Centered on the theme “A New Era of AI-Driven Ecological Civilization: Eco-tech Cities and Sustainable Innovation Communities”, the forum brought together over 380 participants to explore integrative pathways for technology and ecology in building a sustainable future. Attendees included Ding Qiao, Acting Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang; YB. Fahmi bin Zainol, Penang State Executive Councilor for Agricultural Technology, Food Security and Cooperatives Development; Ng Kwang Ming, CEO of Digital Penang; Liu Wei, Chairman of SDC; and Meeyydz Tan, Chair of the Forum Organizing Committee and CEO of Asia Green Group. Representatives from government, academia, and industry across Malaysia, China, Singapore, the U.S., U.K., Germany, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other regions also joined the dialogue.
In a video address, Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, highlighted the forum’s role in shaping policy, industry, and community action. “What we discuss in this forum must not stay within these walls—it must ripple outward, shaping policies, inspiring industries, and guiding communities”, he said. He also expressed Penang’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Chinese, ASEAN, and global enterprises and innovators in green technology, smart cities, digital transformation, and creative industries.
Ding Qiao, Acting Consul General of China in Penang, emphasized China’s engagement in global environmental governance under the Ecological Civilization framework. She reiterated China’s support for the Global Governance Initiative and its dedication to working with international partners to build a cleaner, more sustainable world.
YB. Fahmi bin Zainol, Penang State Executive Councilor, described the forum as “not just a platform for academic and industrial exchange, but a forward-looking call to action.” He urged deeper interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration to establish development models where technology and nature coexist in harmony.
Liu Wei, SDC Chairman, highlighted the forum’s focus on integrating advanced technology with ecological transformation. “Overseas Chinese have long served as a bridge in fostering China-Malaysia relations. It is our hope that this forum will strengthen joint innovation in technology, urban development, and culture—benefiting communities in China, Malaysia, and across ASEAN,” he stated.
Ng Kwang Ming, CEO of Digital Penang, shared the state’s ongoing sustainability efforts, including ESG workshops for SMEs and support for startups in clean energy and green technology. “We are committed to fostering a vibrant ecosystem for green innovation,” he noted.
Sessions throughout the forum covered themes such as:
- Eco-tech Cities and Ecological Civilization Communities
- Urban Resilience, Smart Security, and Emergency Response
- Beyond Industry 4.0+: Intelligent Manufacturing and Green Technology Industries
- Scaling Social Enterprises in a Tech-Driven World
- Art Finance and Derivatives
In her closing remarks, Meeyydz Tan called for tangible follow-up. “Today marks not an end, but the beginning of real action. Let us work together to make Penang and ASEAN a model region for AI and ecological civilization integration,” she urged.
The Penang International Hanwang Forum has now been held four editions with growing recognition as an influential platform for China-Malaysia and China-ASEAN non-governmental and industrial cooperation. This year’s edition stood out in three key areas:
1. Advancing Regional Synergy
The forum supported the shared vision of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with Malaysia’s MADANI framework. Coinciding with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” the forum strengthened collaboration in eco-civilization, green tech, and the innovation economy.
2. Connecting High-Tech Industries
Leading Chinese AI, aerospace, satellite, and UAV companies engaged with Malaysian industrial representatives. The forum included site visits to investment agencies and government bodies, including Digital Penang, and dialogues with the Chinese Consulate General in Penang, Penang Chinese Town Hall, and Asia Green Group. The resulting 4th Penang Forum Initiative proposed integrating AI and big data into ecological development and launched the China-ASEAN Alliance for Industrial Intelligence and Digital Innovation to advance future industries.
3. Integrating Arts and Inclusion
A charity dinner themed “Art, Integration and Cultural Innovation” featured an auction of works by Malaysian cartoonist Zunar, with proceeds supporting the autistic community. A live performance by an autistic art group underscored the forum’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the integration of technology with humanity.