KUALA LUMPUR: Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific (Bricap) president Tan Sri Ong Tee Keat said China and Asean countries must expand their focus beyond traditional trade in goods and promote a conducive environment for digital cultural exchange.
Speaking at a roundtable event themed "Digital Lifestyle and China-Asean Cultural Exchange" at Universiti Malaya on Thursday (Sept 19), Ong highlighted China's early development of its digital economy, noting it has gained significant experience and expertise, which it could share with its South-East Asian neighbours.
"Any proactive efforts by China to enhance capacity building through technology empowerment could significantly transform Asean's digital economic development," he said.
The former transport minister also emphasised the role of universities and research institutions in this collaboration, suggesting that Chinese industry players be incentivised to engage with South-East Asia's research and development efforts to fuel innovation and capacity-building in the Asean digital landscape.
"In parallel to empowering the regional pursuit of digital innovation, this in-depth engagement can evolve into a new dimension of Track 2 Diplomacy.
"In this context, Bricap is committed to playing its role as a dutiful facilitator to enhance peace and understanding across the region," he said.
Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, Zheng Xuefang, said in his speech that the upcoming China-Asean Expo in Nanning will feature a dedicated China-Asean Humanities Exchange Area for the first time.
"Asean, as a gateway to the global market, is among the most attractive regions worldwide for digital economy investments.
"For many Malaysians, especially the younger generation, digital technology is profoundly transforming their lives by influencing how they process information, make purchases, use financial services, and even engage in political activities," he said.
Meanwhile, Sun Jiashan, an associate professor at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration in China, stated that China and Asean countries should collaborate on discussions and decision-making processes related to the digital sector, engaging in joint planning and problem-solving.
"It is important for both China and Asean to seize opportunities in digital economy development, and while there are many similarities, they should each find a development model and pace that suits their own national conditions," he said.
The event, co-hosted by the Guangzhou Institute of Greater Bay Area (GIG) and Bricap, is part of ongoing efforts to foster China-Asean collaboration through Track 2 Diplomacy, which focuses on informal, non-governmental intellectual engagement to complement official diplomatic initiatives. – Bernama
