Programme Background

The China-ASEAN AI Strategic Engagement Programme for Public Sector was initiated and organised by the Asia China Education and Culture Association (ACEC Association). Focusing on emerging fields including AI industry applications, digital governance, the low-altitude economy and intelligent manufacturing, the programme aims to build a high-level platform for talent development, technology exchange and practical cooperation between China and ASEAN through site visits, thematic lectures, roundtable discussions and laboratory visits.

Following the in-depth exploration of “Communication Technology and Data Governance” during the Shanghai segment, the Suzhou programme focused on two key areas: digital governance and the low-altitude economy.

The Malaysian delegation, comprising government officials and representatives from higher education institutions, visited Suzhou City University, Suzhou International Science Park (SISPARK), Alpha Robot, Huawei Lianqiu Lake R&D Centre, Kunshan Huaqiao Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Park and Times Feipeng, and Harbin Institute of Technology Suzhou Research Institute, successfully completing the full programme of study and engagement activities.

01

Suzhou City University

📍 Suzhou · Wuzhong District

A benchmark for applied undergraduate education transformation · Industry-education integration · Digital governance and smart city research

Suzhou City University is a full-time undergraduate university administered by Suzhou Municipality. With a commitment to an educational positioning characterised by local relevance, applied learning and openness, the university closely aligns its programmes with the industrial development needs of Suzhou and the Yangtze River Delta region. It has developed distinctive strengths in applied disciplines including digital governance, smart city management and cultural creativity.

As the first stop of the Suzhou programme, the delegation visited the university’s smart campus management platform and industry-education integration training facilities, gaining an in-depth understanding of its practical experience in digital campus governance and innovation in applied talent development.

The two sides held in-depth discussions on models for educational cooperation with ASEAN countries. Suzhou City University also expressed strong interest in establishing sister-school relationships with Malaysian higher education institutions, laying a foundation for future institutional cooperation.

02

Suzhou International Science Park (SISPARK)

📍 Suzhou · Suzhou Industrial Park

National-level technology business incubator · Innovation engine of Suzhou Industrial Park · Hub for AI and digital economy industries

Suzhou International Science Park (SISPARK) is a key platform for cultivating strategic emerging industries in Suzhou Industrial Park. It brings together more than 600 high-growth technology enterprises in areas including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data and integrated circuit design, making it one of the most dynamic sources of technological innovation in the Yangtze River Delta region.

The delegation conducted an in-depth study of the park's industrial structure and incubation and support services. During a thematic discussion, both sides exchanged views on the development of science and technology parks in ASEAN countries and cross-border incubation cooperation.

The Malaysian representatives showed strong interest in the “government guidance + market-oriented operation” development model adopted by Suzhou Industrial Park and explored its potential application in Malaysia and other ASEAN countries.

03

Alpha Robot

📍 Suzhou · Suzhou Industrial Park
An incubated enterprise of Suzhou International Science Park

Leading commercial service robotics company · Deep integration of AI and real-world applications · Global market presence in more than 60 countries

Alpha Robot is one of the representative technology enterprises incubated by Suzhou International Science Park. The company specialises in the research, development, manufacturing and global distribution of commercial service robots, with products covering a wide range of applications including reception, food delivery, disinfection and cleaning, security and inspection.

Its products have been exported to more than 60 countries and regions, with an established customer base and growing brand presence in ASEAN markets.

The delegation experienced Alpha Robot’s service robots first-hand, exploring their intelligent interaction capabilities and adaptability across different application scenarios. The company’s founder also shared its entrepreneurial journey from Suzhou to the global market.

Both sides held in-depth discussions on customised development of service robots for ASEAN markets, localised operations and services, and joint development of technical talent, exploring potential areas for future cooperation.

04

Huawei Lianqiu Lake R&D Centre

📍 Qingpu, Shanghai · Suzhou Programme Segment

One of Huawei’s largest R&D campuses · Innovation hub for AI computing and foundational software · Key centre of Huawei’s independent technology ecosystem

Huawei Lianqiu Lake R&D Centre is one of Huawei's largest R&D bases worldwide, covering an area of more than 2,000 mu and focusing on research and innovation in cutting-edge fields including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, foundational software and chip design.

As one of Huawei’s major centres for future-oriented technological innovation, the R&D centre brings together tens of thousands of highly skilled research and development professionals and represents an important component of China’s technological innovation capabilities.

The delegation visited the AI technology exhibition and innovation laboratories at the Lianqiu Lake R&D Centre, gaining first-hand insights into Huawei's latest developments in AI foundation model training, the Ascend AI computing platform and the HarmonyOS ecosystem.

The two sides also discussed potential cooperation in areas including the establishment of AI talent development bases for ASEAN countries and the introduction of Huawei ICT Academy programmes at Malaysian higher education institutions.

05

Kunshan Huaqiao Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Park · Times Feipeng

📍 Suzhou · Kunshan Huaqiao

Pioneer in the low-altitude economy · Industrial-grade UAV system solutions · Specialist in aerial logistics and intelligent inspection

Kunshan Huaqiao Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Park is an important platform for the development and concentration of low-altitude economy industries in the Yangtze River Delta region.

As a representative enterprise within the park, Times Feipeng focuses on the research, development and manufacturing of industrial-grade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as industry-specific application solutions covering areas such as logistics and delivery, emergency response, agricultural plant protection and power infrastructure inspection.

The delegation visited Times Feipeng’s UAV R&D and testing centre and observed live flight demonstrations. Malaysian representatives showed strong interest in the potential application of UAV technology in ASEAN, particularly in island logistics, agricultural plant protection and marine monitoring.

The two sides conducted preliminary discussions on potential cooperation in technology application and talent development, exploring opportunities to introduce relevant UAV technologies and solutions into ASEAN markets.

06

Harbin Institute of Technology Suzhou Research Institute

📍 Suzhou · Wuzhong District

Suzhou innovation platform of a C9 university · Hub for intelligent manufacturing and robotics · Industry-academia-research integration platform

Harbin Institute of Technology Suzhou Research Institute is an important technology innovation and technology commercialisation platform established by Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) in the Yangtze River Delta region.

Building on HIT’s strong academic and technological foundations in aerospace, robotics and advanced manufacturing, the institute focuses on cutting-edge fields including intelligent manufacturing, artificial intelligence and advanced materials, with the aim of connecting fundamental research with industrial applications.

The delegation visited the institute’s intelligent manufacturing laboratories and robotics R&D centre. The institute’s representatives introduced its collaborative innovation model of “research at HIT, commercialisation in Suzhou,” demonstrating how advanced university research can be connected with regional industrial development.

Both sides held constructive discussions on robotics talent development, joint laboratory establishment and technology transfer in intelligent manufacturing for ASEAN countries, exploring potential avenues for long-term cooperation.

🌿 Cultural Experience

Jinji Lake · Pingjiang Historic District · Humble Administrator's Garden

📍 Suzhou · Suzhou Industrial Park & Gusu District

A city where classical gardens meet a modern digital economy · UNESCO World Heritage · Cultural landmarks of Suzhou

Alongside the intensive professional programme, the delegation also experienced the unique character of Suzhou, a city where modern urban development and centuries-old cultural heritage coexist.

Jinji Lake serves as the urban centrepiece of Suzhou Industrial Park and provides a vivid example of Suzhou’s approach to integrating urban development with industrial and economic growth.

Pingjiang Historic District is one of China’s best-preserved historic and cultural districts. Its traditional waterways, stone bridges and historic architecture provided the Malaysian delegation with an opportunity to experience the distinctive cultural character of Jiangnan.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Humble Administrator’s Garden offered the delegation an opportunity to appreciate the refined design, landscape aesthetics and cultural heritage of traditional Chinese gardens.

Programme Conclusion

The Suzhou programme focused on the two key themes of “digital governance and the low-altitude economy,” providing a comprehensive view of the innovation practices emerging in Suzhou and the wider Yangtze River Delta region in the era of the digital economy.

Suzhou City University demonstrated how an applied university can contribute to regional digital economic development through innovative approaches to education and talent development.

Suzhou International Science Park (SISPARK) showcased an integrated development model combining technology innovation platforms with a broader industrial ecosystem.

Alpha Robot represented the global development of China’s commercial service robotics industry and its growing potential in international markets.

Huawei Lianqiu Lake R&D Centre demonstrated China’s advanced capabilities in independent technological innovation and cutting-edge AI research.

Kunshan Huaqiao Low-Altitude Economy Industrial Park and Times Feipeng highlighted the rapid development of the low-altitude economy as a strategic emerging industry and its potential applications across ASEAN.

Harbin Institute of Technology Suzhou Research Institute demonstrated a collaborative innovation model in which leading universities are deeply integrated with local industries, translating advanced research capabilities into practical industrial applications.

Through university exchanges, technology enterprise visits, industrial platform engagement and cultural experiences, the Suzhou programme further strengthened the foundation for China-ASEAN cooperation in AI, digital governance, intelligent manufacturing and the low-altitude economy, while creating new opportunities for practical cooperation in education, technology, talent development and industry.