Young individuals from Southeast Asia showcase their innovative ideas at an international gathering held in Malaysia
The Southeast Asia Division Contest of the China International College Students' Innovation Competition (SEA-CICSIC) and the Malaysia-China Youth Innovation Competition (MCYIC) have concluded successfully, marking the completion of their fourth edition.
Launched in 2019, these significant regional innovation platforms have grown substantially over the years, attracting over 1,200 students from 10 Southeast Asian countries. The competitions, organised mainly by the Ministry of Education of China along with Xiamen University China and Xiamen University Malaysia, aim to foster cross-border interaction, benchmarking of innovation standards among universities, and deeper understanding of industrial challenges.
This year's edition saw 50 teams from 7 countries receive awards, including 10 First Prize Awards, 15 Second Prize Awards, and 25 Third Prize Awards. Winning teams represented universities from across the region, including Xiamen University Malaysia, University of Malaya, Sampoerna University, the National University of Singapore, Cambodia University of Technology and Science (CamTech), and various others.
The projects covered a wide range of topics, addressing key contemporary issues such as sustainable technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and social entrepreneurship. The outstanding projects will be recommended for participation in the 2025 China International College Students' Innovation Competition finals.
Minister-Counsellor Chen Youliang from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia attended the ceremony and presented the awards. The event highlighted the importance of these competitions as catalysts for regional integration in innovation education and industry linkage, enabling participating universities to demonstrate their academic strengths and relevance, while also providing students with industry exposure and pathways for internship and employment opportunities with leading companies.
SEA-CICSIC and MCYIC are key mechanisms for driving youth innovation in the Southeast Asia region by connecting academic institutions, industry, and government bodies, thereby contributing to the broader agenda of regional development, international collaboration, and talent cultivation in cutting-edge and socially impactful technologies. The competitions continue to play a vital role in promoting collaboration, creativity, and technological development among college students from Southeast Asia and China.
[1] SEA-CICSIC and MCYIC Official Website [2] Xiamen University Malaysia Official Website [3] Ministry of Education of China Official Website [4] China International College Students' Innovation Competition Official Website
- The SEA-CICSIC and MCYIC, regional innovation platforms for education and self-development, foster personal growth and learning through fostering cross-border interaction, benchmarking innovation standards, and addressing key contemporary issues like sustainable technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and social entrepreneurship.
- The outcomes from the SEA-CICSIC and MCYIC competitions, such as winning projects being recommended for the 2025 China International College Students' Innovation Competition finals, serve as pathways for internship and employment opportunities, enabling students' tap into industry exposure and contribute to regional development, international collaboration, and talent cultivation in cutting-edge and socially impactful technologies.
