Learning from China’s example | The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia can benefit from adopting China’s focus on unity and collective business efforts, which are crucial for maintaining a strong and harmonious relationship between the two countries, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said this was a valuable culture that Malaysia could learn from.

“We cannot deny that China is Malaysia’s biggest trade partner.

“It has shown the world the importance of unity in conducting business as a family,” he said during his visit yesterday to the Malaysia-China 50th Anniversary Photo Exhibition by Star Media Group (SMG) and Sin Chew Daily.

“China has undeniably established itself as a major global trade partner. This culture of unity and cooperation is beneficial for our country and the world at large,” he added.

Tiong also advised against randomly adopting practices from other countries, emphasising the importance of a balanced approach to cultural and business practices.

“We should exercise caution in emulating other countries. It’s important for the younger generation to avoid learning extreme behaviours,” he said.

The minister expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to take in the exhibition, titled “Malaysia China Ties: Journey Through Time”, being held at Mid Valley Megamall.

He said the event offers the younger generation a chance to understand the historical and cultural ties that have shaped Malaysia over the years.

Air links: Tiong browsing through a photo album documenting AirAsia’s flights to China.

“All the photos are very impressive and significant for our present and future generations. I urge The Star and Sin Chew Daily to continue organising these meaningful initiatives,” he said.

One of the notable exhibits is an 18-foot-long photograph showcasing a group photo of nearly 2,000 delegates and Chinese government leaders, including Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping, at the Afro-Asian Friendship Invitational tournament in Beijing in 1973.

The photo, courtesy of Datuk KK Low and his wife Datin Cheng Seow Ying, a member of the Malaysian team, was made available to The Star for the exhibition.

The event also showcased iconic images, capturing historical moments such as then prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein with chairman Mao Zedong in May 1974, photographs of current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as pandas Xing Xing and Liang Liang.

As part of the exhibition, a coffee-table book Blossoming and Fruiting: 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China was also launched.

The book features around 200 photographs across 270 pages, highlighting the enduring friendship and growing synergy between Malaysia and China.

The coffee-table book and the photo exhibition are jointly organised by SMG and Sin Chew Daily, supported by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman as the education partner, AirAsia as the official partner, Mid Valley Megamall as the venue partner and IJM Corporation Bhd, Midea Scott & English Electronics Sdn Bhd, QL Resources Bhd and Tan Hong Aik as the coffee-table book sponsors.

The exhibition will run from Aug 5 to 18, 10am to 10pm daily, on the ground floor of the mall’s Centre Court concourse. Admission is free.

Also present at the event were Tourism Malaysia director-general Manoharan Periasamy, SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and chief business officer Lydia Wang, and Sin Chew Daily CEO Koo Cheng.