Tang Yan Joo, a Malaysian economics student at Tsinghua University, embodies a new generation eager to leverage China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to strengthen cross-border collaboration. "The BRI has already transformed logistics and job markets in Malaysia through projects like the East Coast Rail Link and Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park," she notes, highlighting how infrastructure development has boosted freight efficiency and local employment.
As a finance major, Tang sees untapped potential in aligning Malaysia's economic goals with BRI-driven investments. With bilateral trade between China and Malaysia reaching $98.9 billion in 2022, she emphasizes the initiative's role in fostering "mutual growth across industries from tech to green energy."
Tang's aspirations reflect broader trends: 63% of Southeast Asian youth surveyed by ASEAN Foundation in 2023 view transnational projects like BRI as critical for career opportunities. Her goal to bridge cultural and economic ties underscores how education and cross-strait cooperation are reshaping regional dynamics.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
