Focusing on Digital Economy Innovation | ACEC and INCEIF University Discuss Industry-Academia-Research Collaboration

On February 20, 2025, a delegation from the Asia China Education and Culture (ACEC) Association visited INCEIF University, Malaysia’s Global University of Islamic Finance, to engage in in-depth discussions on industry-academia-research collaboration in higher education.

Background: Aligning with ASEAN’s Strategic Goals

This exchange comes at a crucial time as Malaysia assumes the 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, with a focus on "Inclusivity and Sustainability" as its annual theme. Committed to driving regional economic integration and cross-border cooperation, Malaysia is positioning itself as a leader in ASEAN’s digital and financial transformation. Established by Bank Negara Malaysia in 2005, INCEIF University is a globally renowned institution for finance education, producing top financial professionals and contributing to world-class research. This collaboration aligns with Malaysia’s broader vision to strengthen ASEAN’s centrality and promote technological and digital transformation, leveraging industry-academia-research synergies to enhance the region’s economic growth.

Key Outcomes: Strengthening Financial Cooperation & Upcoming International Conference in September

During the discussions, ACEC China Executive President Yang Chengcheng highlighted the upcoming International Cooperation Conference in September, co-hosted by ACEC in partnership with Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and other academic institutions in China. The collaboration will be further advanced within the framework of existing China-ASEAN financial partnerships. Currently, the central banks of China and ASEAN countries have signed bilateral local currency swap agreements exceeding RMB 800 billion and established cross-border settlement mechanisms, providing institutional support for financial flows and academic resource exchange in education cooperation.

Book Presentation Ceremony

As a symbol of friendship and academic exchange, INCEIF University presented President Yang Chengcheng with the book The Historical Roots of Islamic Finance in Malaysia. This book systematically explores the century-long development of Malaysia’s Islamic financial system, representing both academic collaboration and the deep cultural ties between China and Malaysia.

Following the launch of the Global Excellence Center in January 2025, ACEC continues to promote talent development and academic resource sharing through university collaborations. Both parties expressed their commitment to exploring new opportunities in financial education innovation and cross-cultural academic exchanges, further contributing to ASEAN’s regional economic growth. This collaboration also supports Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship goals of strengthening ASEAN’s central role and advancing technological and digital transformation.