KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia-China 50th Anniversary Photo Exhibition depicting historical moments in the half-decade bilateral ties between both countries manifests the growing maturity, stability and vitality of Malaysia-China relations, says Ouyang Yujing.
The China Ambassador to Malaysia said the exhibition, jointly produced by Star Media Group and Sin Chew Daily, also showcases friendly exchanges between both countries.
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“Sin Chew Daily is one of Malaysia’s most influential Chinese-language media, and The Star is one of Malaysia’s best-selling and most influential English-language newspapers.
“The two influential media’s joint efforts have availed us precious photos to honour this golden 50th anniversary,” said Ouyang, who was among the guests of honour at the launch in Mid Valley Megamall here yesterday.
Also present was Tourism Malaysia director-general Manoharan Periasamy.
Ouyang also said both China and Malaysia had hosted a series of celebratory events in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship.
“This shows great warmth and appreciation for the development of China-Malaysia relations from all walks of life,” Ouyang added.
History in images: Datin Paduka Tan Siok Choo (left), granddaughter of Tun Tan Cheng Lock, the founder and first president of MCA, showing a picture of her father Tun Tan Siew Sin on display at the exhibition. With her are UTAR Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre chairperson Dr Chin Yee Mun (in blue) and research fellow Dr Tan Sing Pei.
As a witness and contributor to the long-lasting China-Malaysia friendship, he said the media played an “important role in consolidating and enriching both countries’ cooperation and strong ties”.
On further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernisation, Ouyang noted that China’s economy had maintained steady growth momentum to facilitate such efforts.
He also said the country would continue to deepen reforms and promote opening up comprehensively.
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“China remains committed to a high standard of opening up, as it continues to be the world’s top trader and exporter, as well as a major source of outbound investment.
“China will be more proactive in integrating into the global economy by sharing its super-sized market with the world, which will bring abundant development opportunities for all,” Ouyang said.
Among the notable images exhibited are the historic meeting between then Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and Chairman Mao Zedong in 1974, current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and giant pandas Xing Xing and Liang Liang, all of which have played an integral role in enhancing the cultural exchange between Malaysia and China.
The exhibition features some 400 photographs in black-and-white and colour which are curated and exhibited based on themes including the pre-establishment era, cultural exchanges, collaborations and humanitarian efforts.
Also launched yesterday was the Blossoming and Fruiting: 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China coffee table book featuring some 200 photographs across 270 pages, highlighting the enduring friendship and growing synergy between Malaysia and China.
Futuristic view: A visitor trying out a virtual reality headset which simulates a unique tourism experience at the Tourism Malaysia booth as staff look on during the exhibition launch.
The coffee table book and the photo exhibition are jointly organised by Star Media Group 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 sponsors.
Star Media Group group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said both Star Media Group and Sin Chew Daily played a critical role in documenting the evolution of ties between both countries over the decades.
“We have chronicled the milestones and promoted a deeper connection between our nations via insightful editorials, captivating photographs and comprehensive reports.
“It is also a testament to the transformative power of diplomacy, economic engagement and cultural exchange,” he said in his speech.
On the coffee table book, Chan explained that it contained a collection of carefully curated media photographs.
“It tells the story of our journey through history, where each image captures the essence of moments shaping our relationship,” said Chan.
Momentous occasion: Ouyang (third from left) and Manoharan (fourth from left) cutting the ribbon during the launch of the coffee table book and Malaysia-China 50th Anniversary Photo Exhibition at Mid Valley Megamall. With them are Chan (third from right), Koo (second from left), UTAR research, development and commercialisation vice-president Prof Dr Faidz Abdul Rahman (right), AirAsia Aviation global policy and government relations chief Lim Boon Seong (left) and Mid Valley Megamall CEO Rennie Lee (second from right). — Photos by SIA HONG KIAU/The Star
Sin Chew Daily chief executive officer Koo Cheng said the official launch of the coffee table book after months of preparation marked a significant milestone in the enduring friendship between Malaysia and China.
“The exhibition highlights the rich history and development of our bilateral relationship through a series of invaluable historical photographs and images,” he said.
Koo urged visitors to take a closer look at the exhibited photos, noting that each told a compelling story and captured moments of collaboration and cultural exchange.
“These images not only showcase our joint successes but also reflect the genuine emotions and enduring friendship between our peoples.”
AirAsia Aviation Group chief commercial officer Paul Carroll said partnering with The Star, one of the major English newspapers in Malaysia, provides them a larger platform to amplify their message across the region.
“This partnership has reiterated our commitment to constantly enhance the guest experience to ensure seamless travel across over 130 destinations within our network,” he said.
The exhibition will be on display from now to Aug 18, 10am to 10pm daily, on the ground floor of the mall’s Centre Court concourse. Admission is free.
The Blossoming and Fruiting Coffee Table Book and Malaysia-China 50th Anniversary Photo Exhibition are jointly organised by Star Media Group and Sin Chew Daily, supported by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, with UTAR as the education partner, AirAsia as the official partner, Mid Valley Megamall as the venue partner. IJM Corporation Bhd, Midea Scott & English Electronics Sdn Bhd, QL Resources Bhd and Tan Hong Aik as Coffee Table Book sponsors.
