A panel of experts from China and ASEAN gathered in Yangon, Myanmar, to discuss key strategies for promoting innovation and driving economic growth.
The two-day event, which took place last week, convened for the ‘ASEAN-China Workshop on Sharing Best Practices and Exchanging Views to Enhance Human Capital in Technology Transfer and Commercialisation,’ and was attended by representatives from China and several ASEAN member states – Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The workshop held in Yangon centred on essential strategies aimed at fostering innovation and stimulating economic growth.
It emphasised the crucial role of human capital in facilitating technology transfer and commercialisation efforts.
Participants exchanged insights on overcoming challenges and implementing best practices to address them.
Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, said the workshop was a significant milestone under the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership Vision 2030, showing our joint commitment to improve technology capacities and promoting economic growth through innovation.
“This is a great opportunity for us to enhance our knowledge and share best practices among our nations. China has been ASEAN’s largest trading partner since 2009 and the bloc has collectively become China’s largest trading partner for the third consecutive year since 2020,” he said.
In his opening remarks, Hul Seingheng, ASEAN-COSTI Chair and Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation, stated the necessity for the ASEAN member states to strengthen investment in research and development (R&D), intellectual property rights, local capacity for technology adaptation, and robust infrastructure.
He underscored the importance of optimising the utilisation of foreign technology to enhance economic resilience.
Highlighting the importance of human capital development amidst emerging global challenges that test resilience and adaptability, Satvinder reiterated that investing in human capital is essential to sustain the robust trade relationship and economic integration between ASEAN and China.
“To overcome these challenges, we require policies that not only promote the importation of technology but also facilitate its adaptation and integration. It is imperative for governments, businesses, and academic institutions to collaborate in fostering an environment conducive to innovation,” said Seingheng.
“This entails investing in education to cultivate local talent, fostering robust public-private partnerships, and crafting legal frameworks that ensure equitable distribution of technology benefits,” he added.
He further spotlighted the importance of bilateral, regional, and international cooperation, citing that developed nations and global corporations should view technology transfer not merely as a tool for market expansion, but also as a substantial avenue for corporate social responsibility.
By championing these initiatives, they can significantly contribute to our sustainable development efforts.
The ASEAN Science, Technology, and Innovation Enhancing Programme, spotlighted at the 26th ASEAN-China Summit, received reaffirmation from leaders as a dedicated commitment to foster and further cultivate closer cooperation in the field of science, technology, and innovation (STI).
“We welcome China’s support in providing at least $10 million for ASEAN, which again demonstrates China’s dedication to building a solid partnership through investment in our region’s bright future,” he added.
The workshop, backed by the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund, seeks to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and ASEAN, fostering a peaceful, secure, and prosperous environment. It recognises STI as key drivers of economic and social progress, integral to China-ASEAN cooperation.
By facilitating the exchange of successful practices and experiences, the workshop offered the ASEAN member states an avenue to bolster the development of human capital in technology transfer and commercialisation.
According to Zheng Zhihong, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces, with technology transfer and commercialisation serving as the bridge.
The Chinese government is accelerating the instruction of human capital in technology transfer and commercialisation, with plans to cultivate over 100,000 individuals by 2025.
The country is also actively engaged in international technology transfer cooperation, having established 45 international technology transfer centres, and actively cooperating on practical technology transfer with ASEAN countries.
“China is willing to further deepen cooperation on technology transfer and commercialisation with Myanmar and the other ASEAN countries, to share the achievements and experiences in technology innovation, and human capital development, so as to cultivate stronger, quality, and productive forces and achieve regional leapfrog development and common prosperity” said Minister Counsellor Zheng.
Myo Thein Kyaw, Union Minister of Science and Technology of Myanmar, emphasised the imperative for the ASEAN member states (AMS) to diligently execute the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint (AEC 2025) and the ASEAN Plan of Action on STI (APASTI 2016-2025).
Furthermore, he stressed the necessity for AMS to enhance and employ strategies for STI within the ASEAN region.
Kyaw highlighted the importance of leveraging STI by addressing the STI gap, devising effective STI human capital development strategies, fostering entrepreneurship innovations, promoting robust bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and aligning ASEAN policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We need to reinforce COSTI’s mandate by having stronger public-private partnership and technology transfer and commercialisation plays an important role. We believe that technology transfer is crucial in STI development. It is widely seen as a significant sector by which developing countries can both access technologies and build human capacity,” said Kyaw.
Throughout the discussions, experts agreed on the crucial role of human capital in technology transfer and commercialisation. Insights were shared on challenges and best practices, ranging from China’s dynamic tech hubs to emerging innovation landscapes in the ASEAN countries.
Speakers from China highlighted commitments to tech transfer for carbon neutrality and collaborative schemes with ASEAN, while the ASEAN representatives discussed initiatives and best practices for tech transfer. Additionally, speakers from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar shared policy frameworks, programmes, and regulatory mechanisms, underscoring the significance of collaboration between university researchers and the private sector for successful commercialisation.
The speaker from the Philippines shared an extensive infrastructure support for technology transfer, emphasising the creation of a vibrant start up ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the Thai speaker highlighted government initiatives aimed at leveraging the tech transfer ecosystem, including industrial engagement with research and talent mobility.
Additionally, Vietnam’s expert discussed measures to enhance technology capacity in industrial sectors, focusing on upstream resources of tech transfer and policy development on STI.
The workshop participants expressed commitment to sustained collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building initiatives to harness the full potential of human capital in driving technology transfer and commercialisation across diverse communities.
The insights gained from the session are expected to enlighten future discussions and meet the workshop objective of “leveraging researchers, scientists, and enterprisers in AMS for technology transfer … by creating business professorships through sharing of knowledge and best practices in tech transfer management and incubators of Chinese expertise and AMS countries.”
In addition, Seingheng added, “For technology transfer and commercialisation to enact profound change in the ASEAN, we must transcend its mere utility – it should serve as a catalyst for authentic human development. It ought to empower our communities, fortify self-reliance, and cultivate an innovative ethos propelling our nations toward progress. Let us commit not only to sharing technology but also to imparting the skills and insights that will reshape our societies.”
