Government–Industry Partnership | Penang Digital Enterprises' China Market Expansion Program Concludes Successfully

Introduction

TusStar Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malaysian state government agency Digital Penang, organized a China market study tour for Penang-based enterprises, with a focus on hard technology and deep-tech sectors. The core objective of the program was to help Penang enterprises gain an in-depth understanding of China's development landscape in relevant technological fields, while also identifying the key challenges faced by local innovative companies during their growth journey and learning from practical experiences in overcoming barriers and achieving leapfrog development.

The Shenzhen–Hong Kong visit centered on industrial learning, ecosystem connectivity, and engagement with benchmark enterprises, providing Penang companies with high-quality learning environments and tangible, outcome-oriented collaboration opportunities.

Business Matchmaking: Strengthening Dialogue and Expanding Cooperation

Two dedicated business matchmaking sessions were arranged during the program, enabling Penang enterprises to engage directly with Chinese innovative companies. Discussions focused on application scenarios, industry needs, and potential cooperation models.

Participating pitching companies included:

• Fulkrum (Engineering and Industrial Solutions)

• TwinAera (Water Technology / Environmental Engineering)

• StarfetchX (Sustainability Technologies)

• Zero Technologies (AR and Hard Technology)

• Waterbay (Health Technology)

• Brainbow (Education Technology)

• Greenetrix (ESG and Carbon Management)

Taishan–Shenzhen–Malaysia Talent Project Matchmaking Exchange (Phase II)

At the "Bridging the Greater Bay Area · Intelligent Innovation in Taishan" Taishan–Shenzhen–Malaysia Talent Project Matchmaking Exchange (Phase II), the event specially invited the Taishan Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau to conduct targeted, face-to-face matchmaking with enterprises from the three regions. The event was jointly organized by the Taishan Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau and Digital Penang, and co-organized by Daguang Bay Youth Innovation Hub, TusStar Malaysia, TusStar Shenzhen, and TusStar Jiangmen. 

Distinguished guests, including Huang Binsheng, Party Committee Member and Deputy Director of the Taishan Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, and Lim Chong Seng, Director of Ecosystem Development at Digital Penang, attended the event. Nearly 40 young entrepreneurs and representatives from partner institutions across Taishan, Shenzhen, and Malaysia gathered for the exchange.

During the discussion sessions, Penang enterprises and representatives from Chinese companies in the technology, manufacturing, and intelligent systems sectors focused on core needs and engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as collaborative technological innovation, upstream and downstream industrial chain integration, and the expansion of project implementation scenarios. Several Malaysian enterprises showcased their capabilities through technology roadshows, comprehensively presenting innovative achievements and real-world applications in engineering technologies, water management solutions, AI applications, intelligent electronics, special education, and carbon management. 

Company highlights:

During the event, Taishan Media Center conducted a special on-site interview. Lyu Kou, Deputy General Manager of TusStar Malaysia, was invited to share insights on China–Malaysia cooperation opportunities in intelligent manufacturing and green technology during the interview.

Through face-to-face exchanges, enterprises from the three regions laid a solid foundation for deeper and more sustained collaboration going forward.

Group photo of the three-party exchange meeting

Industry Exchange at Shenzhen Guangming Science City Industrial

"Bright Road" China–Malaysia Collaboration Session

Shenzhen Guangming Science City Industrial established in 2020, is a functional state-owned enterprise under the Guangming District, with a registered capital of RMB 5 billion and 21 subsidiaries. Positioned as a provider of infrastructure development and industrial investment and operation services for Shenzhen Guangming Science City Industrial, its business scope covers park development and operation, investment promotion, technology transfer, and science and technology financial services. Under its "Bright Road" brand, the Group focuses on investment and financing services, and regularly organizes roadshows, industry matchmaking events, and seminars to build effective communication platforms for innovative enterprises.

The exchange event brought together over 30 representatives from the technology and industry sectors, including delegates from Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), the Guangming Institute of Industrial Innovation, the Guangming District Intelligent Manufacturing Industry Association, Skyworth Photovoltaic, the Penang Digital Agency of Malaysia, and multiple Malaysian enterprises. Malaysian companies presented solutions in intelligent manufacturing, environmental technologies, healthcare technologies, and AI/AR applications and system integration, while Shenzhen-based organizations shared practical experience in digital transformation, automation upgrades, and industrial implementation. Among them, the Industrial Innovation Institute of HIT (Shenzhen) showcased pathways for technology commercialization, the Guangming District Intelligent Manufacturing Industry Association highlighted opportunities for industrial chain collaboration, and Skyworth Photovoltaic presented smart photovoltaic solutions tailored for the Southeast Asian market. In-depth discussions were held on technology cooperation, product introduction, and market expansion models, leading to several preliminary cooperation intentions and laying a solid foundation for future cross-border industrial collaboration.

Group photo at the Exchange Meeting of Guangming Science City

Academic Exchange: Visiting Tsinghua SIGS and the University of Hong Kong

As part of the Shenzhen–Hong Kong exchange program, the delegation paid visits to Tsinghua University Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS) and the University of Hong Kong, gaining in-depth insights into the strategic approaches of leading Greater Bay Area universities in future-oriented research, innovation ecosystems, and entrepreneurship incubation.

Tsinghua University Shenzhen International Graduate School (Tsinghua SIGS)

During the visit to Tsinghua SIGS, the delegation was received by a host group comprising university leadership, faculty members, and representatives from incubated enterprises. Participants in the discussions included Dr. Zhang Wenzhu, Deputy Dean of the Training Institute; Zhu Ziyan, representative of the Technology Transfer Center under the Office of Research Affairs; faculty members Zhang Zhengjincheng and Wang Wei from the Training Institute; and Zhang Yonghao, CEO of incubated company Shenzhen Yuzhi Tongxing Technology Co., Ltd. 

Mr. Zhu Ziyan provided a detailed introduction to the Technology Transfer Center and the School's overall structure, helping Malaysian enterprises better understand the core drivers of China's technological development. Digital Penang shared Penang's digital policies, while participating enterprises presented their business offerings and engaged in interactive discussions.

ZeroTech brought its AR smart glasses and invited Dr. Zhang Wenzhu, Deputy Dean of the Training Institute, to conduct a live demonstration, which facilitated in-depth discussions between both sides and provided faculty and students at Tsinghua SIGS with a more tangible understanding of the development of Penang-based enterprises.

In addition, Tsinghua SIGS arranged a dedicated exchange session with Zhang Yonghao, CEO of incubated company Shenzhen Yuzhi Tongxing Technology Co., Ltd. Members of the delegation took this opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with incubated startups and local entrepreneurs, exploring potential collaboration opportunities and gaining insights into how fast-growing companies address challenges during their scaling process.

The delegation took a group photo at the Tsinghua-Shenzhen International Graduate School.

The University of Hong Kong

During the visit to the University of Hong Kong, the delegation was received by a host team led by Dr. Paul Wang, Director of HKU TEC, who also participated in the introductory sessions.

The delegation was first invited to tour the HKU University Museum and Archives to gain an overview of the University's history and research development. This was followed by a visit to the iDendron Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, where Dr. Paul Wang provided a comprehensive introduction to HKU's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and its "Coral Reef Innovation Ecosystem" model, demonstrating how research outcomes are translated into industrial applications.

In addition, HKU invited Utkarsh Goel, Co-founder of incubated technology company Clear Robotics, to share insights from his experience in technology development and market application. He presented the company's innovative solutions and outlined practical approaches adopted by deep-tech startups in addressing global challenges, offering Malaysian enterprises a close-up view of deep-tech incubation and early-stage innovation in practice. Both sides also engaged in open discussions on entrepreneurship support, industry collaboration, student innovation projects, and technology commercialization.

Both parties had a group photo taken at the University of Hong Kong.

Technology Exhibition: Visiting the China Hi-Tech Fair

China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF)

Highlights from the China Hi-Tech Fair

The China Hi-Tech Fair is a key platform in China’s science and technology innovation landscape, bringing together the latest global technological achievements, new energy technologies, smart city solutions, and industry trends. Through thematic forums, technology matchmaking sessions, and enterprise showcases, the Malaysian delegation gained comprehensive insights into the latest developments and strategic layout of China’s technology industry.

The delegation focused in particular on the 2025 Shandong Business Going Global • Shandong Trade Worldwide Special Session on New Energy Products and Energy Storage Technologies, which addressed:

• Global policy frameworks in the new energy sector

• Emerging application scenarios for energy storage technologies

• Overseas expansion opportunities and directions for industrial collaboration

During the exhibition, delegates engaged in face-to-face discussions with multiple enterprises, gaining deeper insights into smart grids, green energy, and AI-driven industrial innovation, providing valuable references for China–Malaysia cooperation and technology introduction.

Group photo of the delegation at the exhibition venue

Enterprise Visits: Exploring Innovation Ecosystems in Shenzhen and Hong Kong

In addition to business matchmaking and exchange activities, the delegation visited a number of hard-tech enterprises in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, gaining in-depth insights into technology research and development, product applications, and industrial commercialization practices.

SROD Robotics

The delegation visited SROD's production and R&D facilities to gain an in-depth understanding of the manufacturing processes of robotic inspection equipment. Both sides engaged in detailed discussions on intelligent equipment solutions, AI-based inspection systems, and overseas market expansion strategies.

Group photo with the SROD Robotics

Formlabs

Interactive exchanges between both parties to further enhance mutual understanding

At Formlabs, the delegation toured facilities ranging from the materials exhibition area to the printing laboratories, gaining a systematic understanding of the company's core technological strengths in 3D printing, including its material systems, multi-scenario applications, and post-processing processes. Company representatives also provided detailed briefings on real-world applications across the medical, manufacturing, and education sectors, enabling Penang enterprises to develop a more intuitive understanding of advanced manufacturing and digital production technologies.

Digital Penang presenting a commemorative gift

WDC Robotic

The delegation subsequently visited WDC Robotic, gaining first-hand exposure to the company's latest advancements in service robots, cleaning robots, delivery robots, and intelligent mobile devices. The wdciot team conducted on-site demonstrations covering core algorithms, navigation systems, and real-world deployments across multiple scenarios, including hotel services, smart hospitals, and logistics operations within industrial parks. These demonstrations enabled Penang enterprises to fully appreciate the speed of application and the level of industry maturity achieved in China's intelligent robotics and unmanned operations sectors. Delegation members also had the opportunity to experience hands-on operation of several robotic systems, sparking strong interest in future collaboration opportunities related to intelligent upgrading and technology adoption.

Group photo with WDC Robotics

Leadshine Technology Co., Ltd.

As a representative enterprise in China's motion control sector, Leadshine Technology presented its servo systems, stepper systems, industrial automation modules, and integrated smart factory solutions to the delegation. The delegation toured the company's Industry Solutions Exhibition Area, Smart Manufacturing Production Line Models, and Corporate Development Timeline, and engaged in in-depth discussions with the Leadshine team to gain deeper insights into the supply chain structure of China's automation industry and the company's global expansion strategy.

Group photo with Leadshine

Zhuoshi Technology Co., Ltd.

Through company visits, technical briefings, and product demonstrations, the delegation gained insights into Zhuoshi Technology’s innovative capabilities in AI infrastructure, data processing systems, visualization platforms, and smart city applications, as well as a deeper understanding of the company’s nationwide business expansion and representative industry use cases.

Group photo with Zhuoshi Tech

Hong Kong Science Tech Park

The delegation visited Hong Kong Tech Science Park and held discussions with the park's management team on Hong Kong's innovation policies and pathways for technology enterprise incubation, as well as roundtable exchanges with representatives from resident companies. Hong Kong Tech Science Park shared the latest development trends in fintech, life sciences, and green technology, and introduced collaboration models for international enterprises entering the Hong Kong market, providing valuable insights for Penang enterprises seeking to better understand Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem.

Group photo of the visit to the Hong Kong Tech Science Park

NixFrontier

The two sides exchanged souvenirs with each other

The delegation visited Hong Kong–based fintech company NixFrontier, where discussions focused on cross-border financial technology solutions, venture investment, and related areas. The exchange also explored potential pathways and strategic recommendations for Penang enterprises seeking to establish operations in China, laying the groundwork for future collaboration between both sides.

Post-meeting group photo with NixFrontier

Conclusion

Through this Shenzhen–Hong Kong study tour, Penang enterprises broadened their understanding of China's innovation ecosystem and engaged in forward-looking exchanges and collaboration discussions with multiple industry partners. TusStar Malaysia will continue to strengthen connections between Malaysian enterprises and China's innovation resources, advancing bilateral technology cooperation to a higher level and building a solid bridge to support enterprises in their international development.