China and Malaysia's youth jointly shape a net zero vision

The MSAC 2025 China-Malaysia Youth Forum on Net Zero Transition & Global Sustainable Development was successfully held from April 18 to 20, at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen). 

Youth scholars, business leaders and think tank representatives from both China and Malaysia pose for a group photo at the event. Photos courtesy of the event organizers

With the support of Education Malaysia Beijing (EMB), the forum was hosted by the Malaysian Students Association in China (MSAC) and co-organized by the School of Science and Engineering at CUHK-Shenzhen. 

Youth scholars, business leaders, and think tank representatives from both China and Malaysia gathered to engage in in-depth discussions on green energy, low-carbon technology, and youth leadership, injecting new momentum into China-Malaysia cooperation and sustainable development in Asia.

At the opening ceremony April 18, Professor Zhu Shiping, Vice President of CUHK-Shenzhen, Dr. Wang Lizong, Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Chairman of Guangdong High-Tech Industry Chamber, and Mr. Muhammad Sallehuddin bin Mohd Dilif, Education Counsellor and Director of EMB, delivered speeches. Minister Chang Lih Kang from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Malaysia, delivered a speech via online video.

Chinese and Malaysian youth share their insights at the forum.

Over the three days, youth participants from both countries took part in a variety of activities, including round table forums, academic debate competitions, BYD corporate visit, career development workshops, and a cultural gala dinner. Through deep discussions on topics such as "Net Zero Technological Innovation," "Global Energy Transition Pathways," and "Building Sustainable Innovation Ecosystems," participants explored how to foster innovation, promote cross-border collaboration, and strengthen youth leadership. 

The forum united wisdom from industry, academia, and research, deepened bilateral cooperation in green technology, and empowered youth to play a sustained role in the field of sustainability, jointly advancing global sustainable development.

A highlight of the forum was the Shark Tank-style business pitch competition. Over two days of brainstorming and preparation, teams developed and presented solutions for real-world business cases provided by Pekat Group Berhad and G-COVE Technology Group Company Limited, including photovoltaic energy storage optimization and AI carbon footprint monitoring. Shark Tank winners included Bonnie, Latherry Ching, Christine Li, and Teoh Yuan Sheng from Group 2, and Zhang Yang, Zhang Qianyutian, Ye Mingjian from Group 3.

Chinese and Malaysian participants pose for a photo at the event.

Malaysian participant Edward Goh Yi Sen shared that the forum closely linked environmental concepts with real-world business practice, making the exploration of net zero solutions more tangible than ever. 

Chinese participant Zhang Yang remarked that she not only gained knowledge but also forged deep friendships with Malaysian peers.

The successful conclusion of the forum marks a new starting point for youth cooperation between China and Malaysia in the green sector. Participants left with a sense of professional respect, cultural inclusiveness, and a more concrete understanding of the “China-Malaysia Community with a Shared Future.” This youth-driven gathering, rooted in innovation, exchange, and empathy, added a vivid chapter to China-Malaysia net zero collaboration.

The forum was independently initiated by students and received tremendous support from various sectors.