"Adaptation and integration are very important because the environments in Malaysia and China are different. But this cooperation has created more opportunities. We complemented each other naturally," a young Malaysian entrepreneur said.
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Xinhua) -- As the Belt and Road Initiative continues to create new opportunities in infrastructure, business and people-to-people exchanges, a growing number of Malaysian and Chinese youths are forging careers, friendships and shared aspirations across borders, turning cooperation into tangible benefits for both countries and their peoples.
BUILDING DREAMS ACROSS BORDERS
Spanning 4 km across the Johor Strait, the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is set to enhance connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore. Once operational, the light rail transit system will be able to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, easing congestion at one of the world's busiest border crossings.
For 25-year-old Malaysian engineer Mohamad Syafiq, who hails from the southern state of Johor, staying on the front line of the RTS Link construction site has become part of daily life.
In Syafiq's view, the RTS Link is more than a transport project. It is a vital link that will bring communities on both sides of the border closer.
"With the cross-border journey reduced to just a few minutes and immigration procedures becoming more seamless, people will increasingly feel they are part of one integrated metropolitan area," he said.
As the project moves into the testing and commissioning phase, technical teams from different countries are working closely together to ensure its safe and smooth operation. Alongside Malaysian and Singaporean partners, Chinese companies have contributed rail expertise, including the delivery of rolling stock systems and technical support during testing.
"Each system must be tested individually, but also together to ensure seamless coordination and precision," said Li Linzhong, an engineer from the Chinese manufacturer CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd.
According to Li, operational data collected during testing must undergo repeated verification to ensure stable performance amid Malaysia's hot and humid climate.
Having been stationed in Malaysia for many years, Li has participated in the construction of multiple rail transit projects across the country.
"Working side by side with colleagues from different countries and staying committed to the project together has made this cross-cultural experience especially meaningful to me," he added.
RETURNING HOME WITH NEW IDEAS
Beyond working abroad, some Malaysian youths who once studied or worked in China are now bringing back skills, networks and business ideas to their home country.
After studying at Peking University and later working in Beijing's education sector, Malaysian entrepreneur Ho Can Hao returned home with a business idea inspired by his years in China. In 2023, he and several Chinese partners began exploring opportunities in Malaysia before launching their venture the following year.
"My current business is closely connected to my experiences in China," Ho said. "China's modern educational facilities, as well as its integrated and systematic supporting services, inspired me to bring better educational equipment and solutions back to Malaysia."
His company specializes in sports infrastructure for schools, including running tracks, basketball courts and other sports facilities. Over the past two years, it has completed sports flooring projects for more than 20 schools across Malaysia.
"I hope to bring better educational infrastructure and learning conditions to local communities, so that Malaysian students can enjoy professional, high-quality facilities that meet international standards," he said.
Ho said his previous experiences in China, along with close cooperation with Chinese teams, have been crucial to the company's growth. Ho takes pride in the fact that, with the technical expertise and support from the Chinese team, the 400-meter running track his company constructed at Chinese High School Batu Pahat obtained a Class 2 athletics facility certification from World Athletics this year.
"Adaptation and integration are very important because the environments in Malaysia and China are different," he said. "But this cooperation has created more opportunities. We complemented each other naturally."
"In many ways, this is also a form of cultural integration and mutual learning," Ho added. "Through constant adjustment and cooperation, both sides are moving toward the same goal together."
DEEPENING PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TIES
Beyond creating career opportunities, cross-border experiences have also fostered mutual understanding, cultural exchanges and lasting friendships.
"Every time I take part in these activities, whether as an organizer or a participant, seeing young people from both countries build mutual understanding and friendships makes me feel deeply moved and proud," said Jiang Chengao, a Chinese student at Malaya University.
Through his work with the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, Jiang came to believe that international students could serve as bridges between people from different countries.
After joining the association as an intern, Jiang's first major event was the 14th Conference on ASEAN-China People-to-People Friendship Organizations in Penang, where he also served as an event host.
Since then, he has twice led groups of Malaysian youths on exchange visits to China's Guizhou Province under the Malaysia-China Youth Exchange Program, facilitating interactions with local students and communities. He has also organized exchanges between visiting Chinese students and their Malaysian counterparts.
Last year, Jiang also helped lead a delegation from the Malaysian Youth Council to Beijing, introducing young Malaysians to China's development and creating opportunities for direct engagement between youth leaders from both countries.
"It allowed youth leaders from both sides to engage directly, laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term friendships," he said. ■
