KUALA LUMPUR: The Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail on Friday (April 10) officiated the launch of the memoir "My 30 Years in Malaysia” by Datuk Keith Li, which chronicles the entrepreneur’s three-decade journey and contributions to Malaysia-China relations.
The book carries a foreword by Tuanku Syed Faizuddin, who describes the memoir as a "living testimony” of how individuals can help build connections between nations and cultures, while highlighting the role of people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties.
The launching ceremony was attended by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Minister Counsellor and Consul General of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia, Wang Jiarong, and over 100 representatives from the business community and media, including the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
The event also marked the 10th anniversary of the China Entrepreneurs Association in Malaysia (PUCM), founded and led by Li, which was recognised through a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, commending its role in strengthening bilateral trade and people-to-people ties.
During the launch, Li described the memoir as a "belated life report” dedicated to his late mother, who passed away five months ago, and expressed appreciation to the Raja Muda of Perlis for more than 20 years of mentorship and support, as well as to the Chinese Embassy and his professional peers.
The memoir chronicles Li’s journey from arriving in Malaysia alone three decades ago to becoming a key figure in the local business community, offering insights for Chinese entrepreneurs on integrating into Malaysia’s multicultural society.
"I firmly believe that deeper cultural exchanges and sincere cooperation are the bedrock of long-term stability and development in our bilateral relations,” Li said in a statement issued after the event.
In the book’s preface and postscript, Li recounts how he arrived in Malaysia alone on July 27, 1996, and navigated language barriers and cultural differences before gradually establishing himself in the local business community.
He also reflects on how his journey evolved from that of a "stranger” to playing a role in fostering closer engagement between the Malaysian and Chinese communities, shaped by perseverance and cross-cultural understanding.
Looking ahead, Li expresses hope for Malaysia and China to strengthen collaboration in innovation, economic development, and cultural exchanges towards a more connected and mutually beneficial partnership.
"When the stars of both lands shine together, we will write a narrative of a shared human community that transcends economics.
"This grand vision requires many hands… to weave. My family and I are committed to serving as a warm bridge across generations, promoting cooperation, passing on our culture and connecting hearts,” he said.
As PUCM founder and president, Li is currently the only leader of a Chinese national association in Malaysia elected to the China Overseas Friendship Association.
He is also a visiting professor at Jiangsu Ocean University and holds several executive roles in the Jiangsu Overseas Friendship Association, in addition to founding the trilingual news platform Malaysia-China Insight.
Meanwhile, in line with corporate social responsibility efforts, the event featured a charity sale that raised RM30,000 for the Tuanku Syed Putra Foundation (YTSP).- Bernama
