Sunway University hosts the China-Malaysia Innovation Future Summit

Sunway University recently hosted the China-Malaysia Innovation Future Summit on 16th July 2024. The event honoured the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China and also laid the foundations for future collaborations and partnerships. The event was attended by esteemed guests, including H.E. Ouyang Yujing, Ambassador of China to Malaysia, and YB Dato' Haji Mohammad Yusof bin Apdal, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The summit brought together over 200 scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and educators from both nations. On the agenda was the launch of the China-ASEAN Innovation Quest, the Global π Community Malaysia Hub, and a collaborative agreement for the China-Malaysia Digital and Green Technology Industrial Park.

The event kicked off with a welcoming speech by Sunway Education CEO Professor Dato' Elizabeth Lee. She expressed her excitement for the event, as it would launch the China-ASEAN Innovation Quest for Our FUTURE 2024, a competition meant to promote and reward youth-led innovation from both countries. An address from Jin Xiaoming, the Director of the Expert Committee on Science and Technology Diplomacy, followed her speech. He expressed his belief in the power of youth to address socioeconomic challenges and drive nationwide development. H.E. Ouyang Yujing also shared a few words on the power of youth while also looking back on the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. YB Dato' Haji Mohammad Yusof bin Apdal shared the same sentiment as the other speakers, claiming that shared knowledge between countries is critical to address modern, multifaceted issues.

The event continued with the signing of not one but two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU). The first was a memorandum between Malaysia and China on Cooperation in the Development of China-Malaysia Digital and Green High-Tech Innovation Center and Technology Industrial Park. The second was an MoU on the Research, Innovation and Educational Collaboration between Sunway University Malaysia and the China Association for International Science and Technology Cooperation. The signing of both of these MoUs represents a significant chapter in the longstanding relationship between Malaysia and China and is a significant step in furthering sustainable development and developing the youth.

The event carried on with the launch of the China-ASEAN Innovation Quest, which is a competition that aims to tap into the boundless creativity of students from both nations to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To find out more details about the competition, you may visit the competition page on our website. Following this, the launch of the Global π Community Malaysia Hub took place. As per their website, the community named after π embodies the core spirit of "international openness, boundless scientific exploration, and hopeful empowerment," dedicating itself to promoting sustainable development through technology, creating a platform for young scientists from different countries to exchange ideas and learn from each other.
The summit concluded with the Forum of the Future: People, Prosperity, and the Planet. The forum was divided into two sessions, and the first was hosted by Danial Rahman, CEO of the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI). This session was titled ‘Driving RDICE: Charting China-Malaysia’s Future in Research, Innovation & Economic Collaboration.’ The featured guests were:
 

• Hazami Habib, CEO of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia
• Dr Orakanoke Phanraksa, the Special Advisor for International Affairs at Thailand Science Research and Innovation, 
• Dr Wang Qinfang, the Deputy Secretary General of the China Association for the Promotion of International Agriculture Cooperation. 

The second session, titled ‘Pushing Boundaries: Innovation Pathways to Sustainable Development’ was hosted by Professor Mahendhiran Sanggaran Nair, Sunway University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research and Sustainability. The featured guests were:

• Professor Datuk Wira Dr Raha Abdul Rahim, CEO of the National Institute of Biotechnology Malaysia
• Ong Pang Yen, Executive Director, Chairman’s Office at Sunway Group
• Datuk Wira Dr Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff, CEO of MRANTI
• Dr Paul Rummy, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Both panels featured insightful discussions on the unique challenges faced in the fight for sustainability, and the ways to push past said challenges. The Summit was then closed with remarks by Evan Cheah, Group CEO for Digital and Strategic Investments, Sunway Group. Guests then proceeded to the University’s Gallery for a special gala dinner prepared by Sunway University’s students from the School of Hospitality and Service Management.
Overall, The China-Malaysia Innovation Future Summit at Sunway University on July 16, 2024, underscored youth-led innovation and sustainable development, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. Initiatives like the China-ASEAN Innovation Quest and the Global π Community Malaysia Hub were launched, emphasising collaboration and technological advancement. The summit's discussions and agreements set the stage for enhanced research, innovation, and economic cooperation between Malaysia and China.