UTAR’s Institute of Management and Leadership Development (IMLD) hosted the Guangxi Administration Institute’s study visit from 18 to 22 December 2019 to provide delegates from China the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the development of China’s enterprises in Malaysia as part of the Belt and Road initiative (BRI).

UTAR was represented by its Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Yow Ho Kwang, IMLD Director-cum-Belt and Road Strategic Research Centre Chairperson Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu and Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies Chairperson Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun. Representing Guangxi Administration Institute were Civil Service Training Department Director Assoc Prof Dr Wu Tianbo, Department of Law Teaching and Research Assoc Prof Dr Liang Taibo, Department of Network Training Assoc Prof Dr Lu Xiaozhi, and  Department of Academic Research Assoc Researcher Dr Wang Gang.

The visit also fostered further academic interaction and collaboration between both parties while they exchanged ideas on the strategic roles of Malaysia and China for BRI. Aside from visiting UTAR, the delegates also visited several relevant organisations such as Invest KL, Penang Chinese Consulate-General, MIDA Penang, Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), and Kuantan Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The delegates benefited from visitations and networking and the meetings provided information on Malaysia’s industrial development and economic structure. During the visit, the government officials and representatives from small and medium-sized enterprises also shared their insights and views on the development of the collaboration between Malaysia and China.