China-Malaysia collaboration on fostering humanistic values in global development

By Dr Koon Vui Yee.

CHINA and Malaysia have actively participated in global development initiatives. The Belt and Road Initiative concentrates on infrastructure development and economic cooperation across multiple regions, demonstrating China’s prominent engagement.

China positions itself as a key player in global development by investing heavily in infrastructure projects such as transportation networks, ports, energy facilities and industrial parks.

Furthermore, it actively contributes to multilateral development projects such as the New Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank which provide financing and assistance for infrastructure development in developing nations.

Like China, Malaysia actively contributes to global development despite being smaller in size and population than China.

Malaysia has created strategies and roadmaps such as the SDG Investor Map to align with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to implementing them.

Additionally, Malaysia participates in regional development projects, especially those within Asean, to support economic integration, connectivity and sustainable development among its member nations.

Malaysia actively participates in trade facilitation, cross-border initiatives and infrastructure development projects, displaying its dedication to global development efforts.

China and Malaysia recognise the significance of humanistic values in driving significant and lasting change.

These initiatives prioritise the well-being of individuals and communities, going beyond typical economic growth and infrastructure development.

By addressing social and economic disparities, empowering marginalised populations, respecting cultural diversity and upholding ethical principles such as human rights and environmental sustainability, they seek to create inclusive and equitable societies.

By embracing humanistic values, global development initiatives can cultivate a more comprehensive and effective strategy that improves the lives of people around the world.

Humanistic values in global development initiatives prioritise the well-being and dignity of individuals, ensuring access to fundamental necessities such as food, clean water, healthcare, education and housing.

These initiatives empower individuals and enable them to lead fulfilling lives.

China and Malaysia have collaborated on education initiatives such as the China-Malaysia Education Cooperation Project, which promotes educational exchanges, scholarships and joint research programmes.

These collaborations enhance educational opportunities and human capital development, improving Malaysian students and academics’ well-being and prospects.

By embracing humanistic values, global development initiatives can create a more inclusive and equitable world that uplifts individuals and enables them to reach their full potential.

In global development, inclusivity and equity are essential for guaranteeing equal opportunities and access to resources for all individuals, including marginalised and vulnerable groups.

A humanistic approach prioritises the reduction of inequalities, promoting equal participation and creating a just and inclusive society in which all members can contribute to and benefit from developments.

China and Malaysia collaborate actively to promote inclusivity and equity in their development initiatives.

For instance, they collaborate on programmes and initiatives to reduce poverty and bridge the urban-rural divide, ensuring that no one is left behind.

The China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park focuses on attracting investments, establishing employment opportunities and fostering economic growth, which ultimately contributes to alleviating poverty and enhancing the well-being of Malaysians and their communities.

Empowerment and participation play critical roles in global humanistic development by involving local communities in the decision-making processes and recognising their influence and expertise.

This strategy encourages ownership and active participation, allowing communities to drive sustainable change from within.

By following humanistic values, global development initiatives prioritise participatory approaches that include local communities in project planning, implementation and evaluation.

By valuing the opinions and expertise of individuals, these initiatives promote sustainable development that reflects the requirements and aspirations of the community.

The China-Malaysia collaborations emphasise empowerment and participation. Projects that involve local communities actively seek their input and participation in the decision-making process.

Take for instance the case of the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park. Local stakeholders are consulted and training programmes are provided to ensure their active participation in the park’s development and their ability to reap benefits from it.

This inclusive strategy empowers communities and ensures that development initiatives align with their interests and contribute to their well-being.

In global development initiatives, cultural sensitivity and respect are fundamental, recognising and valuing the diversity of cultures and traditions.

This ensures that interventions respect indigenous knowledge and practices and are contextually appropriate.

Global development initiatives can establish trust, cultivate meaningful partnerships and promote the preservation of cultural heritage through culturally sensitive engagement with communities.

Respecting cultural diversity is an integral component of global development’s humanistic values. Initiatives guided by these values consider local cultural contexts and customs, ensuring that interventions are sensitive and respectful.

These initiatives avoid imposing external models and disregarding local realities by valuing communities’ distinctive knowledge and practices.

In their relationship, China and Malaysia exemplify this reverence for cultural diversity. As part of the Malaysia-China Culture and Tourism Promotion and Business initiative, various cultural events, performances and exhibitions are organised to honour the shared cultural heritage and promote better understanding between the Chinese and Malaysian communities.

Humanistic global development is predicated on ethical considerations, including principles such as respect for human rights, promotion of social justice and protection of the environment.

A successful global development initiative operates with honesty, upholding ethical behaviour and responsible practices to create a sustainable future for present and future generations.

China and Malaysia recognise the importance of ethical considerations in their collaborative endeavours. Their initiatives prioritise human rights and social justice, guaranteeing adherence to standards and promoting equitable development.

Environmental sustainability is emphasised in infrastructure initiatives, with efforts made to minimise negative impacts and ensure responsible practices.

In addition to focusing on sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, the collaborations between these two nations promote environmentally friendly approaches.

China’s East Coast Rail Link project funding exemplifies these ethical considerations.

Environmental impact assessments were conducted along the rail line, mitigating potential negative effects and implementing responsible construction practices to minimise ecological disruption.

Integration of humanistic values is essential for the success of global development initiatives.

By emphasising well-being, inclusiveness, empowerment, cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations, these initiatives can accomplish sustainable and meaningful development outcomes that positively impact individuals and communities worldwide.

It is essential to align global development initiatives with humanistic values to create a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future.

These initiatives can ensure that everyone shares the benefits of development by emphasising the well-being and dignity of individuals and communities globally.

Dr Koon Vui Yee is a Principal Teaching Fellow at Sunway University. The views expressed here are entirely the writer’s own.

The SEARCH Scholar Series is a social responsibility programme jointly organised by the South-East Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), in conjunction with the 10-year anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.