The China-ASEAN Technolgy Transfer Alliance is set up during the forum. [Photo provided to en.gxzf.gov.cn]

The 10th Forum on China-ASEAN Technology Transfer and Collaborative Innovation commenced on Sept 15 in Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, gathering over 200 attendees in both online and on-site venues.

Among them were representatives of science and technology departments, universities, enterprises, technology transfer institutions, and sci-tech research institutes in China and ASEAN countries. Leading academics were also invited to deliver keynote speeches.

China's Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang noted that China has been giving priority to making ASEAN a partner for carrying out international sci-tech innovation and cooperation.

The two sides have achieved practical outcomes in areas of sci-tech people-to-people exchanges, technology transfer cooperation, joint laboratory construction, science and technology industrial parks, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship cooperation, contributing greatly to regional economic development and people's livelihood improvement.

Wang added that the Ministry of Science and Technology will continue to support Guangxi expand cooperation channels and further the development of the China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center to build a China-ASEAN sci-tech innovation and cooperation center.

Lim Jock Hoi, the ASEAN secretary-general, was invited to deliver a keynote speech during the event for the first time. "Maximizing innovation by capitalizing on opportunities brought about by digital transformation is crucial for sustainable growth," he said.

He also put forward that more cooperation in digital economy, smart city networks, digital infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing could be carried out between ASEAN and China.

Malaysian Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Adham Bin Baba noted that Malaysia has been actively pursuing close cooperation with China. He added that the country is looking forward for China to continue its support of ASEAN member states and to enhance collaborations in science, technology, and innovation.