CYBERJAYA, Dec 1 (Bernama) — The youths of Malaysia and China are integral to perpetuate the success of diplomatic relations enjoyed between the two countries for the last 50 years, Malaysia-China Friendship Association President Datuk Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan said.
The former Malaysian ambassador to China said the youths have a responsibility to keep the flame of friendship burning through understanding and appreciation of each other’s language and culture.
“As we move forward in the next 50 years, the task of ensuring our partnership, friendship with China lies with you all (the youth). I’m very positive that many programmes have been laid out, all done towards this direction.
“Through language, understanding as well as learning from each other will create a better appreciation and understanding of each other’s culture … together we look forward for another 50 years of friendship, collaboration and innovation,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the Suara Semua Carnival held at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (Limkokwing University) here today. The Suara Semua Carnival, a cross-cultural singing contest was held by Kunkwan International Mandarin Learning Centre (Kunkwan), in collaboration with Limkokwing University.
It featured 10 Malay contestants singing Mandarin songs and 10 Chinese contestants performing Malay songs. It aims to promote cultural exchange and strengthen ties between Malaysia and China.
Highlights of today’s event includes a colouring contest, a special gallery showcasing historical photographs of the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China over the last 50 years
and live performances by popular Malaysian artists.
Also present as guest of honours were Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Kunkwan Founder Kent Ng and Limkokwing University Group Chief Brand Officer Datuk Tiffanee Marie Lim.
Meanwhile, Wong in his speech highlighted the growing confidence that Malaysia-China relations will grow stronger over the coming years.
He also reiterated the importance of people-to-people connections in excelling the partnership to greater heights.
“The celebration (Malaysia-China diplomatic ties 50th anniversary) will not conclude just like that. The celebrations will continue next year in 2025, and the friendship between Malaysia and China will certainly grow stronger and more meaningful, much more effective.
“For the past one year, (relations had) mostly involved government-to-government and business leaders, but it’s now very important to have people-to-people because it is the people
that makes up Malaysia and China,” he said.
Malaysia celebrated its 50th anniversary of establishing bilateral diplomatic ties with China on May 31.
Trade lies at the heart of the two countries ties. Over the past two decades, bilateral trade has grown more than five-fold and now exceeds US$99bil, making China the largest trading partner of Malaysia for last 15 consecutive year.
* Source: Bernama
