Chang Lih Kang, minister of Science, Technology
and Innovation of Malaysia, speaks at the a parallel sub-forum at Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing on July 11, 2025. Photo: Li Hao/GT
China has done a great job in applying technology in daily life in ways that benefit all walks of life,
and that's something Malaysia hopes to learn, Chang Lih Kang, Malaysia's minister of Science, Technology
and Innovation told the Global Times, noting that the two countries have broadened technological cooperation in AI, nuclear energy
and digital economy.
Recently, China
and Malaysia have signed several MoUs
and documents on technological cooperation during the high-level exchange between the two countries, Chang, who is attending the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, told the Global Times on Friday. He gave examples, such as the two governments jointly allocating funds for six research
and development projects, including artificial intelligence, advanced materials, clean energy,
and more.
"In addition, we have joint laboratories, including those under the Belt
and Road Initiative (BRI)," said Chang, noting that many of the projects outlined in the documents
and MoUs have already been implemented or are still in progress.
The inaugural meeting of the China-Malaysia joint laboratory on oils
and fats processing
and safety, under the BRI, was held in June. This first-of-its-kind laboratory between China
and Malaysia within the BRI framework is expected to bolster the palm oil trade
and enhance broader industrial cooperation between the two countries, media reported.
According to the joint statement between China
and Malaysia on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future signed in April, both sides will fully utilize the intergovernmental Joint Committee on Science, Technology
and Innovation Cooperation, implement the China-Malaysia Joint Research Project
and Science
and Technology People-to-People Exchange Programme, jointly promote the establishment of joint research
and development platforms such as joint laboratories, enhance cooperation on science parks
and technology transfer,
and continue to deepen the bilateral science
and innovation cooperation in emerging technologies.
Chang said the scientific cooperation between the two countries also includes exchanges among scientists, academic institutions,
and students, covering a wide range of areas, such as AI, nuclear energy, clean energy,
and the digital economy.
The minister praised China for its success in applying technology to everyday life in ways that benefit different segments of the population. He believes this is a way of using technology to add warmth to civilization. If science does not help ordinary people, no matter how advanced the technology is, it is useless. "This is what we hope to learn from China," said Chang.
Transnational collaboration is crucial in the scientific community. No single country can independently address the global challenges we face, such as climate change
and food security. "In addition to bilateral cooperation with China, we also advocate for multilateral partnerships. Only by engaging more regions
and countries in collaborative efforts can we truly tackle the pressing issues confronting the world," said Chang.
Editor:Evan
