KOTA KINABALU: The 2026 Chinese Culture Land in Kota Kinabalu officially opened yesterday at Kota Kinabalu Kian Kok Middle School, bringing together about 400 primary and secondary students from diverse ethnic backgrounds across Sabah.
Organised by Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College, hosted by the Malaysia China Friendship Association Sabah, co-organised by Kota Kinabalu Kian Kok Middle School and supported by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, the programme runs from August 26 to September 7.
Students will take part in Chinese calligraphy, traditional painting, martial arts, folk music, shadow puppetry, handicraft and cultural studies to experience Chinese civilization and strengthen Malaysia-China friendship.
This is the third time the Malaysia China Friendship Association Sabah has hosted the programme. Previous editions featured teaching teams from Shaanxi Province in 2023 and Tianjin in 2024.
In her opening address, Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College Deputy President and head of the teaching delegation Ms. Kong Xuemei said the programme promotes traditional Chinese culture among overseas youth.
She said a 12-member team of specialists in Chinese culture, martial arts, music, dance, calligraphy, painting, intangible cultural heritage handicraft and shadow puppetry had travelled from China to Sabah. She hoped students would engage fully, deepen their appreciation of Chinese culture and build lasting friendships.
Culture as a bridge of understanding
Malaysia China Friendship Association Sabah President Dr. Oh Ei Sun said culture is both the foundation of civilization and a bridge connecting people from different backgrounds.
He said the programme helps participants understand the values behind Chinese cultural traditions.
“Calligraphy teaches calmness, patience and concentration. Chinese painting reflects the beauty of simplicity and artistic expression. Martial arts embody the balance between strength and gentleness, while traditional music carries historical memories and emotions passed down through generations,” he said.
He said these traditions reflect harmony, integrity, diligence, inclusiveness and responsibility, providing common ground for people from different cultures.
“We are not organising this programme as a one-way transmission of culture. Rather, we hope to use Chinese culture as a window through which young people can learn about China while developing a deeper appreciation for the richness of different civilizations around the world,” he said.
Dr. Oh said meaningful cultural exchange should lead to mutual respect, trust and friendship. He noted that this year marks the 52nd anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, adding that cooperation in education, culture, tourism, science and technology depends on strong people-to-people ties.
He urged students to learn actively, communicate openly and make new friends while finding common ground and appreciating differences.
Richard Yong: Cultural exchange opens a window to the world
Sabah State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Richard Yong We Kong, J.P., who officiated the ceremony, said international friendship is built through mutual understanding, trust and people-to-people ties, as well as government cooperation.
He praised the programme as a meaningful cultural exchange.
“This programme allows students not merely to learn about Chinese culture, but to experience it firsthand through martial arts, calligraphy, Chinese painting, traditional music and handicrafts,” he said.
Yong said the participation of about 400 students from Sabah’s various ethnic communities reflected the state’s values of diversity, inclusiveness and mutual respect.
“Learning about another culture does not mean giving up one’s own culture. On the contrary, the more we appreciate others, the more we learn to value our own cultural heritage,” he said.
He added that the programme gives students a better understanding of China’s history, cultural heritage and modern development, while allowing visiting teachers to learn more about Sabah’s multicultural society.
Yong urged students to see the programme as an opportunity to make friends, broaden their horizons and understand the world.
“Every new friendship creates another opportunity for understanding. Every cultural exchange builds another bridge between people,” he said.
Cultivating friendship through culture
The Chinese Culture Land programme is an established cultural education initiative for overseas Chinese youth, using thematic teaching led by professional educators and coaches from China.
Its curriculum includes Chinese martial arts, folk music, calligraphy, painting, traditional handicrafts, stage performance and Chinese cultural studies. Courses include martial arts, shadow puppetry, singing and recitation, Chinese cultural theatre, paper-cutting, Chinese big drum, lantern-making, and calligraphy and painting.
The programme also aims to develop teamwork, creativity, confidence and cross-cultural understanding.
Other guests at the opening ceremony included Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu Dr. Zhu Xinglong; Honorary President of the Malaysia China Friendship Association Sabah and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kota Kinabalu Kian Kok Middle School Datuk Clement Yeh, J.P.; Senator and Chairman of the Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe; and Executive Vice President and Secretary-General of the Malaysia China Friendship Association Sabah Steven Liaw.
The programme now continues with cultural learning and exchange activities aimed at promoting multicultural harmony and people-to-people friendship between Malaysia and China.
At the opening ceremony of the 2026 Chinese Culture Land in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Ms. Kong Xuemei (7th from left), presented the programme flag to Goh Teck Seng (5th from right), Principal of Kota Kinabalu Kian Kok Middle School, witnessed by Richard Yong, (6th from right), Dr. Zhu Xinglong (7th from right), Dr. Oh Ei Sun, (5th from left); Datuk Clement Yeh, J.P. (3rd from right); Honorary President of the Association and Organising Committee Chairman, Jack Liaw; Senator and Chairman of the Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe (4th from left); Kepayan Assemblyman and Legal Adviser to the Association, Datuk Chin Teck Ming (2nd from right); and Nominated Sabah State Assemblyman Datuk Chin Shu Ying.
