On September 25th, the “2025 Malaysia China Trade Expo”, organized by Malaysia’s INSIGHT Think Tank, was grandly inaugurated at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre. Centered on the theme “Going Global, Shaping the Future”, the summit brought together political and business leaders, industry experts and corporate representatives from both countries to explore new opportunities and pathways for enterprises seeking global expansion. Prof. Chen Xiaoyun: Chairman of Kuala Lumpur University of Science and Technology (KLUST) and Star Teenagers International Group, and Executive President of the Anhui General Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia was invited to address the forum and delivered a keynote speech.
The forum commenced with welcoming addresses delivered by Li Yue, Executive President of the Malaysia China Trade Expo (MCTE) Committee; Yan Yinghui, Chief Marketing Director of Shanghai Business Media; Mr. Lin Jianwen, Vice President of the China Entrepreneurs Association in Malaysia; and Dato’ Joseph Lim Heng Ee, President of the Malaysia Pioneer Entrepreneurs Association. This was followed by opening remarks delivered via video by His Excellency Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Centre.
During the keynote session, Prof. Chen Xiaoyun delivered a compelling address titled “Strengthening ASEAN Ties, Driving KLUST Forward—Towards a Global Community in Education.” He highlighted that, under the steady progress of the Belt and Road Initiative, China–ASEAN trade has already surpassed that with the European Union, underscoring the vast potential for regional cooperation. The forum, he noted, serves as an important bridge for Malaysian and Chinese enterprises to expand into global markets. The vision of “Education Going Global” seeks to share China’s high-quality, technology-driven, and digitized educational achievements with Malaysian partners. Through such exchanges, cultures can merge and inspire innovation, enabling technology to enhance everyday
life and illuminate the path to the future.
Prof. Chen Xiaoyun emphasized, “Go Global, Grow Together; Go Global, Succeed Together.” KLUST is ready to serve as the bridge linking China and Malaysia in education, culture, science and technology. At present, the university is erecting the “Four Pillars and Eight Supports” of future development through an innovative talent-training model, building a community of international cooperation in education that ventures overseas. By cultivating high-caliber professionals attuned to the needs of the times, and propel China-Malaysia and broader ASEAN collaboration to new heights, working hand in hand to create a brighter future together.
At the forum, Mr. Liu Hailin, President of Anhui General Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia and Co-Chairman of Chemical Industry Committee of China-ASEAN (Malaysia) Entrepreneurs Association, and Mr. Lu Liu Yi, General Manager of NexRetail; Mr. Gong Xu, Malaysia Partner of Shan Hai Map; and Mr. Wu Meng Tao, President of the Business Division of Qinwang Group, for an in-depth dialogue moderated by Dato’ Joseph Lim Heng Ee.
Mr. Liu Hailin began by describing the Anhui General Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia as an organization defined by action and results. Over the past four years, he noted, the chamber has guided numerous Anhui entrepreneurs in their ventures into Malaysia. Drawing on this first-hand experience, he shared a practitioner’s perspective for SMEs now looking toward ASEAN—mapping new opportunities, identifying challenges, and highlighting the critical milestones for success. He emphasized ASEAN’s vast potential and strategic importance, while also addressing the practical hurdles of going overseas and offering concrete solutions. In particular, he stressed the indispensable role of Malaysian trade associations in providing localized support and building vital bridges for incoming Chinese enterprises.
As the forum drew to a close, delegates joined the MCTE road-show and networking session. Lively discussions and in-depth talks on the spot laid a solid groundwork for a number of potential deals. The summit not only provided a high-level dialogue platform for Malaysian and Chinese enterprises, but also—through key vehicles such as the China Entrepreneurs Association in Malaysia—deeply linked business resources from China and ASEAN, fostering win-win collaboration across multiple industries.