Malaysian PM hails growing cultural, people-to-people exchanges with China

China

Malaysian PM hails growing cultural, people-to-people exchanges with China

2024-12-28 17:19 Last Updated At：18:37

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that Malaysia and China have made significant progress in promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges through initiatives such as promoting the lion dance and facilitating visa-exempt travel.

Earlier this year, the two countries agreed to jointly apply for the inclusion of the lion dance on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Both nations applauded the lion dance as a shared historical and cultural treasure and committed to preserving this cultural legacy together.

In an interview with China Media Group in Beijing, aired on Friday, Ibrahim emphasized the lion dance's importance in enriching Malaysia's cultural fabric.

"In Malaysia, lion dance [is featured] in always every single function. They (Malaysians) don't wait for the Lunar [New] Year. Particularly [in] the ethnic Chinese community, I always see a lion dance. Never mind the noise, but then it is enriching our culture. Malay Muslims are the majority, but it [lion dance] is part of the culture. We do accept it and embrace it. So when it comes to jointly promoting the lion dance with China, it doesn't come as a problem at all," said the prime minister.

Additionally, China has extended its visa-free entry policy for Malaysians until the end of 2025, and Malaysia has reciprocated with a similar policy for Chinese citizens.

Regarding the impact of these visa policies, Ibrahim noted that they have provided a significant boost to Malaysia's tourism industry, which saw a 186-percent increase in Chinese tourist arrivals from September to October this year.

"It is extremely or largely significant because it has propelled the number of tourists from China -- also from Malaysia [to China] -- but mostly from China because it is a big country [with a] huge population. I think [Malaysia saw] a 186-percent increase [of tourists from China] from September to October this year. So, it is something which is of great and immense help to the tourism industry," Ibrahim said.

Hong Kong's first astronaut ignites citywide enthusiasm over space exploration

Hong Kong's first astronaut lifted off into space on Sunday, sparking a wave of enthusiasm for space exploration in the special administrative region, while inspiring a new generation to look to the stars.

The Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 23:08 (Beijing Time) on Sunday. The crew members include Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut and payload specialist from Hong Kong to join a national space mission, whose achievements have motivated many Hong Kong residents.

"I feel so happy and thrilled. This is the first time a Hong Kong astronaut has gone to space, and to see a true Hong Konger, who is also a mother of three, just really touches my heart," said Chow, a local resident.

The successful spaceflight of Lai has especially captivated the younger generation to dream bigger about the future.

"I want to be an astronaut, because I want to discover more things about space," said a young student surnamed Chow.

"I have seen things related to spaceflights of astronauts. I hope when I grow up, I could receive training and go to space myself," said another student surnamed Koo.

To meet public expectations, the Hong Kong Space Museum has updated its space-themed exhibition with the latest development of the Shenzhou-23 mission, extending the display until July 6. Parents are seizing the moment to enrich their children's knowledge.

"At his age, I want him to be exposed to a wide range of information. With all the recent astronaut news, I brought him here specially to see for himself. We will also check out a film about space knowledge at the planetarium. I hope he can get more out of this from an early age," said Cheung, a father.

"We just watched the Shenzhou-23 launch at home with my son last night, and decided to take him to the Space Museum," a mother surnamed Chun shared.

"I saw on TV that so many people were cheering for the launch. When the rocket was launched, fire burst out from its body. I was really happy they succeeded," said Chun's son.