GIPA's study visit strengthens Malaysia-China partnerships under BRI

UTAR Institute of Management and Leadership Development (IMLD) hosted a delegation from the Guangxi Institute of Public Administration (GIPA), China from 23 to 27 September 2024 at its Sungai Long Campus. The study visit aimed to explore effective collaborations between Malaysia and China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with a focus on strategic partnerships and high-quality cooperation.

The delegation, led by GIPA Belt and Road Research Institute Executive Vice President, Prof Zhang Jiashou, was comprised of Prof Zhang Bin from the Literature and History Teaching and Research Department; Assoc Prof Zhuang Yan from the Institute of Marxism; Assoc Prof Meng Xiangning from the Economics Teaching and Research Department; and Mr Wei Chengjing from the Organisation Personnel Division and Enterprise Administration Section.o:p>

The delegates visited UTAR on 23 September 2024, reinforcing the longstanding relationship between the two institutions, which has been nurtured through previous exchanges in 2017 and 2019. During the visit, GIPA delegates and UTAR researchers engaged in productive dialogue to share research progress and explore new opportunities for future collaboration, particularly in relation to the strategic roles of Malaysia and China in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

UTAR was represented by IMLD Director and Belt and Road Strategic Research Centre (BRSRC) Chairperson, Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu; Chairperson of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Sustainability, Assoc Prof Dr Sia Bik Kai; Faculty of Accountancy and Management member and BRSRC member, Dr Goh Hong Lip and Dr Fok Kuk Fai.

From left: Dr Fok, Dr Goh, Prof Cheng, Dr Sia, Prof Zhang, Prof Zhang, Assoc Prof Zhuang, Assoc Prof Meng and Mr Wei

To gain a better understanding of BRI in Malaysia, the GIPA delegates participated in a series of activities.

At the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Logistic Park (MCKILP), the delegation met with Sales & Marketing Manager Mr Beh Chee Ooi to discuss the park’s development and its strategic role in facilitating bilateral trade, exemplifying high-quality cooperation between the two nations.

In Kuala Lumpur, the delegates met with Mr Mah Chun Wai, Director of the Asia and Oceania Region at InvestKL, to explore Greater KL’s role as a national gateway for attracting high-value foreign direct investment and positioning the city as a hub for international trade under the BRI framework.

Further discussions with the Guangxi Association of Malaysia, represented by General Secretary Mr Foo Wee Keong, focused on strengthening cultural and business ties between Malaysia and Guangxi, China.

At Tian Ma Bird Nest Sdn Bhd, located at Sungai Petani, Kedah, the Financial Director Mr Miao Zhineng provided insights into the bird’s nest processing industry, highlighting the growth of Chinese enterprises in Malaysia and the role of the BRI in fostering bilateral economic ties.

Finally, the delegation visited the Malaysia Silk Road Society in Penang, hosted by Dato’ Dr Cheah See Kian, where discussions centred on Malaysia’s historical trade relations and its continuing role in infrastructure development under the BRI.

The visit provided insightful interactions with key institutions and businesses across Malaysia. The delegation gained valuable knowledge about Malaysia’s role in Belt and Road projects, its logistical capabilities, and investment opportunities. These engagements are expected to strengthen future collaborations between Malaysia and China.

Mr Beh discussing the industrial park’s development at MCKILP with the delegates

Third from left: Mr Mah and Prof Zhang at InvestKL 

Discussion at Guangxi Association of Malaysia

Delegates examining bird nest samples displayed at Tian Ma Bird Nest Sdn Bhd

Front row, fourth from right: Dato’ Cheah, Prof Zhang and Prof Cheng at the Malaysia Silk Road Society