In a significant move to bolster bilateral ties, Malaysia and China have vowed to intensify their collaboration in science, technology, and innovation. The commitment was formalized during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia, which concluded today. The joint statement issued during the visit highlighted key areas of cooperation, including space exploration, vaccine development, and agriculture, all of which hold substantial implications for both nations.
At the heart of this strengthened partnership is the intergovernmental Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation. Both countries are eager to maximize this platform through initiatives like the China-Malaysia Joint Research Project and the Science and Technology People-to-People Exchange Programme. These efforts aim to establish joint R&D platforms, enhance collaboration in science parks, and foster cooperation in emerging technologies. The focus on equality and mutual benefit underscores the strategic importance of this collaboration, with both sides ready to advance space capabilities and drive technological advancements.
The space sector, in particular, is poised for significant growth. Both nations recognized the potential to strengthen partnerships under the Space Cooperation and the Peaceful Use of Outer Space cooperation framework. This collaboration could lead to advancements in the new space economy, contributing to national security and technological progress.
In the health sector, the Agreement on Cooperation in Vaccine Development and Accessibility has already facilitated expert technical training and advanced collaboration in human vaccine development. This cooperation has strengthened capabilities in vaccine innovation through technology transfer, expert exchange, and resource sharing, a crucial development in the wake of global health challenges.
Agriculture is another key area where Malaysia and China are set to deepen their ties. Through the Joint Working Group on Agricultural Cooperation, both countries will focus on agricultural modernization and technology innovation. They will explore cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative’s Import and Export Food Safety Mechanism, aiming to expand trade in agricultural products. China’s participation in Malaysian exhibitions like the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) and the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM) further underscores this commitment. Additionally, Malaysia is encouraged to promote its products and expand exports to China through platforms like the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE), and the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO).
Malaysia’s interest in leveraging China’s successful experiences in targeted poverty alleviation and rural development is particularly noteworthy. The joint statement highlighted Malaysia’s intention to integrate best practices into its national development initiatives, including the current Five-Year Development Plan, Ekonomi MADANI, and its commitment towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs). Key priority areas include enhancing data-driven poverty alleviation through innovative agricultural technologies like precision agriculture, supporting initiatives such as the People’s Income Initiative (IPR), and promoting rural economic growth through e-commerce.
This collaboration aims to foster inclusive growth, resilience, and equitable development, directly benefiting grassroots communities, particularly marginalized groups such as rural poor, women, youth, Bumiputera, and indigenous populations, including the Orang Asli. As China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, this deepened cooperation is expected to further strengthen economic ties and drive mutual prosperity. In 2024, total trade between the two countries was valued at RM484.12 billion, accounting for 16.8 per cent of Malaysia’s global trade of RM2.88 trillion.
