(Back row, from left) Lau, Lee, See and Chai, with (from right) Wei and Ee, posing for a group photo with Shaolin martial arts practitioners who will be performing in the Malaysia Shaolin Cultural Festival on Dec 21 in Kuala Lumpur.
THE second edition of Malaysia Shaolin Cultural Festival will take place tomorrow, following the success of the inaugural event last year.
Themed “Shaolin Culture Going Global”, the festival is co-organised by Songshan Shaolin Temple of China, Shaolin Cultural Centre Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Chinese Assembly Hall (MCAH), and Malaysia-China Friendship and Mutual Aid Association (MCFAMAA).
It will be held from 10am to 5pm at Menara KK in Maju Link, Bandar Tasik Selatan, Kuala Lumpur.
This year’s festival carries added significance as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
The event was initiated by Songshan Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin and led by Shaolin Cultural Centre Kuala Lumpur founder Master Yan Zhi.
Speaking at a press conference, MCAH president Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai praised the success of the first Shaolin Cultural Festival which had been warmly received by the public.
As a co-organiser for the second consecutive year, he said MCAH hoped to elevate the festival’s scale and activities.
“MCAH has always been committed to promoting Chinese culture,” said Chai.
“Since its inception, it has actively introduced traditional Chinese arts and transformed these into cherished cultural practices rooted in the Malaysian community.
“Events such as Winter Solstice, Mooncake Festival and Dragon Boat Festival are part of our efforts to preserve and celebrate these traditions,” he added.
Master Yan Zhi revealed that this year’s festival will welcome distinguished guests from China, Macau, Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia.
These include Master Yan Hao from Indonesia Shaolin Foundation, Master Yan Peng from Shenyang Shaolin Cultural Centre in China, Master Yan Du from Macau, Master Yan Hui from Hong Kong, Master Yan Xiao from Songshan Shaolin Temple and Master Yan Rong from Singapore.
Zhi also expressed gratitude for MCAH’s unwavering support in organising the festival.
Over the past two decades, he said MCAH worked on the preservation of Chinese cultural values as well as celebrated the harmony of Malaysia’s diverse ethnic and cultural communities.
“Through performances such as the 24 festive drums and lion dance, we aim to showcase the richness of Chinese culture while fostering greater understanding and unity among Malaysians.
“We hope the festival will continue to thrive and pass on meaningful traditions to future generations,” said Zhi.
Tomorrow’s highlights include the Shaolin Kung Fu Rank Advancement Ceremony, where students will be rigorously evaluated by Songshan Shaolin Temple masters based on official Shaolin Temple standards.
Visitors can also explore various aspects of Chinese culture through interactive booths and exhibitions.
There will also be a wellness talk, “Shaolin Wellness and Its Relevance to You”, by Songshan Shaolin Temple masters.
MCFAMAA president Ee Kah Fuk pointed to the festival’s role in introducing Shaolin culture to Malaysia and its relevance in the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties.
He also spoke about how the festival aimed to inspire the younger generation to explore martial arts and Zen philosophy.
Present at the press conference were MCAH deputy president See Foo Hoong, secretary-general Steven Lee, organising secretary Darren Lau and MCFAMAA vice-president Dr Cherry Wei.Shaolin Cultural Centre Kuala Lumpur, established in 2016, serves as the official cultural hub of Songshan Shaolin Temple in Malaysia.
Guided by its mission to “Promote Buddhism, Preserve Culture and Benefit Society”, the centre spreads Shaolin Zen and martial arts culture while fostering cultural exchanges between Malaysia and China.
It offers a range of programmes including Shaolin Kung Fu Rank Advancement System and Shaolin Wellness Techniques that cater to participants of all ages and skill levels.
It also actively engages in international cultural and martial arts exchanges.
The festival is open to the public.
