13 May 2025 – At the invitation of Mr Tang Lijun, Director of the China Welfare Institute Development Research Centre, Datuk Dr Monna Ong Siew Siew, Chairperson of the MCA Public Policy and People’s Livelihood Research Advisory Committee, led a delegation to visit the Centre and engage in in-depth discussions with Director Tang and his team.

The visit focused on key topics such as child psychological development, early childhood education, and the holistic wellbeing of women and children—covering physical, mental, and emotional health. Both parties shared their respective experiences and research findings and explored opportunities for regional-level collaboration on policy development concerning children and women. An initial consensus was reached on conducting joint research studies in the future.

The China Welfare Institute Development Research Centre is affiliated with the China Welfare Institute (CWI), which was founded in 1938 during the war of resistance by Madame Soong Ching Ling, a prominent national leader and social activist. The institute was originally known as the China Defense League; after WWII, it was renamed as the China Welfare Fund and in 1950, it took its present name of the China Welfare Institute. Madame Soong Ching Ling, with her vision of “building the future”, was a lifelong advocate for women’s and children’s development, emphasising that children are the hope and future of a nation. She championed the use of education, healthcare, and culture to improve their overall wellbeing.

Under her leadership, the China Welfare Institute became one of the earliest social organisations in the new China to focus on maternal and child welfare. Institutions such as nurseries, children's theatres, and maternal and child healthcare centres established under the CWI have hold a lasting impact on Chinese society. Today, the Institute’s Development Research Centre continues to uphold her legacy by conducting policy research, designing projects, and promoting practical models. Its work spans child psychology, early childhood education, women’s empowerment, and holistic wellbeing, with a wealth of academic and practical achievements.

During the meeting, the MCA Public Policy and People’s Livelihood Research Advisory Committee proposed the establishment of a regular cooperation mechanism in the areas of child education and women’s development. The proposal included joint cross-regional research, academic exchanges, and policy advocacy to elevate the regional focus on women and children’s welfare. The Committee also extended a warm invitation to CWI leadership and experts to visit Malaysia in the near future for on-site discussions on specific cooperation frameworks and development plans.

The China Welfare Institute Development Research Centre expressed strong support for the collaborative prospects and plans to arrange a research visit to Malaysia soon to advance follow-up projects. This dialogue laid a solid foundation for deeper China-Malaysia cooperation in the field of women and children, opening new possibilities for innovative regional social policies.

The MCA Public Policy and People’s Livelihood Research Advisory Committee believes that through resource integration and coordinated development, both parties will continue to deepen cooperation and jointly pursue more impactful cross-regional partnerships to enhance the welfare of children and women.

MCA Public Policy & People’s Livelihood Research Advisory Committee

13 May 2025

-MCA Comm-