Malaysia-China Friendship Association President Majid: Shared Civilizational Diversity Is the Greatest Strength of China and ASEAN

On May 31, 2026, the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, the launch of the Chinese edition of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s book The Asian Renaissance and the Dialogue on China–ASEAN Cultural Heritage were held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association and former Malaysian Ambassador to China, delivered a speech at the event. He said that China and the ASEAN region are among the most dynamic parts of the world, with confidence rooted not only in their economic growth and development achievements, but also in their culturally diverse civilizations and their spirit of inclusiveness and mutual learning. The following is the full text of Abdul Majid’s speech:

---

It is my great honour to join all of you today for the launch ceremony of The Asian Renaissance (Chinese Edition) and the China–ASEAN Cultural Heritage Dialogue here in Kuala Lumpur. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all organising and supporting institutions for bringing together this meaningful platform that celebrates not only literature and culture, but also the shared civilisational journey of Asia.

The publication of the Chinese edition of The Asian Renaissance is important because it allows these ideas and perspectives to reach a wider international audience, especially among younger generations across ASEAN and beyond. In many ways, this book encourages us to reflect on Asia’s role in contributing to a more balanced, inclusive, and culturally grounded global future.

The launch of The Asian Renaissance today is particularly meaningful, as many of the ideas and aspirations expressed in the book during the late 1990s by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim continue to resonate strongly in today’s global and regional landscape. At a time when the world is experiencing geopolitical uncertainty, technological transformation, cultural fragmentation, and shifting economic centres of gravity towards Asia, the vision of a more confident, culturally rooted, and cooperative Asian civilisation appears increasingly relevant.

In many ways, the developments we witness today within ASEAN and the broader Asian region reflect the importance of the values highlighted in this vision — including dialogue between civilisations, mutual respect, inclusive development, regional cooperation, and the strengthening of people-topeople understanding. As ASEAN continues to navigate complex global challenges, such perspectives remain important in shaping a peaceful, balanced, and forward-looking regional order.

For Malaysia and China, the relationship has always gone beyond diplomacy and trade. Built over centuries through maritime exchanges, migration, education, culture, and mutual respect between our peoples, this friendship continues to evolve while maintaining a strong foundation of trust and understanding. The commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024 reflected not only the remarkable progress achieved in trade, investment, infrastructure, education, and people-topeople exchanges, but also the maturity of a partnership that has become increasingly comprehensive and forward-looking. As we look ahead, the future of Malaysia–China relations will depend on continued political trust, economic resilience, technological collaboration, and cultural diplomacy — with the younger generation playing an important role in shaping stronger cross-cultural engagement including civilisational dialogue and long-term regional cooperation.

Beyond the bilateral relationship, the broader ASEAN–China partnership has also emerged as one of the key pillars of regional stability and development. Over the years, cooperation has expanded significantly across areas such as trade, connectivity, digital economy, tourism, sustainable development, and cultural exchange, contributing not only to economic growth but also to regional peace and mutual understanding. In today’s rapidly changing global environment, ASEAN and China are increasingly called upon to strengthen collaboration that is inclusive, balanced, and future-oriented — particularly in areas such as green transition, digital innovation, youth connectivity, and cultural cooperation. In many ways, these developments also reflect the growing relevance of the vision articulated in The Asian Renaissance decades ago: a vision that emphasised dialogue between civilisations, regional confidence, cultural understanding, and a more cooperative Asian future. The theme on “Gathering Youth Wisdom, Embracing the Covenant of Civilisations,” is both timely and important. Today’s world is shaped by profound global transformation, where technological progress, geopolitical complexities, and societal challenges continue to redefine international relations and human interaction. In such times, culture and people-topeople understanding become even more essential.

Young people are not merely participants in cultural exchange programs; they are future policymakers, entrepreneurs, artists, scholars, innovators, and guardians of regional peace. If ASEAN and China are to build a truly inclusive and sustainable future together, we must invest in youth connectivity, cultural literacy, and mutual understanding.

This is why initiatives such as the China–ASEAN Youth Cultural & Museum Exploration Programme and the AI Short Drama Co-Creation Competition are highly meaningful. They combine heritage with innovation, tradition with technology, and culture with creativity. They allow our younger generation to engage with civilisation not as something distant and historical, but as something living, evolving, and relevant to their future.

At the Malaysia–China Friendship Association, or PPMC, we have consistently emphasised people-to-people diplomacy, especially among youths. Over the years, we have organised exchanges involving education, TVET, sports, culture, leadership development, and community engagement. We firmly believe that strong bilateral relations must always be rooted in human connection.

In today’s increasingly digital world, we must also ensure that technology strengthens rather than weakens cultural understanding. Artificial intelligence, digital media, and new communication platforms should be used responsibly to preserve heritage, promote intercultural dialogue, and combat misinformation and prejudice.

ASEAN and China together represent one of the most dynamic regions in the world. Yet our true strength does not lie only in economic growth or strategic influence. Our greatest strength lies in our diversity, our civilisations, and our ability to coexist peacefully despite differences in language, religion, and culture.

Cultural heritage is therefore not simply about preserving the past. It is about shaping a shared future based on respect, dignity, and common humanity.

I hope today’s dialogue will inspire deeper collaboration among scholars, institutions, cultural organisations, and especially the younger generation. Let us continue building bridges of friendship, understanding, and trust across borders.

(If you have specific expertise, or would like to share your thoughts, please send us your writings at CAobservation@outlook.com)