Monash University Sunway campus Deputy President (Strategy) Professor Mahendhiran Nair and University of Science and Technology of China Professor Song Wei delivering their joint welcome address.

The first ASEAN – China Symposium, which enabled scholars from ASEAN and China to explore research and educational collaborations, was recently held at Monash University Sunway campus.

The Symposium, held from 5^th to 6^th December, was a joint effort between Monash University Sunway campus and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC).

“The symposium informed the research and business communities on current research on socioeconomic, cultural and political changes taking place in China and the ASEAN region, and what strategies and policies should be in place to foster greater economic harmonisation between ASEAN and China,” event co-chair Professor Mahendhiran Nair said.

Prof Nair, who is Deputy President (Strategy) of Monash University Sunway Campus, explained the need for a forum to focus on the relationship between ASEAN countries and China:

“China is major economic powerhouse in the region. Rapid industrialisation in China over the last three decades has raised economic development in China. In the same period, we also saw Chinese firms competing in the same economic space as firms from other ASEAN countries – competition in key economic sectors has intensified for firms from the region,” said Prof Nair, who is also the Head of School of Business at Monash University Sunway campus.

“Collaboration and cooperation are required between firms in both regions to achieve sustainable development. China also has a large and growing middle-income market. This opens up new market opportunities for firms from ASEAN,” he added.

Leading scholars and industry players from China, Japan, Australia and ASEAN member countries presented at the forum, organised by the School of Business.

Attendees, meanwhile, benefit from current research and thinking on rapid social, economic, political and cultural transformation taking place in ASEAN and China.

The forum also identified key challenges and opportunities in both regions, and discussed policies and strategies to enhance greater harmonisation and socioeconomic development between both regions.

Participants at the ASEAN-China Symposium.