PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to host two major international events next year, with China organising the "Happy Chinese New Year" event and Malaysia joining South Korea to co-host the Asean-Korea Music Festival.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing announced that, following the successful joint inscription of the "Wangkang Ceremony" on Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list in 2020, Malaysia and China will collaborate again this year.
This partnership will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations and will focus on nominating the lion dance for Unesco ICH recognition.
In addition, South Korea will establish a "Korean Cultural Centre" in Kuala Lumpur next year to mark the 65th anniversary of Malaysia-South Korea diplomatic relations, further enhancing cultural exchanges.
Tiong is currently in Shanghai attending the China International Travel Mart, where he met with China's Culture and Tourism Minister Sun Yeli, and South Korea's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Minister Yu In-chon.
During these meetings, Tiong expressed Malaysia’s readiness to take proactive steps and establish collaborative platforms to deepen cultural and artistic exchanges with both China and South Korea.
Sun highlighted the deep cultural affinity between China and Malaysia and China's efforts to industrialise its cultural sector.
He proposed exploring joint development opportunities in this area and announced that the renowned "Happy Chinese New Year" event would be held overseas for the first time on Jan 23, with Malaysia as the host country.
Preparations are already in full swing, with China finalising the list of performers and encouraging Malaysia to provide support and maximise promotional efforts, added Sun.
Meanwhile, Tiong highlighted the cultural and artistic exchanges between Malaysia and South Korea, noting several key events held this year, such as the Malaysia–Republic of Korea Orchestra Concert, the Asia Dance Committee meeting, the Gwangju Biennale 2024, and the Seoul Friendship Festival 2024.
"The Asean-Korea Music Festival, co-hosted by Malaysia and South Korea, will take place from June 21 to 22 next year in Kuala Lumpur.
"Featuring Asean and Korean artistes, this event will be organised in collaboration with South Korea's KBS WORLD. It will promote regional integration through popular music while creating a platform for musicians and fans to engage and collaborate," Tiong said in a statement on Monday (Nov 25).
Tiong called for more opportunities for cultural and artistic activities to further strengthen bilateral ties and noted the potential of leveraging pop culture events to promote social harmony.
Yu, in turn, noted that Malaysia's youth are well-acquainted with Korean culture, particularly K-pop, Korean beauty trends, and the Korean language.
He proposed joint projects targeting young audiences in both nations.
The two sides agreed to incorporate youth-focused activities into the Malaysia-South Korea Tourism and Culture Cooperation MoU, scheduled to be signed during the Asean Tourism Forum in 2025.
