Oh (second left) poses for a group photo with Liaw (second right), Low (left), and Chang (centre).
KOTA KINABALU (April 5): Representatives from government, businesses and social organisations from China and Malaysia gathered at the 6th Belt and Road China-Malaysia Business Dialogue on April 2 at the Ningxia Yuehai Conference Centre.
Among the delegations that attended were the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah, where its president Dr Oh Ei Sun delivered a speech on the prospects for cooperation between Sabah and Ningxia in culture and tourism.
Oh said that while Sabah and Ningxia differ significantly in geographical environment and climate, both regions possess rich and diverse cultural heritage that provides vast potential for collaboration in cultural tourism.
“Sabah has a unique identity as the ‘Land below the Wind’, and is home to a vibrant cultural ecosystem shaped by over 30 ethnic groups and over 80 languages that harmoniously coexist between indigenous tradition and modern society.
“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,” he said.
Oh also proposed several initiatives on potential areas of cooperation, such as developing cross-regional joint tourism routes; enhance exchanges in community-based sustainable tourism, promoting cultural and artistic exchanges and strengthening ties through food festivals and chef exchange programmes.
“Cultural exchange must extend beyond official channels to include youths, education and creative industries, thus fostering more multidimensional connections,” he said.
During the dialogue, other activities such as business matchmaking sessions, signing ceremonies, exhibitions and site visits were held.
Among those present were Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang; CPC Ningxia Committee deputy secretary Zhuang Yan; CPC Central Committee International Department vice minister Ma Hui; Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah president Steven Liaw; and Malaysia-China Business Council chairman Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan.