Research Project

An international conference of Forum on China-ASEAN Cooperation and High-Quality of Development of the Belt and Road Initiative organised by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS) in Shanghai on the 24th and 25th of October 2023, has extended invitations to scholars from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), encouraging their active engagement in this scholarly pursuit.

The primary objectives encompass providing co-hosting support for the conference, fostering the expansion of research collaborations with SASS, and aiming to enhance research exchanges and mutual comprehension between the two institutions.

The conference was attended by five committed scholars: Associate Professor Dr. Chin Mui Yin (CPSR), Dr. Foo Lee Peng (FAFB), Ms. You Hui Li (FAFB), Dr. Yap Hon Lun (ISER), and Mr. H’ng Gaik Hong (ISER).

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By: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chin Mui Yin, Dr. Foo Lee Peng, Mr. H’ng Gaik Hong

The report highlights that in 2022, Malaysia and China achieved a historic high in bilateral trade with a total of $203.6 billion USD (approximately 1 trillion Malaysian Ringgit), underscoring the significant economic impact of the "Belt and Road" initiative.

The report stated that the "Belt and Road" initiative has brought three major benefits to Malaysia. First, it has attracted substantial development funds and advanced technology and expertise into the country. Second, it has opened up broader business opportunities for domestic enterprises, promoting economic growth. Third, it has elevated Malaysia's status and influence in East Asia and international diplomacy.

The report revealed that over the past decade, the influx of Chinese capital has played a crucial role in promoting infrastructure development, technological advancements, and overall economic progress in Malaysia. The Malaysia-China bilateral economic cooperation has resulted in a win-win situation. China has found an inclusive and cooperative market in Malaysia, while Malaysia has received the necessary foreign investments to drive domestic economic development, creating a mutually beneficial strategic partnership. Also, frequent trade exchanges between Malaysia and China have boosted trade volumes and encouraged Malaysia to explore new and diverse export markets, reducing reliance on a few traditional trading partners.

In today's context, where green economy and environmental sustainability are increasingly important, Malaysia and China continue to explore new avenues for cooperation, such as sustainable development, green technology, and digital innovation.

In summary, the "Belt and Road" initiative benefits all international cooperation partners, provided that Malaysia and China maintain an open and cooperative approach. Continuous and extensive communication and collaboration in all significant cooperative projects and transactions are crucial to achieving win-win outcomes for both countries. It is foreseeable that the "Belt and Road" initiative will bring more benefits to both nations, encompassing civil society, governments, and businesses.

Report Summary

In 2022, Malaysia and China recorded a historic high in bilateral trade, totalling $203.6 billion USD (approximately 1 trillion Malaysian Ringgit), highlighting the profound impact of the "Belt and Road" initiative. The report identifies three key benefits for Malaysia from this initiative. Firstly, it attracted significant development funds and advanced technology into the country. Secondly, it created broader business opportunities, fostering economic growth. Thirdly, it elevated Malaysia's stature in East Asia and international diplomacy.

Over the past decade, Chinese investments have played a vital role in advancing Malaysia's infrastructure, technology, and overall economic progress. This economic partnership has been mutually beneficial, with China finding an inclusive market in Malaysia while Malaysia received crucial foreign investments. Frequent trade exchanges have expanded trade volumes and encouraged Malaysia to diversify its export markets, reducing reliance on traditional trading partners.

In today's context, with a growing focus on green economies and sustainability, Malaysia and China are exploring cooperation in sustainable development, green technology, and digital innovation.

In conclusion, the "Belt and Road" initiative offers significant benefits to both nations, provided they maintain an open and cooperative approach. Ongoing communication and collaboration are essential for mutual success. The initiative is expected to continue delivering advantages to various sectors, including civil society, government, and businesses.

Igniting the Partnership Paradigm

The collaboration between TAR UMT and the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS) is a testament to the power of partnerships. The joint research project between TAR UMT and SASS on "Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Shanghai Free Trade Zone Strategies" aims to explore Malaysia's opportunities, challenges, and prospects. This research collaboration was established in December 2019.

Fostering Interdisciplinary Dialogue: Roundtable Discussions

On June 28, 2023, TAR UMT and SASS hosted a roundtable discussion that brought together experts from diverse fields. The discussion centered on the importance of green finance in supporting sustainable economic development and the BRI/Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). The discussion provided a platform for scholars to exchange insights, share methodologies, and explore new approaches to complex research problems.

Proposing Future Collaborative Projects

A proposal presentation for future collaborative projects was delivered on the upcoming collaborative projects following the roundtable discussion. These proposals were crafted to leverage the strengths of both institutes, combining the analytical rigor of TAR UMT with the nuanced perspectives of SASS. The projects ranged from examining emerging socio-economic impacts to exploring sustainable development.

Harvesting the Fruits of Collaboration

One of the most tangible outcomes of the TAR UMT-SASS collaboration is the publication of several prominent academic papers. These publications have emerged from the cross-pollination of ideas, methodologies, and expertise stemming from the partnership. These publications have attracted attention from various academic disciplines, contributing to advancing knowledge across boundaries. They have been cited extensively, indicating their impact on shaping scholarly conversations and guiding further research in related areas.

Prominent Academic Publications

Journal:

Foo, L. P., Chin, M. Y., Ng, S. C., Lei, X.-, Xiaodi-Zhang, & Jia-Wang. (2023). China’s Vanguard of Reform: A Narrative Review Approach. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(7), 278-292. (ERA)

Foo, L. P., Chin, M. Y., Ng, S. C., Lei, X., Zhang, X., & Wang, J. (2023). Entering Shanghai Free Trade Zone: From Malaysia’s Businessmen Perspective. Advanced International Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, 5 (16), 1-14. (MyCite)

Chapter in Book:

Ng, S. C., Chin, M. Y. & Foo, L. P. (2023). 国家中长期发展战略 in the book ‘一带一路‘国别研究报告马来西亚卷 （The Belt and Road Country Studies) (Malaysia) (pp. 239-269). China Social Sciences Press. ISBN:978-7-5227-1487-5

H’ng G. H. & Chang, C. Y. (2023). 厚积薄发: 中马文化交流与“一带一路“倡议in the book ‘一带一路‘国别研究报告马来西亚卷 （The Belt and Road Country Studies) (Malaysia) (pp. 537-572). China Social Sciences Press. ISBN:978-7-5227-1487-5

Yap, H. L. (2023). 中马产业园区合作: “两国双园” in the book ‘一带一路‘国别研究报告马来西亚卷 （The Belt and Road Country Studies) (Malaysia) (pp. 624-653). China Social Sciences Press. ISBN:978-7-5227-1487-5

Chin, M. Y., Hng, G. H., & Ng, S. C. (2021) Belt and Road Initiative: The Malaysian Government’s Perception, Policies, Measures and Influences (马来西亚政府对中国一带一路倡议的认知、政策 和措施 in the book Towards a High Quality “belt and Road Initiative”: The Perspective of Overseas Scholars. Shanghai Academy of Social Science. ISBN: 978-7-5520-3710-4