In celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, a grand launch event for the new Belt and Road book series was held in Kuala Lumpur. The event received strong support from Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, and other institutions. It was organized by the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH) and co-organized by Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), Dasein Academy of Art, among others. Leaders from government, business, and academia gathered to witness this significant occasion.
Belt and Road Scholar Series 2nd Edition
“50 Years of Friendship, Jointly Working Towards the China-Malaysia Community with a Shared Future”
The Southeast Asia Research Center for Humanities (SEARCH) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) have collaborated once again to publish the second edition of the academic anthology on China-Malaysia bilateral relations, with a particular focus on the Belt and Road Initiative: Belt and Road Initiative: Belt and Road Scholars’ Commentary Series (2nd Edition).
This book provides a comprehensive exploration of China-Malaysia relations, serving as an authoritative reference for understanding the dynamics between the two countries. It brings together 105 articles authored by 40 scholars from 16 public and private universities—11 private universities, 5 public universities—as well as researchers from the SEARCH think tank.
The anthology includes 60 English articles and 45 Chinese articles, all of which were previously published in mainstream English or Chinese newspapers and have been updated for this collection. This marks the second time SEARCH has successfully collaborated with scholars from over 15 universities to contribute bilingual research on China-Malaysia relations. This publication project holds significant academic value for Malaysia’s scholarly literature.
Junior Comic Book
“The Wonderful Journey of Xiong Le and Mohammed”
The Wonderful Journey of Xiong Le and Mohammed is a vibrant and engaging comic collection that presents heartwarming stories of deep connections between the people of China and Malaysia under the Belt and Road Initiative. Through original, lively short stories in comic form, this book aims to enhance young readers’ awareness and understanding of the friendship between China and Malaysia while fostering a positive mindset.
The stories in this comic collection incorporate cultural elements, traditions, and customs from both China and Malaysia’s diverse communities, allowing children to appreciate and respect each other’s heritage. Through the adventures of Xiong Le (a panda) and Mohammed (a Malayan tapir), young readers will experience the power of friendship and unity beyond borders while discovering the richness and charm of both cultures.
This collection is based on 20 selected themes or events related to China and Malaysia, serving as the backdrop for the comics. Presented in a four-panel comic format, the stories highlight the enduring friendship between the two nations through the journeys of its lovable protagonists.
A key highlight of the event was a lively parent-child drawing and coloring competition, where children expressed their understanding of China-Malaysia friendship through creative artwork.
Additionally, scholars from both countries took part in a roundtable discussion, reflecting on 50 years of bilateral cooperation and exploring future opportunities.
The event underscored the deep-rooted collaboration between China and Malaysia across culture, education, and economics, further strengthening the bonds between the peoples of both nations.
