ASLI To Hold 8th WCES In Malaysia's Melaka On Nov 16-17

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- The Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) will hold the eighth World Chinese Economic Summit (WCES) in Malaysia's Melaka state from Nov 16 to 17, 2016. Themed "China-ASEAN: Realising Opportunities, Strengthening Partnerships", the two-day event aims at enhancing connectivity and business linkages between China, Southeast Asia and Europe. "This is in line with the Chinese government's Belt and Road initiative," said ASLI Chief Executive Officer Dr. Michael Yeoh. In a statement Thursday, Yeoh, who is also the Chairman of WCES, said the event will also bring together the global Chinese diaspora, promote entrepreneurship and innovation through business networking, as well as share knowledge and best practices. "A key outcome of the summit will be the reaffirmation of the importance and crucial role of the Chinese diaspora in facilitating commercial opportunities and engagement, whilst providing a platform for greater understanding, awareness, insight and appreciation of Chinese culture," he said. Yeoh said the event will be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said former heads of state, current and former ministers as well as trade and business experts from China, Southeast Asia and Europe, including former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou will be participating at the summit. More than 300 delegates are expected to attend the event, he added. --BERNAMA