PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s working visit to China from tomorrow will focus on cooperation with potential implications for Malaysia’s technology, skills, digital economy and connectivity, including a proposed extension of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to Rantau Panjang.
Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad said the visit would broaden bilateral cooperation beyond traditional trade and investment into strategic areas including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, green energy, the digital economy and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“This time, the prime minister’s working visit will not only focus on traditional areas of bilateral relations, but also open avenues for cooperation in new fields of strategic importance to both countries. Malaysia-China relations were previously driven largely by political, trade and investment cooperation.
“However, in recent years, Malaysia under the prime minister’s leadership has placed broader emphasis on cooperation in areas such as education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and artificial intelligence (AI),” he told a press conference in Shanghai today.
Among the key infrastructure issues expected to be discussed is the proposed ECRL extension from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, which Norman said could improve connectivity and support economic development.
“This includes the proposed extension of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, which will yield major benefits in connectivity and economic development, alongside upgrading the ‘Two Countries, Twin Parks’ project following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 17, 2025,” he said.
Anwar had previously described the ECRL extension as a proposal requiring further discussion, including on its costs and payment arrangements, before it could proceed.
Anwar, who is making his fourth visit to China since becoming prime minister in November 2022, will attend the opening ceremony of the 46th WorldSkills Competition 2026 and deliver a keynote address at the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Opening Plenary Session.
The visit also places Malaysia’s skills development agenda in focus, with the country participating in the WorldSkills competition from Sept 22 to 27.
Anwar will subsequently travel to Hangzhou for the fifth Global Digital Trade Expo, where he is scheduled to deliver a keynote address and attend the launch of the Mandarin translation of his book, “Rethinking Ourselves: Justice, Reform, and Ignorance in Postnormal Times”.
Norman said discussions were also expected to cover advanced technology cooperation in AI, green energy, semiconductors and the digital economy, as well as Malaysia’s upcoming participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit in Shenzhen in November.
The visit will culminate in a bilateral meeting between Anwar and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the West Lake State Guest House in Hangzhou, followed by a dinner hosted by Li.
Norman said the two leaders were expected to discuss strengthening bilateral ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework, as well as Malaysia’s participation in China-led and international initiatives covering AI, development, security, cybercrime and global governance.
Malaysia-China trade reached RM456.68 billion (US$113.82 billion) from January to August, with China remaining Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, Norman said.
The visit comes as Malaysia seeks to expand cooperation with its largest trading partner into higher-value industries while pursuing opportunities in technology, skills development, digital trade and cross-border connectivity. - September 21, 2026
