Distinguished Deputy Secretary-General Singh, Vice Minister Zhang Guangjun, all participants, ladies and gentlemen:

It is a great pleasure to come together with you online at the final round and award ceremony of the 2022 China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

First of all, I would like to express my warm congratulations to the soon-to-be winners and all participants. All of you have been working hard in the field of science and technology. The outstanding achievements you have made demonstrate your love and dedication to technological innovation, adding vitality and providing momentum to China-ASEAN scientific and technological cooperation.

Here, I would also like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to the ASEAN Secretariat, the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and its Torch Center, the China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center, the Guangxi Science and Technology Department and other entities of the Competition organizing committee for supporting and hosting this important event.

In 1991, China and ASEAN established dialogue relations. In 2021, while attending the Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations, President Xi Jinping and ASEAN leaders jointly announced the establishment of a China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership. This milestone event has pointed out the direction for China-ASEAN cooperation, including cooperation in the sci-tech field.

General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized that if science and technology are established, the nation will be established, and if science and technology are strong, the country will be strong. He pointed out that China should build an open and innovation ecosystem and participate in global science and technology governance. It is necessary to plan and promote innovation from a global perspective, actively integrate into the global innovation network, and strengthen joint research and development with researchers from other countries. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China held in October last year also re-emphasized the importance of expanding international sci-tech exchange and cultivating an internationalized environment for research. This important concept is highly consistent with the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (2016-2025). In this context, it is of special significance that we jointly hold this China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

Dear friends,

In the world today, profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating. The unstable situation has been further worsened by the once-in-a-century pandemic. The world economy is in the doldrums. The reshaping of the global industrial and supply chains is about to take place. At the same time, a new round of sci-tech revolution and industrial revolution is advancing by leaps and bounds, bringing similar opportunities and challenges to all ASEAN countries. Technology can change the world, and innovation brings a better life. China is willing to work together with ASEAN to deepen exchange and cooperation in the sci-tech field, creating a better tomorrow for China-ASEAN community with a shared future. To this end, I would like to make a few suggestions:

First, build this Competition into a flagship project, make it bigger and stronger. The successful holding of this Competition is not the end, but a new beginning. We must further strengthen innovation policy exchanges and platform building, expand and deepen the innovation and entrepreneurship docking mechanism, promote the flow of technological innovation elements, and jointly promote innovation-driven development. The two sides should continuously improve the level and competence of China-ASEAN sci-tech innovation relations, integrate sci-tech innovation into exchange in other fields, thus serving the post-pandemic economic recovery and sustainable development of the region.

Second, expand people-to-people exchange in the sci-tech field. Sci-tech innovation is of global significance and embodys the spirit of the times. It is a shared asset of all mankind. Since 2013, the Chinese government has launched the Talented Young Scientist Program, under the framework of which more than 140 young scientists from ASEAN have been funded to conduct short-term research in China. In 2021, during his attendance at the Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations, President Xi Jinping announced that China will support a program for 300 young scientists from ASEAN to come to China for exchanges in the next five years. We will actively implement leaders’ consensus and officially start the relevant work this year. I am pleased to announce that the Chinese Mission to ASEAN will coordinate with relevant parties to arrange, on a priority basis, visits and exchanges to China for individuals and groups that have won awards in this Competition.

Third, accelerate the industrialization of innovation and entrepreneurship results. Sci-tech innovation is the engine driving economic and social development, and is an important part of China-ASEAN practical cooperation. It contains huge development potential. China and ASEAN countries have a total population of more than 2 billion and an abundant young labor force. It is our common task to drive entrepreneurship through technology and increase employment through entrepreneurship. In recent years, China has accumulated valuable theoretical and practical experience in fields including poverty alleviation, fighting the COVID-19, energy conservation and environmental protection, digital economy, and addressing climate change. We are willing to share experience with all parties, strengthen exchange and mutual learning. It is hoped that the relevant line agencies of all countries can provide the necessary start-up financial support for the winners of this Competition, helping the implementation and development of innovative results.

Dear friends,

China and ASEAN are good neighbors that look out for each other in times of need, good friends sharing weal and woe, and good partners in pursuit of common development. The Chinese Mission to ASEAN will work together with all entities to build the shining example of the China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, make every effort to promote China-ASEAN technological and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, so that the achievements of sci-tech innovation cooperation between the two sides will better benefit the people of ASEAN. Let us work together to build our common and beautiful home.