies for cooperative sectors in the joint development of the Madani Economy and BRI. The aim is to set a direction for nurturing a high-value and enduring national economy, simultaneously enhancing societal welfare through the promotion of science, technology, and innovation. Additionally, the event has delved into green economy initiatives and industries, recognizing them as crucial drivers for sustainable progress in both Malaysia and China.

The inaugural forum, themed “Progressive Partnerships: Madani Economy and BRI in the Golden Decade,” gathered an esteemed panel of thought leaders including Dr. Lee Boon Chye, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd, Professor Dr. Wong Chin Yoong, distinguished Economics Professor at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), and Dr. Ngeow Chow-Bing, esteemed Advisor of the Centre of Regional Strategic Studies (CROSS). Guiding the discourse was Dr. Ong Shueu Li, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Economics at the Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Malaya (UM).

The second forum, under the banner “Digital Silk Road Collaboration: Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Technology Innovation in Malaysia,” boasted an equally distinguished lineup. Datuk Dr. Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, Deputy Secretary General (Technology Development) of MOSTI, Lim Seh Jiang, Chief Operating Officer of Graphjet Technology Sdn Bhd, and Dr. Pannirselvam Kanagaratnam, Head of Centre for Advanced Electronics & Embedded Systems at MIMOS Berhad, took center stage. Orchestrating the discussion was Ms. Seah Jhen Pei, an Expert Committee Member of CROSS.

Concluding the symposium was the forum themed “Sustainable Development along BRI Region: Malaysia and China’s Path to a Green Economy.” This session featured prominent figures including YBrs. Tuan Ahmad Zairin Ismail, Chairman of the Sustainable Energy Development Authority, Dr. Lin Woon Leong, Senior Research Fellow of SEARCH, and Adjunct Professor Rina Neoh, Secretary General of Persatuan ESG Malaysia (ESGAM) & Chair, Strategic Alliance Committee. Guiding the dialogue was Ir. Nick Liew Kar Hoe, Expert Committee Member of CROSS.