Ready to roll: (From left) Wee, Lim.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia-China collaborations are important in addressing regional and global food security challenges, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng.
The MCA vice-president said both countries have established a strong partnership across various sectors, particularly in agriculture and food production.
“Malaysia’s strategic location at the heart of Asean, supported by trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Asean-China Free Trade Agreement, make it a crucial trade hub for Chinese businesses looking to diversify.
“With seamless connectivity to Asean’s 660 million population and a combined Gross Domestic Product of US$3.6 trillion (RM16 trillion), Malaysia offers China a reliable entry to South-East Asia, leveraging its regulatory strength and premium food products,” he said in an interview ahead of the 5th World Association Presidents’ Conference (WAPC) which starts tomorrow.
Wee, who is also Tanjung Piai MP, said Chinese firms in Malaysia, meanwhile, could enhance supply chain resilience and mitigate risks from external disruptions.
“By capitalising on these geopolitical shifts, Malaysia and China can create a more integrated trade ecosystem, reinforcing their roles as key players in the regional and global food supply chains while driving mutual economic growth.
“Together, both nations can act as stabilising forces in the global food supply chain, creating a robust trade ecosystem that benefits businesses and consumers across Asean and beyond,” he said.
Wee noted that Malaysia’s celebrated durian and the lucrative halal food industry are part of the highlights of a series of strategic roundtable meetings during the conference.
These sessions, he said, aim to chart the future and pave the way for these key sectors, reinforcing Malaysia’s pivotal role in addressing regional and global food challenges.
The closed-door roundtable meetings will feature CEOs and representatives from six critical sectors – healthcare, industrial energy, food and agriculture, tourism, arts and culture, e-commerce and finance management, and logistics.
Participants will engage in in-depth discussions on government policies affecting entrepreneurs, explore emerging trends and seize networking opportunities to expand their business contacts and collaborations.
Wee, who will be moderating the food and agriculture forum, said Malaysia’s durian trade, with exports exceeding RM2bil annually to China, exemplifies the bilateral trade partnership’s success.
“Our halal-certified poultry and eggs have similarly penetrated China’s growing halal market, supported by harmonised standards and streamlined certifications, leading to joint ventures that enhance supply chain efficiencies and trade relations,” he said.
Wee also said technological collaborations in smart agriculture and aquaculture have also thrived with Chinese companies introducing advanced solutions like precision farming and AI-driven monitoring systems.
“These initiatives have significantly increased productivity with aquaculture farms reporting up to a 30% increase,” he added.
Wee said geopolitical dynamics offer unique opportunities for Malaysia-China collaborations, particularly in trade and market access.
“With increasing US-China tensions and protectionist policies in Western economies, both countries hold a strategic advantage in strengthening economic ties,” he added.
MCA vice-president Datuk Lim Ban Hong, who moderates the tourism, arts and culture discussion, said it serves as a strategic platform for local stakeholders and industry leaders from China to meet and deliberate on future collaborations.
He said Malaysia aims to be the top destination for Chinese tourists.
Leveraging the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, as well as the visa-free policies and Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Lim said the WAPC and roundtable sessions will be a valuable networking opportunity for tourism players to strategise action plans for a mutually beneficial outcome.
“The discussions will serve as a bridge for key players and stakeholders from various sectors.
“We aim to attract more Chinese tourists, not just from major cities but also from second- and third-tier cities.
MCA vice-president Datuk Lawrence Low“We also want to encourage more local tour groups to plan trips to China, strengthening cultural exchanges,” said Lim, who is also MCA political education committee and school of political studies chairman.
Lim noted that MCA and the conference’s bureaus and committees will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure the proposed collaborations are realised.
MCA vice-president Datuk Lawrence Low, who moderates the discussion on digital e-commerce and finance, said the sector is a key driver of Malaysia-China trade relations.
“China has emerged as a global leader in digital innovation with its cutting-edge e-commerce platforms and mobile payment ecosystems, setting the standard for digital transformation worldwide.
“Malaysia is at the heart of Asean and serves as a gateway for Chinese businesses looking to tap into the regional market.
“They can expand their reach by leveraging our robust digital infrastructure and skilled talent pool,” he said.
With Malaysia aiming to achieve a 90% cashless payment target by 2025, he said cross-border solutions like integrated payment systems can unlock new opportunities for trade and consumer engagement, fostering resilience and recovery in the post-pandemic landscape.
As moderator, Low said he would ensure the discussion remains focused on finding practical solutions, identifying collaborative opportunities and addressing key challenges to seamless cross-border e-commerce and payment integration.
Areas where Chinese and Malaysian businesses can work together to create value such as developing innovative e-commerce ecosystems, advancing fintech solutions and simplifying cross-border transactions will be highlighted.
He added that a structured follow-up mechanism would be in place where each session will have dedicated coordinators to document actionable outcomes, identify key stakeholders and establish timelines for post-event engagement.
