CNIA is a non-government Malaysian think tank focusing on the studies of the new dynamics of Asia brought about by the rise of China and other Asian powers, in particular, ASEAN and South Asian countries. It is a Global Partner of the Belt and Road Studies Network (BRSN), an official alliance of international think tanks with research interest in the Belt and Road Initiative, launched by China at the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2019. It is also a founding member of the International Academic Network for a Community with Shared Future.

CNIA was co-founded by Tan Sri Ong Tee Keat and Mr Koh King Kee.

CNIA intends to exploit this distinct advantage by serving as a bridge to promote better understanding inter and intra Asia, as well as between the Asia and the world.

CNIA has signed strategic cooperation agreements with several well-known think tanks in China and co-hosted forums, seminars and webinars with Tsinghua University, Nanjing University, Renmin University and Jinan University.

The rise of China is considered by many as the most important phenomenon of the 21st century. The world needs to understand China as much as China must know the rules of the game in engaging with the world. Malaysia is uniquely the confluence of Asia’s three great civilisations, namely, Chinese, Indian and Islamic. As a member of the British Commonwealth, Malaysia is also well exposed to Western political and economic philosophies and cultural values.