KUALA LUMPUR, 6 August 2026 — Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology (KLUST) welcomed a delegation from the Hefei Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, together with representatives from China’s artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, new energy and technology sectors, for discussions on strengthening collaboration between higher education, government and industry.
Led by Chen Huadong, Director of the Market Expansion Division of the Hefei Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, the delegation comprised more than 20 representatives from government departments and industry. The engagement focused on talent development, applied research, technical training and international cooperation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The discussions highlighted the growing importance of closer collaboration between universities and industry as companies expand into new markets. Beyond access to technology and investment, businesses operating across ASEAN require localised talent, applied research capabilities and training ecosystems that can support their long-term development.
Strengthening Industry-Ready Talent and Applied Research
During the engagement, KLUST presented several key initiatives supporting its industry-focused education and research agenda, including the New Energy Vehicle College, Cross-border E-Commerce Industry Alliance and China–Malaysia AI Digital Engineering Centre.
These initiatives reflect KLUST’s approach to aligning academic programmes and research capabilities with emerging industry needs while creating opportunities for students, researchers and industry partners to collaborate on practical challenges. Representatives also shared the University’s work in industry talent development, technical training and technology application.
KLUST Chairman Professor Chen Xiaoyun delivered a keynote presentation on “Focusing on RCEP and Developing a New Model for International Cooperation in Education Export.”
He highlighted KLUST’s role in connecting Chinese industries with ASEAN markets and outlined the University’s development of an integrated education, research and industry platform focused on areas including new energy vehicles, AI and digital technology, and cross-border e-commerce.
Representatives from Hefei also shared the development of the city’s advanced manufacturing sectors, including new energy vehicles, high-end equipment and artificial intelligence, as well as the talent and research needs emerging as local companies expand into ASEAN.
Exploring Practical Areas for Cooperation
The exchange also included representatives from companies including Gotion High-Tech, Songguo Energy, Hefei Jiuxiang Machinery and Anhui Artificial Intelligence Industry Investment and Development. Discussions explored opportunities in localised skills training, joint research, overseas training bases and support services for companies establishing operations in ASEAN.
The visit followed the signing of a strategic cooperation memorandum between the Hefei Manufacturing Enterprises Going Global Alliance and KLUST on 5 August 2026. Building on this cooperation, both sides will explore joint talent development, research projects and overseas training initiatives in areas including new energy, artificial intelligence and cross-border e-commerce.
The engagement also brought together representatives from government, industry and education to explore how Malaysia’s position within ASEAN can support stronger China–ASEAN cooperation in education, technology and industrial development.
Building a Platform for China–ASEAN Collaboration
The visit represents another step in KLUST’s efforts to develop its role as an education and industry platform connecting international partners with opportunities across ASEAN.
As industries continue to evolve, closer collaboration between universities and industry will be increasingly important in developing the talent, research capabilities and technical expertise required to support sustainable growth.
Through its industry-focused academic programmes, research centres and international partnerships, KLUST continues to build opportunities for knowledge exchange, applied research and talent development between Malaysia, China and the wider ASEAN region.
KLUST looks forward to building on the discussions with the Hefei delegation and exploring further opportunities for collaboration in education, research, technology and industry development.
