MRANTI inks MOU with Zhongguancun Science Park in China

• Aim is to elevate advancements in technology and innovation for Malaysia
• Parties commit to five strategic initiatives aimed at fostering mutual benefits

Clearly Malaysian innovation agency, MRANTI’s visit last Dec to China’s leading science, technology and innovation hub, Zhongguancun Science Park (Z-Park), left an indelible impression on Dr Rais Hussin, CEO of MRANTI as he led another delegation to Beijing, China, where Z-Park is located to sign an MOU today with the Beijing Zhongguancun Science City Innovation Development Co Ltd witnessed by Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).

Under the terms of the MoU, the two organisations have committed to five strategic initiatives aimed at fostering significant advancements in technology and innovation. The five areas of collaboration are:

1. Personnel exchange and shared development experiences: Set up a robust system for personnel exchanges to leverage each other experiences in managing Science and Technology parks. This collaboration is expected to enhance the implementation of best practices and promote mutual learning and growth.
2. Training and seminars: Enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities, constructing robust innovation ecosystems, incubating technology businesses, and transforming scientific research into commercial success.
3. Mutual benchmarking & knowledge visit system: To support direct interactions and cooperative endeavours among enterprises from both countries and facilitate business collaborations and market expansion through organised visits.
4. Collaborative research: By combining the strengths of both entities, the initiative aims to tackle global challenges and achieve industry-redefining breakthroughs.
5. Soft-landing services for market entry: Both organisations will provide soft-landing services designed to offer the necessary support and resources for companies to navigate new opportunities with greater ease and confidence.

“This collaboration underscores the deepening partnership between Malaysia and China, especially in the crucial fields of science, technology, and innovation,” said Chang.

The Minister further underscored the extensive reach of the partnership, adding, “We are eager to expand our cooperation across various sectors, including interconnectivity, the digital economy, the green economy, modern agriculture, and biomedicine. This reflects our mutual interests and the dynamic capabilities to drive substantial progress together.”

Rais stressed that the cooperation is essential in creating a common platform for Malaysia and China to access capital, market, talent and innovation.

“For Malaysia, the ability to access the massive market in China, tap into funding/capital through the 80 unicorns in Zhongguancun Science Park, not forgetting the highly robust talent and innovation that can engender massive impact and outcome to the nation and society. Exciting times ahead indeed,” Rais added.

Zhongguancun Science Park is home to nearly 22,000 high-tech companies, with an average of 90 new businesses being created each day. Global companies such as Lenovo, Baidu, Xiaomi and Beigene started up from there, as did over 80 Unicorn companies such as Toutiao, Mggvii and Cambricon. Over 200 branches and R&D centres of the world’s Top 500 companies have offices there as well.