Strengthening China-Malaysia ties through BRI exchanges
By Dr Yong Jing Yi.
IN THIS globalised age, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) stands as a symbol of international cooperation, fostering economic, infrastructural and cultural bonds among participating nations.
Malaysia, a key partner in the BRI, has seen its relationship with China flourish, particularly through cultural and educational exchanges, showcasing a deepening friendship.
Dating back to the Malacca Sultanate era, the ties between China and Malaysia have evolved, with the BRI, initiated in 2013, solidifying these connections.
Positioned strategically along the BRI route, Malaysia benefits from various opportunities for growth and development, underscoring the importance of this partnership.
Cultural Exchanges: Bridging Hearts and Minds
Cultural exchanges under the BRI have been crucial in fostering mutual understanding between China and Malaysia.
The China Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur serves as a prime example of this collaboration, actively promoting Chinese culture and fostering cultural exchanges.
As a dynamic hub for cultural activities, educational initiatives and artistic exhibitions, it provides Malaysians with profound insights into both traditional and contemporary Chinese practices.
Through a diverse array of events, including art exhibitions, music and dance performances and calligraphy workshops, these exchanges continuously strengthen the cultural and educational ties between the two nations.
On May 11, the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia (CECCM) celebrated the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations with a batik workshop.
Aiming to foster member interaction, promote Malaysian culture and strengthen bilateral ties, the workshop showcased the traditional Malaysian craft known for its vibrant patterns created through a wax-dyeing process.
Representatives from Chinese enterprises, along with their families, actively participated in hands-on activities to create unique pieces, highlighting individual creativity and cultural significance.
The event underscored the importance of cultural exchange in deepening friendships and appreciation between Chinese and Malaysians.
Furthermore, the “Nihao! China" 2024 Ice & Snow Tourism Overseas Promotion Season in Malaysia showcased China’s winter tourism resources at Menara Kuala Lumpur. Organised by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and supported by China Southern Airlines, it aimed to boost economic growth and cultural exchange.
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic ties, the event highlighted tourism’s role in fostering cultural understanding and people-to-people connections.
With favourable visa policies and leadership, the event signalled a promising era of tourism collaboration, benefitting both nations.
Moreover, language programmes are vital to cultural exchange initiatives. The Confucius Institute at Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur exemplifies this, offering more than just Mandarin lessons. It acts as a vibrant cultural hub where Malaysians immerse themselves in Chinese traditions through calligraphy, music, and cuisine, fostering a profound understanding of Chinese heritage and contemporary society.
Similarly, the Han Culture Centre Malaysia, established in 2009, promotes Chinese language learning among Malaysians and serves as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, strengthening the bonds between the two nations.
The surge in Malay language studies at Chinese universities reflects a genuine curiosity about Malaysia’s cultural richness. Initiated by Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) in the 1960s, the teaching of Bahasa Melayu gained momentum.
BFSU’s Malay Language Centre, established in 1997 and upgraded in 2005 to the Malay Chinese Studies Centre, paved the way for 13 universities offering four-year degrees in Malay studies.
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Additionally, China’s introduction of the China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters (CATTI) last year signifies a commitment to language proficiency. These programmes foster empathy, dispel biases and cultivate cross-cultural collaboration, laying the groundwork for meaningful connections.
Educational Exchanges: Building Future Leaders
Educational exchanges are vital in the Sino-Malaysian relationship under the BRI, with a focus on academic collaborations and student exchanges.
Malaysian students benefit from scholarships like the Chinese Government Scholarship and the Great Wall Programme to study at Chinese universities, gaining both academic knowledge and cultural exposure.
Conversely, Malaysian universities host a growing number of Chinese students, particularly in business, tourism and information technology. Collaborations between institutions such as Universiti Malaya and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia with Chinese universities facilitate joint research projects, faculty exchanges and dual degree programme, fostering a knowledge-sharing ecosystem that benefits both nations.
Furthermore, institutions like UTAR exemplify the depth of collaborative relationships between educational organisations in both economies.
The recent “Retrospect Across the Centuries” conference, jointly organised by the UTAR Confucius Institute and the Institute of Chinese Studies, underscores this commitment.
This hybrid conference reviewed the historical origins of Malaysia-China relations, promoted academic collaborations and facilitated diplomatic exchanges.
Additionally, it offered immersive cultural experiences, including Chinese tea culture, calligraphy, Chinese chess, traditional medicine and Hanfu attire, enriching the academic discourse with vibrant cultural insights.
On the academic front, collaborative research projects address global challenges while solidifying academic partnerships. The Second Malaysia-China Joint Research Project Group focused on areas like energy storage technology and human vaccines, highlighting their shared dedication to scientific advancement.
Spearheaded during the 3rd Malaysia-China Joint Committee Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation, this collaboration builds on a longstanding partnership initiated in 2013.
Discussions also emphasised crucial fields like microelectronics technology and technology transfer, with MoUs signed to deepen cooperation in semiconductor technology, cementing Malaysia-China ties in research and development.
These collaborations foster innovation and problem-solving, demonstrating the practical impact of educational exchanges under the BRI.
A Promising Future
In conclusion, cultural and educational exchanges are vital as China and Malaysia bolster ties through the BRI. These initiatives foster understanding, trust and long-term cooperation, shaping future generations’ perceptions.
Both governments prioritise and expand these exchanges through policies and investments, aligning with the BRI’s objectives of peace and prosperity.
These exchanges exemplify soft diplomacy’s power, actively shaping Sino-Malaysian relations beyond symbolism. As they deepen, they forge a stronger partnership, enriching lives and promoting global harmony.
By nurturing these connections, both nations build trust and respect, supporting broader BRI goals and ensuring sustainable cooperation. Ultimately, the BRI’s success lies in connecting hearts and minds, creating enduring bonds that transcend boundaries.
Dr Yong Jing Yi is a Senior Lecturer at Taylor’s University. The views expressed here are entirely the writer’s own.
The SEARCH Scholar Series is a social responsibility programme jointly organised by the South-East Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), in conjunction with the 10-year anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.