The cheery 'Zapin Welcomes Spring'. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
An early welcome to the Year of the Horse was held at the launch of the China-Malaysia Spring Festival Gala in Putrajaya.
Themed “Enduring as Water, Together for the New Year”, the event held at IOI City Mall celebrated five decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Traditional lion dances kicked off the event on a high note before an energetic 24 Festive Drums performance wowed the crowd.
In his address, Chinese Embassy in Malaysia charge d’affaires Zheng Xuefang spoke about the cultural essence of the Spring Festival with the themes of “hope, harmony, happiness and family.”
He pointed out that China and Malaysia were moving towards a higher level of strategic cooperation.
“The upcoming Lunar Year of the Horse – the auspicious imagery of the ‘Horse’ echoes the name of Malaysia in Chinese.
“I hope that both countries will deepen strategic communication, advance practical cooperation and jointly promote regional prosperity,” he said.
He invited Malaysians to visit Shandong and experience the cultural heritage and hospitality of the province.
A ballet on-shoulder performance. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry deputy secretary-general (culture) Datuk Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff praised the event for its rich and diverse programmes.
“Malaysia and China enjoy long-standing cultural cooperation, strengthened by deep historical ties and active people-to-people exchanges.
“Culture, like water, can connect communities, bridge differences and inspire new possibilities.
“Through joint efforts, China and Malaysia can continue to build a future of mutual prosperity and deepen their friendship,” he added.
The embassy’s State Council Information Office external promotion bureau deputy director Li Zhuang said the event would connect China-Malaysia through various forms.
“Both China and Malaysia celebrate the Spring Festival with lion dances.
“Spring Festival and the social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional New Year was officially inscribed on Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
An energetic 24 Festive Drums performance.
“This event serves not only as a stage for cultural exchange between China and Malaysia but also as a bridge linking our two civilisations,” he said.
A variety of performers, including a Chinese orchestral performance, Zapin dance, the Xi’an Soldier Acrobatic Troupe’s “Dreams of Chang’an” shoulder ballet and Henan Opera’s “The Monkey King”, took to the stage.
The event concluded with performers and those present jointly performing Love Each Other, known as Shandong’s provincial song.
Guided by the State Council Information Office of China, the event was hosted by the Information Office of Shandong Provincial People’s Government, Foreign Affairs Office of Shandong Provincial People’s Government, Shandong Radio and Television Station and Shandong Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese.
The crowd being treated to Henan Opera’s ‘The Monkey King’.
It was co-organised by Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) and the Malaysia-Shandong Chamber of Commerce and undertaken by Shandong Satellite TV and Shandong International.
Also present were Counsellor of Chinese Embassy in Malaysia Chang Shan, Shandong International Communication Centre director Zhang Xiaobo, Shandong Satellite TV executive deputy director Zhang Li and MCCC adviser Loo Kok Seong.
