KOTA KINABALU: The 6th Belt and Road China–Malaysia Business Dialogue was successfully held on April 2 at the Ningxia Yuehai Conference Center. Representatives from government, business, enterprises, and social organizations from both China and Malaysia gathered to explore new opportunities for cooperation.
The Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah was invited to attend the event, with its President, Dr. Oh Ei Sun, delivering a speech on the prospects for cooperation between Sabah and Ningxia in the fields of culture and tourism.
This year’s dialogue was themed “Gather in Beautiful and Open New Ningxia, Compose a New Chapter in China–Malaysia Cooperation.” It aims to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries on building a high-level strategic China–Malaysia community with a shared future, while further deepening bilateral economic, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.
Distinguished guests who attended and delivered remarks included Chang Lih Kang, Vice President of Parti Keadilan and Malaysia’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation; Zhuang Yan, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Ningxia Committee; Ma Hui, Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee of Communist Party of China; and Tan Sri Dato’ Low Kian Chuan, Chairman of the Malaysia–China Business Council. Also present were Steven Liaw, Deputy President and Secretary-General, and Chen Xiaochun, Vice President, of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah.
In his speech, Dr. Oh noted that although Sabah and Ningxia differ significantly in geographical environment and climate, both regions possess rich and diverse cultural heritage, providing vast potential for collaboration in cultural tourism. Using Sabah’s unique identity as the “Land Below the Wind” as a starting point, he highlighted its vibrant cultural ecosystem shaped by over 30 ethnic groups and more than 80 languages, as well as the harmonious coexistence between indigenous traditions and a modern multicultural society.
He pointed out that with evolving tourism trends cultural tourism is becoming an increasingly important attraction for visitors. Compared to tourism that relies solely on natural landscapes, experiences that integrate community life, traditional culture, and authenticity are more appealing. Sabah’s experience in this area can complement Ningxia’s profound historical and cultural heritage.
On potential areas of cooperation, Dr. Oh proposed several initiatives, including the development of cross-regional joint tourism routes, enhanced exchanges in community-based sustainable tourism, promotion of cultural and artistic exchanges, and the strengthening of people-to-people ties through food festivals and chef exchange programs. He emphasized that cultural exchange should extend beyond official channels to include youth, education, and creative industries, thereby fostering more multidimensional connections.
At the same time, Dr Oh acknowledged the practical challenges facing such cooperation, including limited connectivity and the need to avoid superficial representations of culture. He called for mutual respect and understanding to ensure that cultural heritage is properly preserved and authentically presented.
Dr. Oh concluded that in the context of globalization, cooperation between Sabah and Ningxia can not only create economic opportunities but also serve as an important bridge for mutual learning between civilizations. He stressed that when diversity is respected and shared, it becomes a powerful force for connection.
During the dialogue, a series of activities were also held, including business matchmaking sessions, signing ceremonies, exhibitions, and site visits. These initiatives provided a practical platform for enterprises and institutions from both countries, further advancing regional cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative to a higher level.
GROUP PHOTO… Dr. Oh (second from left), Steven Liaw (second from right), Tan Sri Dato’ Low Kian Chuan (first from left), Chang (centre), and Chua Wei Kiat (first from right), State Assemblyman for Rawang, Selangor.
