On 28 July 2017, the China-ASEAN University President Forum for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education, hosted by Guizhou Institute of Technology, was held in Guiyang during the 10th China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week (CAECW). ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) was one of the supporters. Mr. Zuo Dingchao, Vice-chairperson of Guizhou Provincial People’s Political Consultative Conference, H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ACC, Mr. Zeng Yu, Party Secretary of Guizhou Institute of Technology, Mrs. Chantavit Sujatanond, Director of Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Higher Education and Development (SEAMEO RIHED) and Mr. Yu Cangbi, Director of the Secretariat of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Education Alliance of China, participated in the Forum and delivered remarks. Mr. Long Fenjie, President of Guizhou Institute of Technology, chaired the Forum. More than 200 university representatives from 14 countries including China, ASEAN Member States, Britain, Sweden and Russia attended the Forum.

In her remarks, Secretary-General Yang Xiuping stated that innovation is an important driving force for the economic and social development which is a common goal of both ASEAN and China. China is pursuing a national strategy of innovation-driven development, and the Chinese government has rolled out a host of policies to encourage Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation. At the same time, ASEAN is making great efforts to strengthen ASEAN Community building toward the goal of a competitive, innovative and dynamic ASEAN. Against the backdrop of the sluggish global economic recovery, it is imperative for both sides to improve innovation and technological capabilities, and cultivate more high-calibre professionals with innovative and entrepreneurial capabilities. She hoped that through the Forum, all the participants could contribute thoughts and suggestions, to promote the ASEAN-China educational cooperation and people-to-people exchanges to a new stage.

Vice-chairperson Zuo Dingchao elaborated the significance of innovation and entrepreneurship education and the social and economic development of Guiyang, and expected universities of ASEAN and China could innovate cooperation ideas, enlarge cooperation scope, cultivate more innovative professionals and promote common development. Party Secretary Zeng Yu cited that Guizhou Institute of Technology will take holding this event as an opportunity and fully play the role of China-ASEAN University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education Alliance to speed up the cultivation of innovative professionals with entrepreneurship quality, elevate the capability of education supporting service industry development, thus to make an active contribution for economic transformation and upgrading.

Director Chantavit pointed out that the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping created more opportunities for the career development of the young people, the cultivation of professionals with innovative and entrepreneurial spirit by universities will lay a solid foundation for them to enter the community and join the regional economic construction. SEAMEO RIHED will continue to support innovation and entrepreneurship education cooperation between universities of China and ASEAN countries. Director Yu Cangbi briefed on the establishment of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Education Alliance of China and its development. He mentioned that the foundation of innovation and entrepreneurship lies in education, and the key is talents, the role of universities is very crucial. Innovation & Entrepreneurship Education Alliance of China will play its advantage to enlarge cooperation in relevant areas with ASEAN countries.

In the keynote session, the participants had in-depth discussions and exchanges around the topic of Share and Development of China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education in Higher Institutions. The Forum also held the Unveiling Ceremony of Belt and Road International Enterprise Education Centre, and Signing Ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding of China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education Alliance of Universities as well as its Establishing Ceremony.