Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta: Building Friendships Through Youth Exchange

Editor‘s Note: Muhammad Hamimi Abdullah, Executive of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association (PPMC), shares his observations on youth exchange programs between the two countries over the past three years. He argues that the real value of these exchanges lies in their ability to bring young people together, dispel stereotypes shaped by media and limited exposure, and build genuine friendships rooted in mutual respect and understanding.

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From a practical and organizational perspective, youth exchange between Malaysia and China has become increasingly structured and diverse over the past few years. At the Malaysia-China friendship association PPMC, we have been actively involved in organizing and facilitating annual youth exchange programs, educational visits, dialogues, cultural immersion activities, and people-to-people initiatives that bring together young people from both countries. Based on our experiences, some of the most popular exchange formats have included cultural exchange programs, youth forums, leadership camps, university visits, sports activities, short video collaborations and also community engagement projects.

In fact, today at this very moment, we are co-organizing the 5th edition of annual Malaysia-China Youth Friendship Basketball Tournament, together with the China Students and Scholars Association in Malaysia (CSSAM). These programs provide young people with opportunities, not only to learn about each other’s cultures, but also to develop friendships and collaborate on issues of common interest.

I definitely believe that youth exchange is extremely important because young people are the future leaders, bridge builders and storytellers of our generation. In today’s world where misunderstandings can easily spread through social media and online narratives, direct people-to-people interaction becomes even more meaningful. Through youth exchanges, young people are able to learn from one another, appreciate cultural differences and build genuine friendships based on mutual respect and understanding. As we often say in Malaysia, Tak kenal maka tak cinta—when people do not know each other, misunderstandings can easily arise. But when they interact and learn from one another, friendship naturally flows.

One area I find especially impactful is cultural and performing arts exchange. As a multilingual singer and someone who enjoys performing Chinese songs, I have seen how music and artistic performances can create connections that transcend language and cultural differences. Through cultural experiences, young people often discover common values and aspirations despite coming from different backgrounds.

I do believe these initiatives have helped dispel these mental stereotypes. Many participants may initially have perceptions shaped by media or limited exposure. But after interacting directly, they come to realize that Malaysian and Chinese youth share many common hopes—whether it is pursuing opportunities, contributing to society, preserving cultural heritage or building a more peaceful and prosperous future.

Ultimately, youth exchange is not merely about organizing activities. It is about building lasting friendships, strengthening mutual understanding and nurturing a generation that is prepared to work together for the future of Asia and the wider global community.

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