Since the announcement of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013 by the Chinese President Xi Jinping, this year marks the 10-year anniversary of BRI. We have witnessed fruitful and remarkable achievements between China and BRI participating countries throughout this 10-year journey.

As of early this year, China have signed more than 200 BRI cooperation agreements with 151 countries and 32 international organisations. Infrastructure development and connectivity under the BRI has indeed promote new trade and investment opportunities. Between 2013 and 2021, a total of USD 11 Trillions of trade in goods and USD 230 billions of accumulate investment between China and BRI countries have been achieved.

Malaysia and China have a long history of friendship and have established a trade and investment strategic partnership in past decades. In conjunction with 10 years anniversary of BRI, we are organizing a series of seminar and roundtable to engage with local communities and promote the BRI collaboration between Malaysia and China for the next 10 years.

Building Sustainable Livelihoods with Technology: Entrepreneurship and Job Creation
in Low-Income Communities

Our seminar on Building Sustainable Livelihoods with Technology showcased the remarkable achievements of Malaysia-China collaboration within the Belt and Road framework.
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We explored how technology can empower entrepreneurs and create job opportunities in low-income communities. Let’s continue to pave the way for a brighter future together!
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We are honored to have esteemed guests of honor:

๐ŸŒŸย YB Chang Lih Kang, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
๐ŸŒŸย H.E. Ouyang Yujing, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia

๐ŸŒโœจThe speaker for the seminar was Mr Chong Chern Peng, Vice President for Digital Power Business Huawei, Puan Nuraizah Shamsul Baharin, Managing Director of Madcat World and Dr Mr Beh Ching Yew, Head of Entrepreneurship & Innovation Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation; while Asst. Prof. Dr. Joe Liaw Siau Chi, Dean (Faculty of Communication, Cinematic and Performing Arts), New Era University College served as the moderator.

Exploring the New Horizons: Pahang's Journey Beyond 2026

This enlightening event took place on 26th August 2023, at Megaview Hotel Kuantan.
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With a focus on the theme ‘Pahang Beyond 2026: Embracing Belt and Road for Sustainable Growth,’ this seminar marked a significant milestone. The event successfully unveiled the boundless prospects that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) collaboration between China and Malaysia’s East Coast region holds, particularly for Pahang.
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This inspiring seminar, officiated by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Mohamad Nizar bin Mohamad Najib, Executive Councillor for Investment, Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, illuminates the potential opportunities set to flourish in Pahang in regarding to the East Coast Rail Link’s (ECRL) completion in 2026.
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We are honoured to invite experts below to deliver the seminar presentation.
๐ŸŒโœจ(Speaker) Ms. Aznira Binti Zakaria, Programme Leader/Lecturer in Department of Accountancy and Busineness (Logistics and Supply Chain Management), TAR UMT
๐ŸŒโœจ(Speaker) Encik Saifuz Zaman Bin Aziz, Head of Railway Management Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL)
๐ŸŒโœจ(Moderater) Mr. Ian Neo Chee Hua, CEO of Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities.

New Economic Zone:
An Emerging Center of Gravity of BRI

Unlocking the potential of Johor in the Belt and Road Initiative, recap the seminar on the New Economic Zone and its impact on trade and investment.
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The event was officiated by:
๐ŸŒŸย YB Lee Ting Han, Johor State EXCO for Investment, Trade and Consumer Affairs
๐ŸŒŸย Mr. Lin Shiguang, Minister Counsellor (Political Affairs), the Embassy of the Peopleโ€™s Republic of China in Malaysia
๐ŸŒŸย YB Tuan Arthur Chiong Sen Sern, ADUN Bukit Batu
๐ŸŒŸย Mr Neo Chee Hua, CEO of Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH)
๐ŸŒŸย Dato Chin Boon Tak, Deputy President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Johor
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๐Ÿ˜Š๐ŸฅณOur moderator and speakers are as below:
1. Moderator: Mr Ian Neo Chee Hua, CEO of Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH)
2. Mrs Gan-Low Mei Leong, Head, Economic and Investment, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA)
3. Mr. Eugene Roy Joseph, The founder of Joseph Chambers
4. Ms Josephine Lee Mei Li, Managing Director, Builders Group PLT and SME Business Management Consultant

Embracing the Past, Shaping the Future:
A BRI story of Penang and China

๐ŸŒŸFusing Cultures, Building Futures: Penang Celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative๐ŸŽ‰
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The Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH) and the Centre of Regional Strategic Studies (CROSS) successfully organized a Seminar themed “Embracing the Past, Shaping the Future: A BRI story of Penang and China” on March 5, 2024, at Penang Chung Ling Private High School.
Penang placed at a strategic location, situated in the Strait of Malacca, which provides it with significant geopolitical advantages, enabling closer economic ties between Penang, China, and Malaysia. As an ideal hub for multinational corporations. This seminar aimed to explore Penang-China historical ties and future prospects within the Belt and Road context, fostering a stronger partnership and shared commitment to mutual growth and development.
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๐ŸŒŸOur guest of honors include:
1) YB Tuan Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai ้ป„ๆฑ‰ไผŸ
2) Ms Ding Qiao, Vice Consul-General, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang
3) YB Tuan Lee Boon Heng, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Kebun Bunga
4) Mr Ian Neo Chee Hua, CEO of Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH) Ian Neo Chee Hua
5) Mr Ng Jooi Seah, Principal of Penang Chung Ling High School Ng Jooi Seah
6) Dato’ Dr. Cheah See Kian, President of Malaysia Silkroad Society
7) Dr. Norasmahani binti Hussain, History Section, School of Humanities, USM
8) Dr. Tan Chee Seng, Coordinator of USM Tan Chee Seng
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๐ŸŒŸOur moderator and speakers are as below:
1. Moderator: Ms Yvonne Tiew Mei Yi COO of Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH) Yvonne Tiew
2. Dr. Tan Chee Seng, Senior Lecturer and a PhD supervisor, History Section at the School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Tan Chee Seng
3. Dato’ Dr Cheah See Kian, Chairman of Malaysia Silk Road Society
4. Mr. Clement Liang, Director of Penang Global Tourism