Chongqing - Leaders from the science and education departments of BRI partner countries like Malaysia and Oman conducted a series of insightful visits to Western (Chongqing) Science City and the Liangjiang Collaborative Innovation Zone as a key intermezzo of the Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange (BRST).

Delegations visited the Western China Science City Innovation Center of Intelligent and Connected Vehicles. (Photo/Kenny Dong)

The Malaysian delegation, led by Dato Aminuddin Hashim, Secretary General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, was particularly impressed by the city's seamless integration of technology and infrastructure. 

"The most interesting part," Dato Aminuddin reflected, "is how everything belongs to a connected ecosystem, where the intellectual property and R&D achievements are not only nurtured but also rewarded, incentivizing the scientists here." 

His observations highlight a model of innovation that Malaysia could emulate, combining smart city concepts with a robust support system for research.

Meanwhile, Salah Al Zadjali, Director General of Research Programs and Capacity Building at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of Oman, revealed his country's ambitions to pivot away from oil dependency. 

"We have been looking forward to visiting," Al Zadjali stated, "as we are now thinking about establishing innovation centers like what we've seen here." 

He expressed a desire to change Oman's strategic direction towards a more diversified economy, with a keen interest in establishing more collaborative ventures with the Chinese government, particularly in exchanging students and researchers.

This year marks the inaugural year of the BRST, with the conference convening experts, Nobel laureates, and over 300 foreign participants from more than 70 countries.