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SCCC stresses role of research in boosting Malaysia–China ties
Professor Chen Zhirui (fourth from left) presents a souvenir to Datuk Frankie Liew (center), while Dr Zhong Darong (second from right) presents a souvenir to SCCC Vice President Ir. Ts. Tan KJ, JP (fourth from right).
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 17): Research and development in social sciences and international relations will help Malaysia and China play a greater role in policymaking, economic cooperation, as well as educational and cultural exchanges.
President of the Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce, Datuk Frankie Liew, emphasized this when he received a courtesy visit from Professor Chen Zhirui of the China Foreign Affairs University and Dr Zhong Darong, director of the Malaysian Studies Center at Huaqiao University, Xiamen, last Saturday.
'We look forward to your academic research serving as valuable reference material to help us formulate more effective strategies in advancing Malaysia–China relations,' said Liew.
He added that the visit of such distinguished academics not only affirms the Chamber's work, but also builds an important bridge for academic, economic and trade exchanges between Malaysia and China.
During the meeting, Liew gave a brief introduction to Sabah's history and present circumstances. He pointed out that since joining the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 together with Malaya and Sarawak, Sabah has enjoyed certain autonomous rights in immigration, land and resources. Blessed with rich natural resources and cultural diversity, Sabah also shares deep historical ties with China dating back to the 14th century, evidenced by shipwrecks, cliff coffin culture and the Zheng He River.
He noted that most Chinese in Sabah trace their roots to Guangdong and Fujian, with the majority being Hakka. Although the Chinese community makes up only about 10% of Sabah's population — roughly 400,000 people — they play a pivotal role in politics, economy, education and culture.
'Sabah's Chinese community has established a comprehensive education system, from kindergarten to secondary schools and even tertiary institutions with Chinese-language education, making Sabah a stepping-stone for international students from China and South Korea,' Liew explained.
Because of these contributions in politics, economy, culture and education, the Chinese community in Sabah has long played an important role in fostering Malaysia–China diplomatic and economic ties, he added.
Liew stressed that international relations play an indispensable role in today's economy. With in-depth social science research, both countries can better understand each other's cultural differences and common ground, thereby enhancing policymaking, economic cooperation and educational and cultural exchanges.
He expressed hope that the scholars' visit to Sabah would inspire further research and become a valuable reference for formulating more effective strategies for Malaysia–China relations.
Liew further highlighted that since its establishment, the Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce has been committed to promoting cooperation in economic, trade and business sectors between Sabah and China, by providing trade information, organizing exhibitions, forums, and training, and even setting up liaison offices in China to strengthen ties and collaboration.
He also revealed that the Chamber will host the Malaysia (Sabah)–China Expo in November this year, and called on academic and educational leaders to participate or recommend more talents to join in expanding exchanges and cooperation.
Professor Chen and Dr Zhong remarked that after personally visiting Sabah, they realized that Sabah is not backward as some may assume, but instead is a place that has preserved its natural environment remarkably well.
'East Malaysia has managed to maintain its pristine environment, and its people of various ethnic groups are warm and friendly, leaving a lasting impression on foreign visitors,' they said.
Professor Chen, who earned his doctorate in history from Nanjing University and has conducted research at Mannheim University (Germany), Nottingham University (UK), and Harvard University (USA), is a renowned Chinese scholar in international relations and currently serves as editor of an East Asia studies journal.
He pointed out that Malaysia has always been a focal point in East Asia studies, attracting the attention of both academia and policymakers, particularly regarding its ethnic relations and Chinese community.
'Because Malaysia has a significant Chinese population, its relations with China have always been close,' said Professor Chen.
He revealed that prior to the pandemic, he had visited Peninsular Malaysia. This summer, under the arrangement of Dr Zhong, he visited Sabah for the first time, and expressed gratitude to Liew for the warm hospitality.
