Retrospect of Amity: Malaysia-China 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relationship

This Year of the Dragon marks the 50th anniversary of an enduring diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China as well as the 20th anniversary of the Confucius Institute worldwide.

In conjunction with the momentous occasions, UTAR Confucius Institute and the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) jointly organised the “Retrospect Across the Centuries: International Conference on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China” at Multipurpose Hall, Heritage Hall Building, UTAR Kampar Campus on 24 May 2024.

Organised as a hybrid (half virtual) conference, the international conference aimed to review Malaysia-China historical origins, promote Malaysia-China academic collaborations, and strengthen Malaysia-China diplomatic exchanges.

The conference was hosted in both Chinese and English languages. It delved into multiple aspects of the development of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations and the Confucius Institute worldwide, including educational exchanges, historical origins, economic and trade developments, and social exchanges.

Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang Ms Ding Qiao said, “Malaysia has established seven Confucius Institutes and a Confucius Classroom to facilitate Chinese education and promote Chinese culture and academic research, which further enhance the diplomatic relationship between China and Malaysia. The development of the Malaysia-China relationship over the past 50 years has provided us with many valuable experiences and insights. Looking towards the future, China and Malaysia have broad prospects in joint cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative. Together with other institutions such as UTAR, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang continues to expand mutual collaborations, enhance cultural exchanges, and jointly cultivate the brilliant friendship of China and Malaysia.”

Ms Ding outlining the diplomatic exchanges between China and Malaysia in the past 50 years

Tan Sri Ting expressing his gratitude to the partners from China for strengthening education

Prof Dato’ Ewe emphasising UTAR’s partnership with international institutions

He added, “Around 10 years ago, UTAR ICS held an international seminar for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, and received great feedback. In the blink of an eye, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. Hence, UTAR is delighted to host this conference again after 10 years to review the history of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China from the 1970s to our present time.”

In the pre-recorded video, Dezhou University President Prof Zhao Changlin, who is also the Chair of the Council (China) for UTAR Confucius Institute, said, “This conference reviews the history of Malaysia-China diplomatic exchanges; analyses the results of Malaysia-China economic, trade, education and cultural collaborations; and provides an outlook into Malaysia-China future vision, system, economic, cultural and educational exchanges. Together, we jointly promote the establishment of a community with a shared future between China and Malaysia. This conference will become an academic event with international influence and great historical significance. I look forward to discussing with experts and scholars from their respective fields of academic research and providing professional guidance for the construction of disciplines of the two universities, the development of Confucius Institute’s features, and high-quality development, which will contribute to the higher education sector for deepening the friendship between China and Malaysia.”

Prof Zhao wishing a bright future ahead for Malaysia-China friendship in his pre-recorded speech

Speaker	Designation	Topic’s Title
Dato’ Sri Dr Hou Kok Chung	UTAR Institute of Chinese Studies Adjunct Professor	“Malaysia’s Confucian Businessmen and the Belt and Road Initiative”
Prof Wu Yinghui	Beijing Language and Culture University Research Institute of International Chinese Language Education Professor	“The new positioning and new expansions of Chinese education in Malaysia under the context of China-Malaysia relations”
Prof Zhao Changlin	Dezhou University President	“Thoughts on the features of Qilu culture and the construction of featured language programmes at UTAR Confucius Institute”
Assoc Prof Dr Au Yong Hui Nee	UTAR Faculty of Business and Finance Dean	“From the Belt and Road Initiative to trade promotion and cultural exchanges in Malaysia, ASEAN”
Dr Fok Kuk Fai	UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management Assistant Professor	“Malaysia-China Trade: The implications of Malaysia’s ascension in the global value chain”
Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun (co-presenting with Mr Lee Jenn Yuan)	UTAR Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies Chairperson	“Portrays of a country’s image: A case study on Malaysia educated youth’s perceptions towards China”
Mr Lee Jenn Yuan (co-presenting with Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun)	UTAR Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies Assistant Manager	“Portrays of a country’s image: A case study on Malaysia educated youth’s perceptions towards China”
Mr Ren Qiping	Universiti Teknologi Malaysia PhD Candidate (Educational Technology)	“Is learning Chinese popular? Exploration of the development of Chinese language education in Malaysia”
Dr Goh Hong Lip	UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management Assistant Professor	“Shared universe: Malaysia-China internet phenomena (2014 – 2024)”
Prof Wang Yaomei	Shandong University College of International Education Professor	“Construction of digital educational resources for international Chinese education”
Prof Wang Xiaomei	Xiamen University Malaysia Campus Head of Department of Chinese Studies	“The spread and development of Chinese language in Malaysia”
Ms Jin Yan	Dezhou University Lecturer	“A bridge of cultural exchange: Exploring the educational practices of Confucius Institutes in Malaysia”
Prof Wei Jianping	Weifang University Weifang RCEP Research Centre Professor	“Research on economic and trade cooperation between Malaysia and Shandong Province”
Assoc Prof Dr Ngeow Chow Bing	Universiti Malaya Institute of China Studies Director	“Doubts, hesitations and breakthroughs before the end of the Cold War: Malaysia-China relations from 1974 to 1989”
Dr Yap Hon Lun	TAR UMT Head of Institute of Social Economic Research	“Symbolic collaborative projects between Malaysia and China under the Belt and Road Initiative: Review and outlook”
Dr Tan Wooi Yee	UTAR Centre for International Studies Chairperson	“Evolution of Malaysia-China relations through the Belt and Road Initiative: A ten-year retrospective”
Assoc Prof Dr Xu Ke	Dezhou University School of Information Management Associate Professor	“Economic exchanges and cultural identity: The support to the economic and cultural integration of China and Malaysia by the halal food industry”
Dr Wu Ming Chu	UTAR Faculty of Creative Industries Assistant Professor	“Prospect of Malaysia-China tourism industry in the 21st century”
Dr Kwan Kai Hong	UTAR Institute of Chinese Studies Assistant Professor	“Gentlemen and merchants and the establishment of new schools in Malaysia”
Prof Dr Onn Huann Jan	New Era University College Department of Chinese Language and Literature Professor	“The era of Zheng He: Interpretation of the historical construction and evolution of Zheng He’s image”
Dr Yon Weng Woe	Centre for Malaysian Chinese Studies Research Fellow	“Exploring the connection between the Malacca Chinese Kapitan Li Weijing’s family and their hometown in Xiamen through the ‘Xiamen Guangyu Tang Li Families Genealogy’”
Dr Loh Say Chung	UTAR Institute of Chinese Studies Assistant Professor	“The founder of recognition and establishment of Malaysian Chinese ‘identity’: Huang Zunxian”