Ling (third left) presents a token of appreciation to Ouyang.
MIRI (Nov 25): China is looking forward to deepen its collaboration with Malaysia and Sarawak as both nations enter a new era of high-level strategic partnership, with Miri poised to play a significant role in this growing cooperation.
Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing said China is eager to strengthen ties across technology, industry, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
He said Miri could emerge as an important hub for future high-tech cooperation.
“Miri is a historic ‘Oil Town’ that has progressed from pioneering in oil exploration to developing a diversified economy in tourism, agriculture and now high-tech industries, including artificial intelligence (AI),” he said in his remarks during a welcoming dinner on Sunday.
The dinner was jointly hosted by the Federation of Miri Chinese Associations (FCA Miri) and the Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI).
Ouyang noted that more than 100 years ago, Chinese pioneers sailed across the seas and arrived in Miri and, together with local communities, contributed immensely to its early development through hard work and vision.
“Today, Miri not only holds an increasingly strategic position in Sarawak and Malaysia’s development plans, but also preserves a strong essence of Chinese culture.
“Chinese education continues to flourish, associations remain active and traditional festivities vibrantly celebrated,” he added.
He said these cultural and historical ties make Miri a meaningful symbol of the lasting friendship between China and Malaysia.
Ouyang pointed out that as China advances rapidly in AI, green technology, digital economy and advanced manufacturing, Malaysia―and Sarawak in particular―is viewed as a key partner in China’s next ‘Golden 50 Years’ of bilateral relations.
He added that China is ready to bring new technologies and investments to Sarawak, especially in high-tech sectors, with more Chinese companies expected to enter the state.
He also shared that his delegation will travel to Kuching this week to meet state leaders and agencies, expressing confidence that China-Malaysia ties will continue to strengthen for the benefit of both nations.
Meanwhile, state Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin echoed the ambassador’s sentiments, stating that Sarawak’s partnership with China has long been built on trust, mutual respect and shared progress.
Lee said China remains one of Sarawak’s most important partners in trade, energy, infrastructure, technology, education and culture.
“According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Sarawak recorded RM198.7 billion in total trade in 2024, with China maintaining its position as the state’s second-largest export market at RM18.2 billion,” he said.
Major exports included liquefied natural gas, metal products, and palm oil-related items which continue to underpin Sarawak’s economy.
Lee added that Chinese investments exceeding RM19.4 billion have flowed into Sarawak over the years, especially in solar manufacturing, steel production and timber processing, creating more than 10,000 jobs and strengthening local supply chains.
On transport development, the minister highlighted the ongoing collaboration with China in sustainable mobility solutions.
“Sarawak is working with China’s CRRC Corporation on the hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system. Our first ART will arrive in Kuching next year, marking a major step toward modern, clean public transport.
“Sarawak has also ordered 56 hydrogen buses using Chinese technology, to be assembled locally. Earlier trials with three hydrogen buses in Kuching provided valuable data to refine specifications for local operating conditions.”
Among those present at the dinner were Consul General of China in Kuching Xing Wei Ping; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting; FCA president James Hii; MCCCI chairman Ling Chiong Sing; and Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd chairman Teo Ah Khing.
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