Abdul Majid (left) and Ouyang (right) with videomakers Wen (second from right) and Xie during the prize-giving ceremony of the short video and photography competition at the Chinese Embassy. — Photos: SAMUEL ONG/The Star
SOME 34 short videos and photographs showcasing ties between China and Malaysia were recognised with awards during a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
The event was held in conjunction with the “China-Malaysia Friendship in My Eyes” short video and photography competition which saw more than 160 entries.
At the event, Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing said he was “deeply touched” by the works.
“Through these amazing works, I can feel the contestants’ love for the cultures of China and Malaysia as well as their support for the two countries’ traditional friendship,” he said.
“I am sure these works will deepen people’s understanding of the friendship, especially this year which marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.”
He also urged award winners to create more of such works.
First prize-winner Lim Kooh Hean said China and Malaysia had attained remarkable achievements in politics, economy and culture throughout the past 50 years.
“I believe photography is a silent language which transcends national boundaries.
“It reflects culture and depicts people’s souls. This award is not only a personal honour for me but it is also an opportunity for more people to appreciate the beauty of China-Malaysia friendship,” he said in his speech.
His work titled Understanding Each Other captures images of Malay children appreciating Chinese lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Short video competition second prize-winner Wen Qi said: “It is a great honour to be able to depict China-Malaysia friendship in the lights and shadows captured in our short video.”
Produced together with her friend Xie Yi, the short video titled A Montage Story Spanning Longitude and Latitude documents moments on Guangzhou, China and Kuala Lumpur streets.
The competition was organised by Malaysia-China Friendship Association and supported by the embassy.
Lim explaining his winning photograph titled ‘Understanding Each Other’.
Present at the awards ceremony were association president Datuk Abdul Majid Abdul Khan and competition judge Dr Wang Jiabao.
In his speech, Abdul Majid listed factors contributing to long-lasting bilateral relations.
“These are mutual trust, the willingness to share and care as well as the sense of sacrifice.
“Both Malaysia and China embraced these elements throughout the past 50 years.
“Hence, we fostered good government-to-government and people-to-people relationships.
“It is now the youths’ responsibility to further deepen these relationships.”
Abdul Majid hoped the winning works could be broadcast through social media in both countries for more people to understand the depth of the bilateral friendship.
Representing the judging panel, Wang said the entries presented unique perspectives of the customs and cultures of both countries.
She added that education was key in bringing the China-Malaysia friendship forward by fostering greater understanding between the two countries.
“The sustainability of the China-Malaysia friendship requires careful management.
“I hope this competition can be continued so that we can witness the growth of the China-Malaysia friendship together,” said Wang, who is a lecturer with Universiti Malaya’s Creative Arts Faculty.
