‘Many flowers make spring’: Anwar affirms Malaysia open to China’s digital investment

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim affirmed Malaysia's openness to China's digital technology investments and cooperation at the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) opening ceremony in Hangzhou on September 24. Anwar highlighted China's government's willingness to showcase and share technologies across various platforms, emphasizing the importance of this approach for the digital economy.

"From food to new technology, and the host China, as you host digitally today, has shown your willingness to showcase and share this technology. This applies well to the digital economy," he stated. During the event, Anwar also praised Malaysia's strong workforce, multilingual skills, and rules-based economy as key advantages. He acknowledged President Xi Jinping's belief that digital trade and AI should help reduce inequality rather than exacerbate it.

Drawing on a Chinese proverb, Anwar stated that the true essence of spring is when "many flowers blossom, filling the garden," meaning progress should benefit all, not just a select few. The five-day expo, presided over by Premier Li Qiang, serves as one of China's major platforms to promote digital economy advancements and global cooperation.

Anwar is in China for a three-day working visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou, which includes a high-level meeting with Premier Li and discussions with other Chinese leaders and industry figures.