The Tsinghua Southeast Asia Cloud Forum was launched on Sept 23rd to inspire exchanges among international leaders from various sectors that could lead to the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and push forward regional development and cooperation. The opening ceremony was hosted by Tsinghua Vice President and Provost Yang Bin.
Co-sponsored by Tsinghua University and the Indonesian United in Diversity (UID) Foundation, the forum has gathered attendees from the public and private sectors and civil society, mainly from China, Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries.
At the opening ceremony, Tsinghua President Qiu Yong pointed out in his speech that Indonesia is the largest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and where the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative was first proposed. The university has always deemed Indonesia a major partner and has been expanding educational exchanges and regional cooperation with it.
According to Qiu, the Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center (Tsinghua SEA) has been highly praised for its talent training programs over the last two years in Southeast Asia, mainly in Indonesia. These programs have bettered cultural and academic exchanges between China and Southeast Asian countries.
President Qiu said he believes the three-day online forum will also achieve fruitful results, and urged the attendees to promote innovative development and cooperation and strive for a better world, a community with a shared future for mankind.
Ning Jizhe, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), was present and expressed his congratulations. He was commissioned by He Lifeng, Vice Chairperson of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Chairman of the NDRC.
“This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia. The 70 years have witnessed international turmoil, but also increasing prosperity in the two countries and closer people-to-people communications,” said Ning.
Ning pointed out that the NDRC and Indonesian governmental departments have worked closely on development plans and regional projects since 2015.
He also affirmed Tsinghua SEA’s active role in boosting talent training and educational cooperation, developing science and innovation ecosystems, and realizing SDGs.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo sent a congratulatory letter to the forum expressing appreciation of Tsinghua SEA’s achievements in human capital development, educational exchange and cross-sector dialogue. He believes that the center will continue to play a catalytic role in bridging Indonesia, China, Southeast Asia and other areas.
Cooperation is more needed than ever amid the COVID-19 pandemic, said Luhut Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment.
UID Foundation President Tuti Hadiputranto said in her welcome speech that the forum is a symbol of the cooperation and mutual trust between the two countries, and called for unity and open attitudes to seek wider cooperation.
At the following plenary discussions, participants exchanged views on such topics as the red line for ecological protection, paths for peace, and collaboration with the Tsinghua SEA on sustainable development and happiness.
Editors: Li Han,John Olbrich
