Journalist's Hands-On Experiences | A journey of discovery: Impressions from Malaysia-China Summit 2024
By Kiki Zhang
After a 4-hour flight from Hong Kong, China to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I found myself contemplating my first visit to this vibrant city. Questions raced through my mind, "Is the food in Malaysia suitable for me? Will I be prone to getting diarrhea? Is Malaysia a safe destination? Will communication with locals be smooth?"
As the plane touched down in Kuala Lumpur, all my uncertainties dissipated. I embarked on this new adventure.
Upon arrival in the early hours of the morning, a warm welcome awaited me as my guide graciously assisted with my luggage. Curiosity sparked, and I inquired if he had ever visited China, to which he replied with eagerness that while he hadn't been, a trip to Beijing was a dream of his.
The driver's enthusiasm was palpable as we discussed topics ranging from the time difference between Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur to the contrasting weather conditions of both locales. It was a friendly exchange that instantly made me feel at ease in this new and unfamiliar setting.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. The Malaysia-China Summit 2024, an international trade and investment exposition leadership conference, was held at the International Trade and Exhibition Center (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from Dec. 17 to Dec. 19. The purpose of this trip is to participate in the summit.
The venue staff exuded warmth and hospitality, effortlessly switching between Chinese, Malaysian, and English. If one encounters a staff member whose ancestral home is Fujian or Guangdong, they will even talk to you in the homeland dialect.
Following the grand opening ceremony, a lavish buffet lunch awaited, showcasing a variety of culinary delights to please every palate.
During breaks between conferences, I explored the bustling trade fair, which boasted an array of stalls offering a diverse range of products and experiences, including Malaysian food, Chinese companies, tourism, manufacturing, technology products and so on.
In conversations regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, Malaysian stall owners and Chinese businessmen unequivocally affirmed that this milestone has catalyzed enhanced economic cooperation and trade between the two nations. They emphasized the positive impact on cultural exchanges and mutual understanding, fostering deeper bonds between China and Malaysia. Additionally, the establishment of diplomatic ties has facilitated increased tourism exchanges, enriching the travel experiences for visitors from both countries.
Collectively, these individuals expressed a shared aspiration for continual growth and improvement in the relations between China and Malaysia, envisioning a future of even stronger ties and greater mutual benefits.
To culminate the summit, an afternoon tea session was elegantly hosted, providing a moment of respite amidst the flurry of activities.
Following two days of engaging and intensive meetings, the summit reached its crescendo with a grand dinner accompanied by captivating performances.
The highlight of the event was a joint dinner graced by the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia TRH Data' Sir Fadillah Yusof adding a touch of prestige and camaraderie to the summit.
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