Multi-stakeholders’ Assessments of the Resources, Capability, Benefits, and Sustainability of China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park: Inputs to Policy Enhancement

This study assessed the resources, capabilities, benefits, and sustainability of the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park (CMQIP) to provide data-driven inputs for policy enhancement. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the study gathered quantitative data from 168 managers and 400 residents, complemented by qualitative interviews with six key government officials. Findings revealed that while environmental benefits positively influenced the park’s capability, both economic and social benefits showed strong negative correlations, indicating issues such as industrial over-reliance and social conflicts. Key resource-related drivers of capacity included policy support, land availability, and financial backing. Among the capabilities assessed, planning and implementation emerged as the strongest contributors to the park’s benefits and sustainability, while monitoring and evaluation had weaker effects. Canonical correlation analysis demonstrated significant relationships between capabilities and sustainability, although economic, environmental, and social sustainability factors were negatively associated with the park's current capacity. These insights emphasize the need for CMQIP to diversify its industrial base, address social concerns, and enhance governance to ensure sustainable and inclusive development. The study proposes a sustainability model based on multi-stakeholder assessments, offering strategic directions for future policy and management reforms.