Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (centre) and China's Culture and Tourism Minister Sun Yeli (third right) 'tossing in the new year' during a Chinese New Year Celebration event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center. With them are (from left) Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King and China's Culture and Tourism Vice Minister Gao Zheng. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The selection of Malaysia as the host for the Chinese New Year global launch marks a significant milestone in the friendship with China, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister stated that the "Chinese New Year Celebration 2025" will also elevate Malaysia’s position in the global tourism sector.
"We are deeply honoured, as this reflects the recognition of our multicultural society and offers an invaluable opportunity to present Malaysia’s cultural inclusivity and harmony to the world," he said in his speech during the Chinese New Year’s Global Launch 2025 here on Saturday (Jan 25).
Tiong noted that Chinese New Year transcends being merely a traditional festival for the Chinese people; it embodies profound meanings of reunion, hope, and joy.
"Through the celebrations, these universal emotions transcend cultural boundaries, forging a closer connection between Chinese culture and the global community."
"With Unesco's formal inscription of 'Chinese New Year' on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the global importance of cultural preservation has been further underscored, symbolising the robust cooperation between Malaysia and China in cultural exchange and protection," he said.
Tiong also mentioned that Malaysia looks forward to welcoming more tourists, especially with the recent mutual visa exemption policy announced by both countries.
"This will not only strengthen our ties in cultural and economic realms but also pave the way for new avenues of collaboration in the future," he said.
Tiong’s Chinese counterpart, Sun Yeli, said culture and tourism have always been key driving forces in the development of China-Malaysia relations.
"The successful hosting of the China-Malaysia Year of Culture and Tourism, alongside the increasingly frequent exchanges between our peoples, demonstrates the vast prospects and immense potential for cultural exchange and tourism cooperation between China and Malaysia," China's Culture and Tourism Minister said.
He expressed hope that China and Malaysia can seize this event as an opportunity to deepen people-to-people connections, fostering broader and closer relationships, bringing the people of China and Malaysia ever closer, and injecting more cultural vitality into the China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
The event, graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was the first time held outside of China.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, and China’s vice Culture and Tourism Minister Gao Zheng.
