Kota Kinabalu: Academic research by visiting Chinese scholars will serve as crucial reference material for developing more effective strategies to strengthen Malaysia-China relations, according to Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) President Datuk Frankie Liew.
This was expressed during China Foreign Affairs University Professor Chen Zhirui and Dr Zhong Dalong, Director of the Malaysian Studies Center at Huaqiao University, Xiamen, visit to the SCCC, last Saturday, for discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation.
“We look forward to your academic research serving as valuable reference material to help us formulate more effective strategies in advancing Malaysia-China relations,” Frankie told the visiting academics.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});He said social sciences and international relations research would significantly contribute to policy formulation, economic cooperation and educational exchanges between the two nations.
During the meeting, Frankie provided insights into Sabah’s unique position as a bridge between Malaysia and China.
He noted that despite comprising only 10 per cent of Sabah’s population, the Chinese community of about 400,000 people plays a pivotal role in the State’s political, economic, educational and cultural landscape.
“Sabah’s Chinese community has established a comprehensive education system, from kindergarten to tertiary institutions with Chinese-language education, making Sabah a stepping-stone for international students from China and South Korea,” he said.
The visiting scholars were impressed by Sabah’s well-preserved natural environment and multicultural harmony.
Chen, a renowned international relations expert who has conducted research at Harvard, Nottingham and Mannheim universities, noted that Sabah defied preconceptions about being underdeveloped.
“East Malaysia has managed to maintain its pristine environment, and its people of various ethnic groups are warm and friendly,” the academics said.
Looking ahead, the SCCC will host the Malaysia (Sabah)-China Expo in November, with Frankie encouraging academic participation to foster greater exchanges and cooperation between the two regions.
The visit reflects the growing importance of academic collaboration in strengthening the historical ties between Sabah and China, which date back to the 14th century.
