UTAR holds seminar on Twin Parks Cooperation Between Malaysia and China

Front row, from left: Dr Yang, Mr Hao Le, Prof Goi, Tan Sri Low, Mr Khoo, Mr Gu and Mr Wen

UTAR, in collaboration with Guangxi Minzu University (GXMZU), Malaysia-China Kuantan International Logistics Park (MCKILP), China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park (CMQIP), China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park (Guangxi) Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd, and Guangxi Cultural Industry Group Co., Ltd, organised the 6th Seminar on the Twin Parks Cooperation Between Malaysia and China on 12 September 2023 at Bangi Resort Hotel, with the support of six esteemed sponsors; namely, Silverlake Axis Sdn Bhd, Sunsuria Bhd, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, Eco World Development Group Berhad, MYCIPTA Sdn Bhd, and Hasilwan (M) Sdn Bhd. A total of 148 participants attended the seminar.

A group with the seminar organisers, cooperation partner and sponsor delegates

Themed ‘Enhancing Environment, Social Responsibility, and Governance (ESG): Promoting Cultural Exchange and the Sustainable Development of Twin Parks’, the seminar this year aimed to encourage discussions on how to incorporate ESG factors into the development and management of the “Twin Parks”. Moreover, it also aimed to encourage an open dialogue on strategies to ensure the enduring sustainability of both industrial parks.

The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) President YB Senator Tan Sri Dato’ Low Kian Chuan was invited to deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. Also present in the opening ceremony were Sin Chew Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sin Chew Daily of Media Chinese International Limited Mr Khoo Cheng, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Guangxi Cultural Industry Group Director Mr Gu Cai Yuan, China-Malaysia Industrial Park (Guangxi) Hua Wu Investment Co. Ltd Deputy President and CEO Mr Wen Guiyong, MCKILP Chief Marketing Officer Mr Hao Le and GXMZU Postdoctoral Researcher Dr Yang Jinghua.

Keynote speaker, Tan Sri Low said, “Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 has laid out the generation of industrial transformation direction, focusing on high value-added and technology-driven industries that conform to the ESG and reduced gas emissions. Given China’s strength in new growth industries, there are enormous opportunities for deepening bilateral trade and investment activities between the two countries on a sustainable basis. Several industries, which are of great potential for bilateral investment cooperation, include clean recycling activities (lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries), manufacturing of hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen storage tanks, and investment in the greener supply chain ecosystem.”

Tan Sri Low delivering his keynote speech

Prof Goi, in his speech, said, “This year’s seminar is particularly significant because it is back to physical mode. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has tested our resilience and adaptability, necessitated the shift to virtual platforms in the past few years. However, thanks to the collective efforts in combating the pandemic, we are now able to reconvene in a physical setting. This transition symbolises our unwavering determination to overcome challenges and continue fostering collaboration.”

Prof Goi delivering his speech

Following the opening ceremony, a forum themed ‘Promoting Regional and Global Cooperation for Sustainable Development’ was held. The forum featured discussions with invited participants including CMQIP Management Committee Deputy Director Li Congjia, Mr Hao Le, Silverlake Axis Sdn Bhd Head of Product and Technology Mr Philip Law, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Sustainable Development Division Director Mr Syed Kamal Muzaffa and Singular Asset Management Founder and Chief Investment Officer Mr Teoh Kok Lin. This forum was moderated by UTAR Belt and Road Strategic Research Centre (BRSRC) Chairperson Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu.

From top left, clockwise: Prof Cheng, Hao Le, Philip Law, Muzaffa and Teoh

The afternoon session began with a special presentation by Gu Chaiyuan, followed by two panel sessions. The first panel session, centred around the theme ‘ESG: Opportunities and Challenges’, featured five distinguished speakers. The panel included Eco World Development Group Berhad Divisional General Manager Wong Sheue Yue, My Cipta Sdn Bhd Founder and Chief Executive Director Nicholas Law, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd Assistant Manager Terance Lim Chow Lin, UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Leong Kah Hon and Sunsuria Berhad Project General Manager Lim Lee Hock. The panel discussion was moderated by UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Assoc Prof Dr Chua Kein Huat.

 

 

From top left, clockwise: Dr Chua, Nicholas Low, Lim Lee Hock, Terance Lim, Dr Leong and Wong

The second panel session themed ‘ESG: Trends and Developments’, featured another five speakers, namely Guangxi Minzu University College of Ethnology and Sociology Postdoctoral Researcher Dr Yang Jinghua, Sun Yat-Sen University Department of Urban and Regional Planning academic Prof Liang Yutian, UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Dr Choo Siew Ming, Sun Yat-Sen University Department of Urban and Regional Planning PhD candidate Li Shangqian and UTAR FAM academic Logeswary Maheswaran. The panel discussion was moderated by FAM academic Dr Fok Kuk Fai.

From top left, clockwise: Dr Fok, Dr Yang, Dr Choo, Logeswary, Li, Prof Liang

Organising committee of the “Twin Parks” seminar