From Dialogue to Action: MCS 2024 Highlights Necessity of Collaborative Platforms
Kuala Lumpur, 19 December 2024 – The Malaysia-China Summit 2024 (MCS 2024), which took place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from 17 – 19 December, ended on a high note with positive outcomes. The high-powered, impactful three-day event attracted over 16,000 visitors and 250 trade exhibitors.
Among others, the Summit, which was organised by Qube in association with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and endorsed by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia to engage in meaningful discussions anchored by five thematic pillars: Future Tech, Future Knowledge and Experience, Future Mobility and Connectivity, Future Growth, and Future Opportunity. Each of them delivered discussions on critical topics ranging from sustainable development and mobility to strategic trade collaborations and the future of tourism.
In his closing keynote speech of the Leadership Conference, which was read by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, YB Datuk Mohamad Alamin, YAB Dato’ Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, stated that with the strong ties to China, Malaysia stands as a formidable force within Asia, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses to create new ventures and unlock shared economic growth. “Much like China, we are deeply committed to a vision of shared knowledge and prosperity, ensuring that our people are not left behind in the pursuit of progress,” he further stressed, adding that through close cooperation with China, Malaysia aims to achieve shared progress by promoting equitable wealth distribution, upskilling Malaysians, and eradicating poverty.
Key components of MCS 2024 were the three-day International Trade and Investment Exposition, two-day Leadership Conference, and several key side events, underscoring the urgency of aligned policies and strategic investments in today’s interconnected global economy.
The Leadership Conference featured six tailor-made sessions, with discussions around critical growth areas such as digital transformation, key infrastructure projects, sustainable tourism, and energy transition. The Conference, which took place in the first two days of the summit, featured Malaysian Ministers and Deputy Ministers who shared critical insights on various facets of Malaysia-China bilateral trade and relations, setting the tone for a future of economic growth and shared prosperity.
Ministerial keynote speakers included YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia; YB Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia; YB Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation; YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Plantation and Commodities; YB Rafizi Ramli, Minister of Economy; YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture as well as YB Datuk Mohamad Alamin.
A Platform for Enhancing Cross-Border Collaboration
Importantly, MCS 2024 resulted in business and economic outcomes with the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), demonstrating the Summit’s impact as a critical platform that aligned ambition with actionable progress.
These collaborations aim to play an instrumental role in enhancing Malaysia-China partnerships across critical industries such as technology, energy, and talent development. Some of these included:
- MOU between ITRAMAS Corp Sdn Bhd, UEM Sunrise, and Guoxuan High Tech Co. Ltd to drive innovation in battery energy storage systems
This MOU will establish a world-class research and development (R&D) centre dedicated to advancing battery energy storage systems, which will feature a 1GWac hybrid solar photovoltaic power plant. It aims to position Malaysia as a leader in clean energy solutions while bolstering technological partnerships with China, enhancing technology transfer, and upskilling the local workforce. The MOU also commits to the joint promotion and commercialisation of innovative products developed through the R&D centre, ensuring a robust pipeline of cutting-edge solutions that cater to both local and global markets.
- MOU signed between the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) and Huawei Technologies Malaysia to strengthen Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem
The Manpower Department (JTM), under KESUMA, signed an MOU with Huawei Technologies Malaysia to transform Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem by integrating advanced ICT technologies like AI, 5G, IoT, and cloud computing. This collaboration aims to establish the first TVET Huawei Learning Centre at ILP Kuala Lumpur, where certified courses and hands-on training on Huawei equipment will be offered. The initiative will train 2,000 individuals, including industry engineers, TVET teachers, and students, equipping them with globally recognised certifications and enhancing their competitiveness in the ICT job market. Plans include expanding these learning centres nationwide, aligning with Malaysia’s TVET Policy 2030 to build a high-tech, globally competitive workforce.
- MOU signed between DSR Taiko Berhad and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)
This partnership focuses on several areas, including smart technology innovation for durian farming, joint research on renewable energy for sustainable durian plantations, and the development of local sensor technology for early detection of heavy metals in durians. This initiative highlights the shared commitment of UMPSA and DSR Taiko to deliver innovative solutions that positively impact the agriculture industry.
Beyond achieving economic and business outcomes, MCS 2024 was an important platform to foster a conducive environment for the exchange of ideas, cultures and values that aim to inspire the next generation of business and thought leaders who will continue to shape ASEAN-China relations for the future.
Side Events
MCS 2024 also featured a series of impactful and dynamic side events, further enriching the summit’s agenda and fostering opportunities for collaboration. Highlights included the Malaysia-China EV Forum by Maycham China and China EV100, the China-Malaysia Business Forum, interactive networking sessions, engaging pocket talks and exciting product launches.
Support from Key Stakeholders
MCS 2024 drew prominent captains of industry and experts from both Malaysia and China, including His Excellency Ouyang Yujing, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia.
“We are pleased that the Malaysia-China Summit 2024 has been a dynamic platform to reaffirm Malaysia’s position as a thriving hub for trade and investment. It also facilitated robust business matching sessions organised by MATRADE to enable businesses to forge meaningful connections, explore synergies and unlock new opportunities. These sessions, along with the summit’s diverse programmes, underscore Malaysia’s pivotal role in driving regional integration and fostering collaborative growth across ASEAN and beyond.
“The contributions of our exhibitors at the Malaysia-China Summit 2024 have been remarkable. They have invested their time and resources to showcase the best in innovation, and their participation has enriched this summit and provided a tangible demonstration of the type of collaboration that defines our shared future,” said YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican, MATRADE Chairman.
Meanwhile, Richard Teo, Executive Chairman of Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Organising Chairman of MCS 2024, highlighted that events like these serve as critical platforms for fostering dialogue, strengthening relationships, and driving actionable outcomes.
“At QUBE, we take pride in shaping transformative events that enhance experiences for brands and businesses across Asia and beyond. This summit has been a testament to the value of partnership, laying the groundwork for sustained growth in sectors like infrastructure, energy, technology and many more. We are honoured to play a role in curating such a pivotal platform for mutual growth and prosperity.”
A Foundation for Continued Collaboration
With the conclusion of this summit, it was evident that MCS 2024 had successfully laid a strong foundation for future collaboration between Malaysia, China, and ASEAN. The strategic partnerships formed during this summit will provide opportunities to catalyse existing collaborations and create new ones in infrastructure, energy, and technology, fostering long-term economic and social benefits.
MCS 2024 is strongly supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, together with multiple sponsors and several other strategic partners.
