Source: MCA    Published: 2025-02-19

By Datuk Dr. Pamela Yong

 (Institute of Strategic Analysis & Policy Research - INSAP) has formed strategic cooperation with Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies of Renmin University of China (RDCY) following the signing of the memorandum of understanding in Kuala Lumpur on 17 February. The cooperation agreement is a significant milestone for both INSAP and RDCY as both institutions seek to not only enhance collaboration in policy research but also to promote advancement in the education sector and also technological and knowhow transfer between the topic experts in Malaysia and in China. 

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong, President of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and Mr Zhao Changtao, the Education Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia.

In welcoming the cooperation, Professor Dr Wang Wen, Dean of RDCY said this cooperation will open up greater opportunities for the institution to share their research findings and economic development policies with partners and policy makers in Malaysia including to explore academic cooperation on relevant topics. Among the key areas of cooperation are renewable energy, digital economy and infrastructure, artificial intelligence and promoting high-impact manufacturing. Additionally, both sides will support academic institutions and young talent exchanges through joint research programs and training initiatives, fostering public policy and international relations studies.

The Chairman of INSAP, Datuk Dr Pamela Yong said that under the agreement, both parties will deepen cooperation on political, economic, and international relations issues, while promoting think tank work. Moving forward, the two institutions plan to conduct joint studies on constructive policies, economic and trade cooperation, and cultural exchanges through seminars, forums, dialogues and publications as part of knowledge sharing.

Dr Pamela added that INSAP is proud to be selected as RDCY’s partner in Malaysia, and this cooperation complements INSAP’s existing network of local and international partners comprising of think tanks and academic institutions - to drive broader dialogues and collaboration across various sectors, providing policy support and strategic insights for governments, businesses, and the society. INSAP also looks forward to developing robust discussions and policy recommendations for Malaysia based on evidence and best practices here and abroad.

RDCY is one of the premier academic centers and think tank in China and has established a cooperation with major think tanks in more than 40 countries. It has undertaken related dialogues and research work in more than 20 countries including the United States, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. Established in 2013 under Renmin University, RDCY consists of seven departments and operates four research centers (the Center for Eco-Financial Studies, Global Governance Research Center, China-US People-to-People Exchange Research Center, and China-Russia People-to-People Exchange Research Center). RDCY is recognized for its research work in the fields of financial development, global governance, great power relations and macro policies.

The RDCY delegation was in Malaysia to attend the “The Future of the Belt and Road Initiative and Regional Cooperation: Global Opportunities, ASEAN Connectivity, and Innovative Pathways” forum co-organized by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and RDCY which was held at the university.