On 25 April 2025, the Southeast Asia Division Contest of the China International College Students' Innovation Competition 2025 (SEA-CICSIC 2025) and the 4th Malaysia-China Youth Innovation Competition were officially launched at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM).

This event marks the first time the China International College Students' Innovation Competition (CICSIC) has established a Southeast Asia regional round, with XMUM serving as the host. It aims to provide a premier platform for students from Southeast Asian nations to participate in a top-tier global competition, promoting cross-cultural exchange, innovation collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit.

In his welcome speech, Prof. Wang Ruifang, President of XMUM, emphasized that the competition serves not only as a stage for creative ideas but also as a bridge for mutual understanding and collaboration. He highlighted XMUM’s ongoing commitment to nurturing innovative talent and fostering academic and cultural exchange, expressing hope that the event would deepen partnerships with leading universities across the region and enhance economic development and technological cooperation between China and Southeast Asia.

Mr. Zheng Xuefeng, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, extended his congratulations, stating that the competition embodies the shared vision of the leaders of China and Malaysia, strengthens people-to-people ties, and fosters innovation-driven cooperation. He expressed hope that the event would further expand the scope and depth of youth and educational exchanges between the two nations, sparking cross-border, cross-disciplinary, and cross-cultural creativity.

Dato' Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, President of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, remarked that innovation and entrepreneurship are key drivers of economic growth. He praised the competition for offering participants a real-world platform to showcase ideas, develop critical thinking, strengthen teamwork, and solve practical challenges. He added that the event not only celebrates the deep friendship between the two countries but also promotes stronger connections and collaboration among youth.

Prof. Li Cheng, Deputy Director of Academic Affairs at Xiamen University, delivered congratulations on behalf of the top management of the main campus. He noted that this competition is both a stage for showcasing innovation and a platform for regional cooperation and youth creativity. He encouraged participants to lead the future with innovation, unite through openness, and define responsibility through excellence.

Mr. Zhu Lei, Executive President of the Global Youth Innovation Leadership Community Association, emphasized the critical role of technological innovation in today's interconnected world. He stated that collaboration is the only viable path forward, and that this competition responds directly to the urgent need for regional innovation partnerships, setting a new benchmark for global youth cooperation.

Ms. Zhao Jie, the representative of innovation advisor from Singapore, shared her own entrepreneurial journey in her speech. She emphasized that innovation knows no borders, praising Southeast Asian youth and Xiamen University Malaysia for their outstanding contributions, and encouraging students to be bold, collaborative, and future-focused changemakers.

The China International College Students' Innovation Competition (CICSIC), formerly known as the "Internet+" Competition, is currently China's largest and most prestigious innovation and entrepreneurship event. In 2024, it attracted 20.8 million participants and 5.14 million projects from 5,406 universities across 153 countries and regions.

First launched in 2019, the Malaysia-China Youth Innovation Competition has successfully engaged students from universities across Malaysia. It continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering innovation, youth exchange, and China-Malaysia friendship.

All the projects from the SEA-CICSIC 2025 will be further recommended to participate in the CICSIC 2025. With the active participation of students from across Southeast Asia, the competition is expected to spark a new wave of innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural collaboration, empowering the next generation of global leaders.