KUALA LUMPUR: Networks are a national asset, and Chinese Malaysians have long played a bridging role, linking Malaysia’s economy to China and the wider region, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said that as new industries emerge, this role is more important than ever, with many significant partnerships beginning through open and practical conversations, often outside formal meetings.
"Many collaborations start at tables like this," he said at the Global Chinese Economic and Technology Summit 2025 gala dinner on Wednesday (Nov 20).
Dr Wee noted that economic success is built not only on policies and institutions, but also on relationships. "Many of the most meaningful collaborations do not begin in formal meetings. They begin at tables like this, with conversations that are honest, practical and grounded in shared purpose," he said.
Throughout the summit, delegates explored how China and Asean can navigate global uncertainties with cooperation, focusing on emerging technologies, sustainable finance, and supply chain resilience.
A key theme was the role of the global Chinese diaspora as connectors of markets, builders of trust and drivers of innovation. Dr Wee said this influence will increase as AI, green technology and advanced manufacturing reshape Asia’s economic landscape.
"For Malaysia, these networks are part of our national strength. Chinese Malaysians have played a bridging role for generations, creating commercial pathways that link us to China and the wider region. As we move into a future defined by new industries and new demands, this bridging role is more relevant than ever," he said.
He emphasised that diaspora capital must benefit local businesses: "Our SMEs must not be spectators. They must be participants and beneficiaries of regional growth."
Dr Wee also highlighted the Special Business Excellence Awards, recognising companies that pair innovation with responsibility and contribute to their communities.
Encouraging delegates to use the dinner for meaningful networking, he said: "Talk to someone outside your usual circle. Share your priorities. Explore where ideas intersect.
"Many great ventures begin not with a contract, but with a conversation."
He urged follow-ups on promising discussions, emphasising that "small steps, consistently taken, lead to lasting impact."
Dr Wee thanked international partners and foreign delegates for affirming Malaysia’s role as a convenor, honest broker and partner for shared prosperity.
"What unites us is the belief that partnerships matter. In an age shaped by digital acceleration and the green transition, none of us can move forward by working in isolation," he said.
This year’s GCET Summit 2025, held at Wisma MCA, gathered senior policymakers, industry leaders, scholars and diaspora representatives.
Across four plenary sessions, the Chinese diaspora emerged as a key pillar driving investment, technology adoption, supply chain linkages and people-to-people connectivity.
