By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 8: Sarawak hopes to advance their partnership with China, working on new collaborations in terms of education, clean energy and cultural exchange.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said China’s universities rank among the world’s best, and each year more Malaysian and Sarawakian students return from studying in China with new perspectives, skills and ideas that strengthen the local communities.
“As we look forward, we are eager to expand these academic exchanges, foster research collaboration, and prepare a new generation of Sarawakians to thrive in a globalised world,” he said in a speech text read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian during a gala dinner in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China held at Hilton Hotel here earlier tonight.
He further said another promising area is clean energy where Sarawak and China can pursue countless opportunities for innovation from hydropower and solar energy to carbon capture and storage.
“Finally, we look forward to deepening the cultural exchanges that enrich both our societies and nurture the bonds of friendship between us.
“Cultural diplomacy—through art, music, festivals, and heritage—builds trust, understanding, and joy. Let us lay the foundation for future generations to carry this friendship forward, so that the ties between Malaysia, Sarawak, and China grow even stronger over time,” he added.
At the event, Dr Sim witnessed the signing of memorandum of understanding on friendly exchange and cooperation between Sarawak-China Friendship Association (SFCA), Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah (MCFAS), Brunei-China Friendship Association (BCFA) and Kalimantan-Tiongkok Friendship Association (KTFA).
Following the MOU, the four parties have formed a friendship alliance, named named Borneo-China Friendship Alliance (BCFA), to promote a cooperative platform that advances inclusive and strategic partnership and defining a framework for strategic collaboration between the parties on the basis of equality and mutual benefits.
The areas of collaboration include economy, technology, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, transportation, culture and education.
Meanwhile, acting Consul General of China in Kuching, Song Changhong, in her speech, mentioned that China-Malaysia trade amounted to 135.23 billion US dollars from January to August this year, an increase of 11 per cent year-on-year (Y-O-Y), while China’s investment in Malaysia amounted to 1.48 billion US dollars, a rise of 13.2 per cent Y-O-Y.
On tourism receipts, the number of Chinese travellers to Malaysia reached 2.28 million in the first eight months of this year. At present, there are more than 47,000 Chinese students in Malaysia.
Amongst those present were Minister of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; SFCA advisors Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong and Lee Khoi Yun; president Datuk Wee Kok Tiong; and vice presidents Dato Tan Jit Kee and Datuk Wee Kok Hui. — DayakDaily
