By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and China have nurtured a robust relationship since establishing diplomatic ties 50 years ago. This bond has further flourished under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Jiang Chengao, an undergraduate student from China currently studying at Universiti Malaya (UM), highlighted the multifaceted development of the relationship between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Malaysia.
He expressed optimism about continuing this positive trajectory.
“Under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, there have been numerous beneficial developments for both our nations,” Jiang remarked.
Highlighting the significance of the Southeast Asian market for China, Jiang pointed out Malaysia’s strategic position as an ideal destination for Chinese investments.
“Malaysia offers promising financial and business opportunities for Chinese enterprises to collaborate with local counterparts,” he said.
Amid the ongoing trade tensions between China and Western countries, Jiang said that Malaysia provides a conducive environment for Chinese businesses to partner with local companies, facilitating the production of high-quality Malaysian brands.
“This business-to-business collaboration is mutually beneficial. While the market size in Malaysia might be smaller, joint efforts can significantly enhance the growth of Malaysian businesses,” Jiang explained to Bernama.
Discussing cultural interactions, the final-year media student also stressed the importance of understanding and appreciating each other’s customs.
“More interactions between Chinese and Malaysians can bridge the cultural gap and foster mutual understanding. Some Chinese people have outdated views of Malaysia, thinking it’s underdeveloped.
“Conversely, some Malaysians perceive China as stuck in the past. These perceptions are outdated; both countries have progressed significantly,” he said.
When asked about his decision to study in Malaysia, Jiang’s response was simple: food.
“I love the local food here,” he exclaimed.
Despite facing challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control order (MCO), Jiang’s fondness for Malaysian cuisine remained unwavering.
“During the MCO, they delivered free food to my room. I missed the local dishes so much that ‘Mee Goreng’ was the first thing I ate upon returning to Malaysia,” he shared.
Reflecting on his first visit to Malaysia in 2014 with his family, Jiang was captivated by the warmth of the people here.
“While my parents suggested studying in Thailand for its entertainment scene, Malaysia felt more peaceful to me. People here lead simple, relaxed lives, focusing on work and family,” he concluded.
Shaoheng Li, an undergraduate majoring in Economics at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), recently shared his positive experiences living and studying in Malaysia with Bernama.
Having spent more than two years in the country, Shaoheng expressed his admiration for the friendly people, the peaceful environment, and the rich cultural experiences Malaysia offers.
One of the aspects Shaoheng particularly appreciates about Malaysia is its welcoming people.
“The friendliness of Malaysians is truly heartwarming. Whether it’s the bus driver offering a smile during my daily commute or the ease of making friends, Malaysia feels like a second home,” he remarked.
Shaoheng also highlighted the relaxed academic environment in Malaysia, emphasising the reduced academic pressure compared to his homeland.
He is optimistic about continuing his studies by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Malaysia, inspired by his older brother who is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
The diverse cultural and culinary experiences in Malaysia have also left a lasting impression on Shaoheng.
“Exploring places like Penang Island has been a delight, with its vibrant culture, captivating art scenes, and mouth-watering local cuisine,” he said.
Coming from the landlocked Hunan province in China, Shaoheng expressed his newfound appreciation for Malaysia’s coastal beauty.
“Being surrounded by the sea and experiencing the soothing ocean waves has been a refreshing change for me,” he added.
Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, Shaoheng highlighted the potential for strengthening ties through tourism.
He believes that increased travel between the two countries will not only bolster diplomatic relations but also contribute significantly to the tourism sector’s growth.
Furthermore, Shaoheng sees promising opportunities for collaboration between Malaysia and China in the field of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“With China’s growing interest in cutting-edge technologies, Malaysia has the potential to develop innovative AI solutions that could attract Chinese investments,” he explained.
He believes that such collaborations could pave the way for stronger bilateral relations and mutual benefits for both nations.
In conclusion, Shaoheng’s positive experiences in Malaysia reflect the growing ties between Malaysia and China, with opportunities for further collaboration in various sectors, including tourism and technology. – BERNAMA
