A tale of Guangzhou and Shenzhen; lessons for Sabah

Borneo Post

2 days ago

China Resources Tower or Spring Bamboo Shoot Tower and Talent Park, Shenzhen.
Following the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the People's Republic of China on 31 May 1974, Malaysians were eventually permitted to visit the home of the Great Wall on a tourist visa. Today, Malaysians may enter China visa-free for up to 30 days, a testament to the deepening ties between the two nations.
I first visited China in 2001, touring Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Macau and Hong Kong. By then, Hong Kong had been returned to China in 1997, followed by Macau in 1999, both under the 'one country, two systems' framework. The visit was a detour after attending the District 51 Toastmasters Convention held in Hong Kong from 18 to 20 May 2001. I was accompanied by six fellow Toastmasters, and together we explored the bustling cities of southern China. That was twenty-four years ago.
From 1 to 7 July 2025, I had the opportunity to revisit Shenzhen and Guangzhou on a trip organised by the investment company I am affiliated with. Our group consisted of 23 participants, comprising unit trust consultants and their family members and friends. The transformation I witnessed in both cities over the past two decades was nothing short of remarkable. The scale of urban development, technological integration and public infrastructure improvements reflects a nation determined to uplift its people and economy. There are valuable lessons here for us in Sabah, particularly in urban planning, economic strategy and the unwavering commitment to national progress.
Twenty-four years ago, both cities were already showing signs of development, although much of it was still in its early stages. Guangzhou, with its long and rich history, was already a bustling trade centre, while Shenzhen, newly declared as China's first Special Economic Zone, was still emerging from its humble beginnings as a fishing village. The transformation I witnessed on my recent visit was spectacular.
Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is one of the ancient cities in China. When I first visited, it was known primarily for the Canton Fair, its textile markets and its role as a key player in China's economic opening.
But the city was far from modern by today's standards. Bicycles and buses clogged the roads, traffic congestion was routine and a grey haze often hung in the air. High-rise buildings existed but were relatively modest and the riverfront was industrial rather than recreational.
Returning to Guangzhou now, the change is striking. The city has transformed into a gleaming metropolis, with one of the most efficient and extensive metro systems in the world. The iconic Canton Tower, which did not exist back then, now rises proudly above the city, its lights reflecting on the revitalised Pearl River.
We enjoyed a spectacular night cruise on the Pearl River. Public spaces are clean and green, pedestrian-friendly and vibrant with activity. Public transport is accessible and integrated, and the air quality has vastly improved owing to proactive environmental policies.
Yet what is most impressive about Guangzhou's transformation is the way it has managed to modernise without losing its soul. The city has preserved its historic sites such as ancient temples, colonial-era buildings and traditional Cantonese teahouses while embracing smart urban design and innovation.
Cultural heritage and economic development go hand-in-hand here, a balance many cities struggle to achieve.
Shenzhen's story is even more astounding. When I first set foot there, it still resembled a large construction site. The infrastructure was rudimentary, and its reputation was tied mainly to its role as a low-cost manufacturing hub. It had yet to become a place known for tourism or innovation.
Today, Shenzhen is virtually unrecognisable. It has risen to become one of China's more advanced and dynamic cities, often dubbed the 'Silicon Valley of China.' It is home to tech giants such as Huawei, Tencent, BYD and DJI. Skyscrapers dominate the skyline, including the towering Ping An Finance Centre, one of the tallest buildings in the world. The city's transformation is a testament to what visionary policies and sustained investment can achieve in a short time.
An observation that particularly struck me during this recent visit was Shenzhen's deep integration of technology into everyday life. Mobile payments are the norm, public transport is clean and highly digitised while electric vehicles and drone food delivery are ubiquitous. Bicycles and scooters, available through app-based rentals, are everywhere. The city's efforts to go green are evident not just in its policies, but in its lifestyle. Shenzhen is now the first major city in the world to fully electrify its bus and taxi fleets.
The reasons behind the success of Guangzhou and Shenzhen are many. Both cities have benefitted from long-term strategic planning and strong leadership focused on development. In Shenzhen's case, its designation as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) allowed it to experiment with market-friendly policies, attract foreign investment and implement business-friendly reforms. Guangzhou, while not an SEZ, leveraged its historical importance and central location in the Pearl River Delta to become a logistics and commerce powerhouse.
Crucially, both cities invested heavily in infrastructure such as high-speed rail, airports, ports, metro lines and digital connectivity. This investment in infrastructure not only improved the quality of life but made the cities attractive to both investors and talent. They also prioritised education and innovation, establishing research institutes, universities and tech parks, one of which is Talent Park in Shenzhen which we visited, that now contribute to China's intellectual capital.
Perhaps equally important is their commitment to environmental sustainability in recent years. Both cities have adopted green initiatives such as urban forests, smart waste management, clean energy use and emissions control. This focus on livability reflects a maturity in urban planning that considers not just growth, but quality.
As a Sabahan, these transformations give me pause for reflection. Sabah, too, has immense potential. Rich in natural resources, biodiversity and culture, we stand at a unique crossroads. And yet, the pace of development has been slow, fragmented and too often reactive. Our infrastructure, especially in rural areas, remains underdeveloped. Economic opportunities are unevenly distributed. The digital divide persists and innovation has yet to become central to our development model.
But if the stories of Guangzhou and Shenzhen teach us anything, it is that transformation is possible, even within a generation. Sabah can learn several key lessons. First, long-term planning and visionary leadership are essential. Guangzhou and Shenzhen are not overnight miracles; they are the result of decades of consistent policy direction, backed by political will and strategic investments.
Second, infrastructure is not merely about roads and buildings; it is about enabling people and ideas to move efficiently. Sabah needs better roads, ports and airports, but it also needs high-speed internet, logistics hubs and smart utilities to become competitive.
Third, education and skills development must be prioritised. Just as Shenzhen invested in training its workforce to match the demands of a tech-driven economy, Sabah must equip its youth with relevant, future-ready skills. This plan includes digital literacy, entrepreneurship and vocational training aligned with industry needs.
Fourth, we must embrace the digital economy. The post-pandemic world has accelerated the shift to digital platforms for commerce, learning and services. Sabah's small businesses, rural entrepreneurs and indigenous communities can all benefit if digital infrastructure and digital literacy are improved across the state.
Fifth, environmental and cultural preservation must go hand-in-hand with development. Guangzhou's careful integration of heritage with modern living is a model for Sabah, whose cultural diversity and natural beauty are among its valuable assets. We must avoid the mistakes of unsustainable development and instead build a Sabah that future generations can be proud of.
Finally, a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors is needed. In China, government policy has often worked hand-in-hand with business innovation. Sabah's government, civil society and business community must likewise collaborate to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
My journey back to Guangzhou and Shenzhen was not just a trip through geography, but through time. It reminded me of how far cities can go when they commit to a shared vision of progress. Sabah may not have the same scale or resources as these Chinese cities, but it has something just as valuable: untapped potential, a young and vibrant population and a wealth of natural and cultural capital.
We need to copy neither Guangzhou nor Shenzhen. Instead, we should draw inspiration from their successes, adapt their underlying principles and apply them in ways that suit our own unique context. With strategic thinking, visionary leadership and a united collective will, Sabah too can chart its own path toward a remarkable and sustainable future.
Footnote
Dr Richard A. Gontusan is a Human Resource Skill Training and Investment Consultant. To date, he has travelled to 45 countries and counting. His views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Borneo Post