The Belt and Road Initiative is advancing the legacy of the Silk Road, generating new opportunities in education, science, technology, and sustainable development, according to leaders from Malaysia and China.
During a recent event at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) in Selangor, Malaysian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang, emphasized that the Silk Road served not only as a commercial route but also as a vital conduit for knowledge exchange. He noted that it enabled Chinese and Arab scholars to make significant advances in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and technology. “By learning from one another, we can foster cooperation, mutual growth, and a more harmonious and sustainable future,” he stated in a video address at the Dialogue Between Islamic Civilisation and Confucian Civilisation and Meeting on Belt and Road Cooperation.
The event, held on September 23, brought together influential leaders, diplomats, academics, and scholars from both nations to examine historical interactions and explore future collaborations under the Belt and Road framework.
Highlighting the importance of diversity, Saraswathy Kandasami, Malaysia”s Deputy National Unity Minister, remarked that unity is built through respect, dialogue, and inclusiveness. She pointed out that the Silk Road historically functioned as a bridge for knowledge and cultural exchange, asserting that the Belt and Road Initiative continues this tradition by connecting people and their rich traditions. “Harmony in diversity is not merely a vision but a framework of action,” she emphasized, advocating for dialogue and respect to achieve a more just and sustainable future.
Chairman of the Malaysia-China Business Council, Senator Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan, recounted the longstanding trade relations between the two nations, which date back to the Han Dynasty, evolving over time into cultural exchanges and migration. He stressed that the Belt and Road Initiative should be driven by ethical considerations rather than mere profit, focusing on sustainability over speed, and inclusion rather than just efficiency. “Through such cooperation, Malaysia and China can continue to prosper together in peace and mutual respect,” he concluded.
In his remarks, Lin Wu, Secretary of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, reaffirmed China”s commitment to fostering cultural and academic exchanges with Malaysia. He referenced the historic journeys of monk Yijing and Admiral Zheng He as foundational to the partnership, stating that the dialogue represented a concrete step towards deepening exchanges and establishing a high-level Malaysia-China community with a shared future.
Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh, chairman of the UTAR Council, described the event as a significant milestone for the university, especially following its designation by China”s Education Ministry as the fourth branch center of the Nishan World Center for Confucian Studies. He noted that education transcends the mere acquisition of knowledge and plays a crucial role in building understanding among different peoples. “UTAR is honored to be entrusted with this role, and we will continue to nurture global perspectives among our students,” he affirmed, highlighting the university”s commitment to enhancing Malaysia-China relations and broader dialogues between civilizations.
Attendees included prominent figures such as Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, president of the Malaysian Chinese Association, Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat, president of UTAR, and representatives from the Embassy of the People”s Republic of China in Malaysia. During the gathering, several key agreements were signed to bolster academic collaboration, cultural dialogue, and research partnerships between Malaysia and China, involving institutions such as the Nishan World Center for Confucian Studies and the Asean Research Center of Dezhou University.
Furthermore, discussions featuring 16 distinguished scholars from various prestigious institutions explored the intertwined heritage of Confucian and Islamic values, their significance in addressing contemporary global challenges, and the potential for enhanced cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
