Experts gather at UTAR to discuss the future of Belt and Road and regional cooperation

UTAR hosted a seminar titled “The Future of Belt and Road and Regional Cooperation: Global Opportunities, ASEAN Connectivity, and Innovative Pathways” on 17 February 2025 at its Sungai Long Campus.

Organised by the UTAR Belt and Road Strategic Research Centre (BRSRC), in collaboration with the Malaysian Cultural Creativity and Education Association and the Renmin University of China Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, the event gathered respected scholars, policymakers, and professionals to discuss the evolving landscape of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and ASEAN-China cooperation.

Distinguished attendees included UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Malaysian Cultural Creativity and Education Association President Mr Aluyis Lim, Renmin University of China Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies Dean Prof Wang Wen, BRSRC Chairperson Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, Malaysia China Welfare Advisory Society Secretary General Mr Wang Bin, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, among other.

In his opening speech, Prof Dato’ Ewe reaffirmed UTAR’s commitment to fostering academic dialogue on global and regional economic integration. He highlighted the university’s role in advancing BRI research, particularly through BRSRC, which actively contributes to policy discussions and academic collaborations.

The seminar featured ten distinguished speakers, five from China and five from Malaysia, who shared their insights on economic strategies, technological innovations (particularly AI), the Malaysia-China relationship, e-commerce and sustainable development within the BRI framework.

Notable speakers included Prof Wang, Tsinghua University Tsinghua Center for US-China Relations Director Prof Dr Chen Qi, University of International Business and Economics academic Prof Dr Gong Jiong, Huaqiao University academic Prof Huang Rihan, and New Era Chinese Diplomacy Network Deputy Director Ms Li Xiaohua from China. Representing Malaysia were Universiti Malaya (UM) Institute of China Studies Director Assoc Prof Dr Ngeow Chow Bing, Prof Cheng, UM Department of Chinese Studies academic Dr John Lee Kean Yew, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) Institute of Social Economic Research Head Assoc Prof Dr Yap Hon Lun, and UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management academic Dr Fok Kuk Fai.

After the presentations by speakers from each session, the Q&A was opened to the public, who came up with meaningful enquiries.

The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening academic and policy-driven initiatives for sustainable economic partnerships. UTAR expressed its gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed its dedication to playing an active role in BRI-related research and dialogue.