Malaysia’s Minister of Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment Yeo Bee Yin on Tuesday said Malaysia can learn a lot of from China, especially on technology.

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Yeo, who was sworn in as the youngest female minister in the cabinet this month, made the remarks at the South-South Cooperation in the New Asian Era Forum, which also saw the attendance of scholars from China’s renowned Peking University.

Citing China’s great stride in mobile payment from cash society straight to a cashless society, Yeo said China has changed a lot, “from a country that people think that it is only an imitator to an innovator.”

“China is going to lead in certain ways in technology in days to come,’’ Yeo said, highlighting China’s transformation in artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy.

“Malaysia is also looking forward to Chinese investment to Malaysia.

“Although, not only on infrastructure, but also about technology that can create high-skilled jobs, high paid jobs for Malaysians and can also help Malaysia to grow its skills in AI as well as in renewable energy,’’ she said.

Yeo has also noted that Malaysia needs to replicate the optimism reflected among Chinese young people, to drive the people to work harder, create more jobs and spur economic growth.

She proposed technological commercialisation between two countries, academy collaboration as well as mutual investment to create closer bilateral ties.

NAN