KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia-China friendship has flourished due to the foresight of the country’s former leaders, resulting in many collaborative achievements and memorable moments between the two countries, said MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
“Looking ahead, the future holds immense potential for both countries as we continue to strengthen our ties by exploring new avenues for cooperation.
“Let us continue to build on our successes, and I look forward to a stronger collaborative relationship between Malaysia and China in the future,” he said.
Dr Wee spoke at the book launch of The Story of China and Malaysia and a forum in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of Malaysia-China bilateral ties at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) here yesterday.
The book launch was organised by the APU China Students Association in collaboration with the Malaysia China Welfare Advisory Society.
The book, edited by former China ambassadors to Malaysia, Dr Huang Huikang (2014 to 2017) and Hu Zhengyue (2001 to 2003), chronicles the shared history, present cooperation and future vision of Malaysia-China relations, attesting to the vibrant and dynamic relationship.
In a video message, Huang said the book was a collective achievement by many friends from different walks of life, both in China and Malaysia.
Enhancing understanding: Dr Wee delivering a speech at the launch of the book titled ‘The story of China and Malaysia’ at Asia Pacific University in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
“The 30 stories reflect the deep roots and foundations of the friendship between the two countries, including important moments where leaders have jointly planned a grand blueprint for win-win cooperation.
“When we drink water, we should not forget those who dug the well. This is the reason we collect and edit the stories.
“Our friendship has come a long way and is becoming stronger as time goes by,” he said.
Also present were MCA secretary-general and the society’s advisor Datuk Chong Sin Woon, APIIT Education Group chief executive officer Datuk Parmjit Singh and former deputy minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow.
Chong also congratulated Huang and Hu for the book launch.
“I thank the two former ambassadors for their continued contributions to the Malaysia-China friendship even after their retirement.
“Their unwavering dedication to the development of bilateral relations is truly commendable.
Compelling read: Student Nina Qin Xueling holding the book titled ‘The Story of China and Malaysia’ during the launch.
“I believe this book will enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations and pave the way for a brighter future,” he said.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia is committed to empowering the youths through technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
“The robust Malaysia-China collaboration in TVET, encompassing work experience programmes, knowledge-sharing, and training opportunities in China, exemplifies our shared dedication to nurturing a new generation of skilled professionals who will drive our economies forward,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister and National TVET Council chairman, lauded the setting up of the Malaysia-China Institute for equipping young people with the essential knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the 21st-century economy.
Ahmad Zahid’s speech was read by Rural and Regional Development Ministry secretary-general Datuk Muhd Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar.
