Latest news with #China-Asean
RTHK
3 days ago
- Business
- RTHK
Youths 'can bridge AI gap between Global South, North'
Youths 'can bridge AI gap between Global South, North' Boao Forum for Asia secretary general Zhang Jun, right, says artificial intelligence development gaps will fuel further digital divisions. Photo: RTHK Participants at the forum at the Convention and Exhibition Centre said access and skills for youths and young entrepreneurs posed challenges for their economies. Photo: RTHK Boao Forum for Asia secretary general Zhang Jun said on Friday youths play a key role in bridging the artificial intelligence development gap between the Global South and Global North. He made the remarks as the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of the Boao Forum made its debut in Hong Kong, with previous editions held in Macau, Zhuhai and Guangzhou. Speaking at a roundtable session, Zhang, who served as a permanent representative of China to the United Nations, said the digital divide, which includes AI development gaps, will further weigh on global fragmentation. He called on youths to help forge global collaboration to tackle such challenges. "Youths have a key role... in really trust-building, partnership-building, which is also badly needed in today's world, because we are more divided than [at any time] after the end of the Second World War. "And we are living in a world which is becoming very much dangerous because of the failure of the international governance system, including the United Nations," Zhang said. Many of the forum's participants pointed out challenges encountered during their countries' own digital transformation, especially with access and skills for youths and young entrepreneurs. Many said it's essential to ramp up digital literacy training and partnerships between nations. Mimala Chanthasone, an official of the Institute of Foreign Affairs in Laos, cited the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Centre as an example. Launched in February, she said the centre marks the first China-Asean AI innovation cooperation. Conrad Ho, a member of the Youth Development Commission, called for more efforts to be made to address the employability gap created by the emergence of AI technology. "The post-AI world presents many challenges and also opportunities, including how youth might gain more senior-level skills as AI reduces the demand for entry-level and middle-management roles," he said. "I think as AI unlocks more capacity, we're going to transition from [having more] large corporations to smaller ventures, one-person teams, smaller teams that can still create very massive value. "And yet for all these companies, for them to be successful, the founders still need to have the critical hard and soft skills that they need to learn." The two-day innovation forum ends on Saturday.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
CGS, CGS International sign pacts for Asean-China business partnerships at Asean Business Forum 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: China Galaxy Securities Co Ltd (CGS) and CGS International Securities Group signed five strategic memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and one letter of intent (LoI), with top corporations, development partners and investment managers across Asean and China on May 29. These landmark agreements were signed at the inaugural Asean Business Forum 2025 (ABF2025) and witnessed by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid on behalf of Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) executive chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak and CGS chairman Wang Sheng. They aim to promote the growth of the Asean region as an integrated and cohesive regional economic powerhouse, deepen cross-border collaboration and accelerate capital flows across high-growth sectors. The signings reflect growing confidence in Asean's long-term growth prospects and the role of Malaysia – under its Asean chairmanship – to facilitate China-Asean and intra-Asean business and capital flows. Spanning access, private equity and investment in solutions for technology, healthcare, industrial development, investment promotion and wealth management family-office facilitation, the agreements reflect CGS and CGS International's broader mission and capability to bridge capital and opportunities within the region. These signings also build on their commitment made during the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Partners' Dialogue on May 19, where CGS International committed to a target of RM6 billion – comprising RM3 billion in facilitation of foreign direct investment within three years and RM3 billion in assets under management in the establishment of single family office ventures. The signing parties and scope of partnerships of the LoI and the MoUs signed by CGS and CGS International include: • LoI for China-Asean Investment Programme – Establish a private equity fund to invest in high growth sectors such as healthcare/medical devices, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture/food security and consumers throughout Asean with Malaysia as a key regional anchor and to facilitate the transfer of industry knowledge and technology from China to Asean. ARROW -- MoU with Mida to jointly promote Malaysia as an investment hub, support investor facilitation and collaborate on fundraising, business matching and supply chain development for high-value industries. ARROW -- MoU with Fullgoal Asset Management (HK) Limited (Fullgoal HK) and Bursa Malaysia Bhd. Fullgoal HK and CGS International will jointly list exchange-traded funds on Bursa Malaysia, with the aim to provide Malaysian investors with access to a wider range of investment options, and exposure to global markets. ARROW -- MoU with GL Capital Management Limited to jintly establish a closed-end private equity fund dedicated to healthcare/medical devices sector in Asean to tap its high growth opportunities. ARROW -- MoU with OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd to jointly facilitate China and Asean trade and investment flows by supporting regional clients with banking, treasury and investment banking services. ARROW -- MoU with Zhongguancun International Holding Limited (Hong Kong) to facilitate the entry of Chinese companies in the sectors of advanced manufacturing, digital technology, food security and healthcare, into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and selected Malaysian industrial parks. CGS International Group CEO Carol Fong, said: 'These signings are more than just intents and agreements – they signify our strong confidence in the investment and growth potential of Asean and Malaysia. CGS International is proud to play the role of connector and catalyst, and to leverage our wider Asean presence and Chinese parentage to help our clients and partners accelerate cross-border strategic collaborations, capital and talent mobility for business growth.' ABF2025 was co-organised with Asean-BAC Malaysia and Mida, supported by partners MBSB and OCBC Malaysia. The forum was held in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit 2025 and Sean-GCC+China Summit 2025. Over 500 regional policymakers, investors and corporate leaders attended the full-day event which featured strategic panels, high-level keynotes, and closed-door business matchmaking.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
CGS , CGS International sign pacts for Asean-China business partnerships at Asean Business Forum 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: China Galaxy Securities Co Ltd (CGS) and CGS International Securities Group signed five strategic memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and one letter of intent (LoI), with top corporations, development partners and investment managers across Asean and China on May 29. These landmark agreements were signed at the inaugural Asean Business Forum 2025 (ABF2025) and witnessed by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid on behalf of Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) executive chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak and CGS chairman Wang Sheng. They aim to promote the growth of the Asean region as an integrated and cohesive regional economic powerhouse, deepen cross-border collaboration and accelerate capital flows across high-growth sectors. The signings reflect growing confidence in Asean's long-term growth prospects and the role of Malaysia – under its Asean chairmanship – to facilitate China-Asean and intra-Asean business and capital flows. Spanning access, private equity and investment in solutions for technology, healthcare, industrial development, investment promotion and wealth management family-office facilitation, the agreements reflect CGS and CGS International's broader mission and capability to bridge capital and opportunities within the region. These signings also build on their commitment made during the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Partners' Dialogue on May 19, where CGS International committed to a target of RM6 billion – comprising RM3 billion in facilitation of foreign direct investment within three years and RM3 billion in assets under management in the establishment of single family office ventures. The signing parties and scope of partnerships of the LoI and the MoUs signed by CGS and CGS International include: • LoI for China-Asean Investment Programme – Establish a private equity fund to invest in high growth sectors such as healthcare/medical devices, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture/food security and consumers throughout Asean with Malaysia as a key regional anchor and to facilitate the transfer of industry knowledge and technology from China to Asean. ARROW -- MoU with Mida to jointly promote Malaysia as an investment hub, support investor facilitation and collaborate on fundraising, business matching and supply chain development for high-value industries. ARROW -- MoU with Fullgoal Asset Management (HK) Limited (Fullgoal HK) and Bursa Malaysia Bhd. Fullgoal HK and CGS International will jointly list exchange-traded funds on Bursa Malaysia, with the aim to provide Malaysian investors with access to a wider range of investment options, and exposure to global markets. ARROW -- MoU with GL Capital Management Limited to jintly establish a closed-end private equity fund dedicated to healthcare/medical devices sector in Asean to tap its high growth opportunities. ARROW -- MoU with OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd to jointly facilitate China and Asean trade and investment flows by supporting regional clients with banking, treasury and investment banking services. ARROW -- MoU with Zhongguancun International Holding Limited (Hong Kong) to facilitate the entry of Chinese companies in the sectors of advanced manufacturing, digital technology, food security and healthcare, into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and selected Malaysian industrial parks. CGS International Group CEO Carol Fong, said: 'These signings are more than just intents and agreements – they signify our strong confidence in the investment and growth potential of Asean and Malaysia. CGS International is proud to play the role of connector and catalyst, and to leverage our wider Asean presence and Chinese parentage to help our clients and partners accelerate cross-border strategic collaborations, capital and talent mobility for business growth.' ABF2025 was co-organised with Asean-BAC Malaysia and Mida, supported by partners MBSB and OCBC Malaysia. The forum was held in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit 2025 and Sean-GCC+China Summit 2025. Over 500 regional policymakers, investors and corporate leaders attended the full-day event which featured strategic panels, high-level keynotes, and closed-door business matchmaking.
The Star
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
China's Jiangsu, Asean committed to boosting education cooperation for mutual benefit, win-win results
PHNOM PENH: (Bernama-Xinhua) The Jiangsu-Asean Education Cooperation Exchange Conference was held here in the capital of Cambodia on Saturday (May 24), aiming at promoting cooperation and exchanges between east China's Jiangsu Province and Asean countries, reported Xinhua. Under the theme of "Building a Shared Future for Win-Win Development," the conference brought together representatives from government departments, enterprises, higher education institutions and research institutions of China and Asean countries. Speaking at the half-day event, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron said the conference was vital to discuss cooperation for mutual benefit and win-win results in the field of education between Jiangsu and Asean countries. Naron said Cambodia and other Asean countries have achieved fruitful results in cooperation and exchanges in the field of education with Jiangsu Province. "I firmly believe that with strong commitment made by the leaders of China and Asean, our cooperation will continue to expand, unleash huge potential, and make greater contributions to human welfare and regional social development," he said. Naron said that currently, there are more than 1,000 Cambodian students studying in China, of whom about 40 are studying in Jiangsu Province. "Cambodia will continue to encourage and support more students to study in China, especially in Jiangsu, to experience China's knowledge, culture and education system firsthand," he said. A representative from Jiangsu Province said China-Asean educational cooperation has achieved positive results, and education has increasingly become a catalyst and adhesive for younger generations to know each other, get close to each other, and integrate with each other. "Jiangsu is willing to deepen educational cooperation with Asean countries, promote youth exchanges, and continue traditional friendship," he said. According to the representative, Jiangsu has become one of the first choices for international students from Asean countries to study in China. Thai Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob said in a pre-recorded statement delivered to the conference that in recent years, Thailand and Jiangsu have forged profound and rewarding cooperation across multiple areas. "We have successfully implemented numerous exchange initiatives, and these initiatives have laid a solid foundation for the sharing and exchange of educational resources between our regions," he said. "These efforts have not only elevated educational and research standards but also provided strong support for innovation and industrial development," he added. Stella Christie, vice minister of higher education, science, and technology of Indonesia, said that in recent years, the cooperation between Indonesia and China in the field of education has achieved fruitful results. "Against the backdrop of globalisation, educational cooperation is particularly important," she said. "It serves as a bridge connecting the hearts of the people of the two countries and a cornerstone for promoting common development." Christie said Jiangsu Province has made remarkable achievements in educational concepts, teaching methods, and teacher training. "In the field of vocational education, Jiangsu has provided a large number of high-quality technical talents for industrial development, formed a unique integration model of production, education, and research, which has great appeal to Indonesia," she said. During the event, the achievements of Jiangsu-Asean education cooperation were unveiled, and the Jiangsu-Asean Youth Scholars Exchange Initiative was launched. Asean groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. - Bernama-Xinhua
Business Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Port Klang beats Rotterdam, PTP hits record, PSA leads
[KUALA LUMPUR] With two ports ranked among the world's top 15 and container volumes surging, Malaysia is fast becoming a key maritime transit hub in global trade. In 2024, Port Klang's throughput grew by 4.2 per cent year on year, while the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) recorded nearly 17 per cent growth – its fastest in recent years – as both ports together handled 26.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). PTP also made history as the first Malaysian port to process more than one million TEUs in a single month. Fuelled not just by global demand for electronics and palm oil, Malaysia's port gains also reflect supply chain shifts, a rush to export ahead of new tariffs, and rising China-Asean trade flows – echoing the 'China Plus One' wave that lifted volumes during Trade War 1.0 (post 2018). The ports' position along the Strait of Malacca – one of the world's busiest maritime routes – has also long offered a strategic edge. Malaysia has eight federal ports with Port Klang and PTP leading the charge as major transhipment powerhouses in South-east Asia. Collectively, they made up the lion's share of Malaysia's total container throughput, which rose 9 per cent year on year to 30.7 million TEUs in 2024. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Notably, Port Klang ranked 10th globally last year with over 14.6 million TEUs, edging past Europe's heavyweight Rotterdam for the first time – a milestone after years of trailing the global top 10 mainstay. PTP ranked 14th globally in 2024 with a record 12.3 million TEUs, according to Upply. Brani container terminal in Singapore. The Republic's ports rank as the world's second-busiest globally. PHOTO: REUTERS In terms of efficiency, PTP has gained ground on regional rival, the Port of Singapore, ranking fifth globally in the World Bank's 2023 Container Port Performance Index – well ahead of Singapore at 17th. Like Singapore, it sits along key east-west shipping lanes at the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, but offers lower operating costs and more space for expansion. Still, Singapore remains well ahead in scale, having handled 41.1 million TEUs in 2024 and ranking as the world's second-busiest container port after Shanghai's 51.5 million, according to Upply. While Malaysia's port outlook remains upbeat, the current shipment surge may be short-lived as exporters race to frontload orders ahead of looming US tariffs. RHB Research warns that escalating trade tensions pose downside risks to long-term growth, with export-reliant sectors – especially those tied to both China and the US – vulnerable to direct tariffs. Major transhipment, import and export ports 1. Port Klang, Selangor Malaysia's largest port, ranks among the world's top 10 busiest container ports, serving as a vital global trade hub with strategic location and extensive connectivity. Feature: Transhipment, import and export port Operator: Port Klang Authority 2024 cargo throughput (TEUs): Over 14 million Highlight: Home to Westports and Northport, both major transhipment hubs. Port of Tanjung Pelapas in Johor. The the World Bank ranks it as the fifth most efficient container port globally. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG 2. Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Johor: Southern transhipment powerhouse Strategically located near Singapore, with strong support from shipping and logistics companies Maersk and CMA CGM. Feature: Transhipment, import and export port Operator: MMC Corp and APM Terminals 2024 cargo throughput (TEUs): Over 12.3 million Highlight: Part of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), well-known for its modern facilities and ranked fifth most efficient container port globally by the World Bank. 3. Penang Port, Penang: Northern gateway Malaysia's oldest port, handling containers, breakbulk and cruise traffic. Serves the northern region and southern Thailand. Feature: Transhipment, import and export port Operator: Penang Port, a subsidiary of MMC Corporation 2024 cargo throughput (TEUs): Over 1.4 million Highlight: Penang Port's Swettenham Pier berths two mega cruise ships, welcoming over 12,000 passengers. It directly links tourists to Unesco George Town's attractions, a key port-of-call. 4. Johor Port, Johor: Seamless industrial logistics Located in Pasir Gudang, Johor Port supports the thriving Pasir Gudang industrial areas and serves as one of the key palm oil terminals globally. Feature: Import and export port Operator: Johor Port, a subsidiary of MMC Corporation 2024 cargo throughput (TEUs): Over 700,000 Highlight: As part of the JS-SEZ, a five-year modernisation plan is under way to upgrade infrastructure, expand liquid berths and enhance equipment capabilities. 5. Kuantan Port, Pahang: East coast industrial gateway Serving as a deep-water gateway on Malaysia's east coast, this port is crucial for handling bulk cargo, petrochemicals and palm oil exports, strategically anchoring the East Coast Economic Region. Feature: Transhipment, import and export port Operator: Kuantan Port Consortium, jointly owned by IJM Corp and Beibu Gulf Holding (Hong Kong) 2024 cargo throughput (TEUs): 500,000 Highlight: Strategically linked to Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park and the Belt and Road Initiative, Kuantan Port benefits from East Coast Rail Link connectivity and major infrastructure expansion. 6. Bintulu Port, Sarawak: Energy export backbone It is the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal in East Asia and Malaysia's sole LNG export gateway, anchoring the country's position in the global LNG trade. Feature: Transhipment, import and export port Operator: Bintulu Port 2024 cargo throughput (TEUs): 356,318 Highlight: Sarawak's largest multipurpose port handles LNG (58 per cent) and non-LNG (42 per cent) cargo, connecting Borneo regionally. It supports industrial projects such as Samalaju and Kasawari, expanding while aiming for green energy status. 7. Sapangar Bay Container Port, Sabah Developed as Sabah's main link to global trade, Sapangar Bay Container Port aims to be a key regional hub for the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area. Feature: Transhipment port Operator: Sabah Ports 2024 cargo throughput (TEUs): 500,000 Highlight: With major expansions, including a partnership with global operator DP World, it will more than double its container capacity to nearly 1.3 million TEUs by 2025 and boost Sabah's logistics efficiency, connectivity and economic growth. 8. Lumut Port, Perak Although it is privately operated, this bulk cargo terminal, focusing on dry and liquid bulk, serves Perak's steel, cement and agro-industrial sectors. Feature: Transhipment, import and export port Operator: Lumut Maritime Terminal, a subsidiary of Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak Latest cargo throughput (TEUs): Not stated Highlight: The port is undergoing major expansion with the Lumut Maritime Terminal 2, aiming to become one of South-east Asia's most efficient cargo terminals and a key logistics and industrial hub. Expand Key inland ports Beyond the coastline, a network of inland ports and dry hubs is helping manufacturers move goods faster and cheaper. These facilities link to major seaports by road and rail, easing congestion and offering customs clearance, warehousing and transhipment services inland. 9. Padang Besar Cargo Terminal, Perlis Located at Malaysia's northern border with Thailand, it is a critical rail-linked gateway for cross-border trade, handling major exports of timber and rubber. Feature: Border-based dry port Operator: Multimodal Freight, a subsidiary of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Latest cargo throughput (TEUs): 145,000 Highlight: A significant gateway for southern Thailand's export market and manages containers from southern Thailand en route to Penang Port and Port Klang. 10. Ipoh Cargo Terminal, Perak Malaysia's first inland port, it allows seamless goods movement within and around the Kinta Valley to Port Klang. Feature: City-based dry port Operator: Tiong Nam Logistics Latest cargo throughput (TEUs): Not stated Highlight: It connects the hinterland to major seaports such as Westport, Northport and Penang Port, with about 90 per cent of its cargo moved by rail, reducing road congestion and logistics costs. 11. Segamat Inland Port, Johor Located in northern Johor, serves as a vital logistics hub for the south-central region of Peninsular Malaysia. Feature: Border-based dry port Operator: Port Klang Authority Latest cargo throughput (TEUs): 3,500 Highlight: It offers feeder rail and road links to Port Klang and other major seaports, supporting industrial parks and facilitating sea cargo transhipment to inland destinations. 12. Nilai Inland Port, Negeri Sembilan Serves dual functions as a short-range inland port for Port Klang and a long-distance hub for the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, with robust road and rail connectivity. Feature: City-based dry port Operator: Nilai Inland Port, a subsidiary of Hextar Technologies Latest cargo throughput (TEUs): 1,200 Highlight: Its strategic location and value-added services make it a crucial inland node for the electronics, automotive, and fast-moving consumer goods sectors. Expand
