Malaysia–China Cultural Arts Festival showcases the cultural heritage of the two countries

By: SITI NURFARMY IBRAHIM, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION.
Translation by: DR. ROZAIMI ABU SAMAH,  FACULTY OF CHEMICAL AND PROCESS 
  ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY  

The organizing of the Malaysia–China 2019 Cultural Arts Festival held in conjunction with the launch of the Confucius Institute (CI) UMP is not only seen to enhance Mandarin language skills and provide cultural exchange but also to strengthen good relations between the two countries and collaboration between UMP and its strategic partner, Hebei University, China. 
Held at the UMP Astaka Hall, Gambang Campus on 12 October 2019, the festival successfully featured a cornucopia of Chinese cultural heritage and performances including calligraphy arts, painting, lion dance and martial arts such as tai chi and wushu, as well as forum, as a cultural sharing medium that reflects the diversity of proud customs and cultures. 
The festival was officiated by the Dean of Student Services, Student Affairs and Alumni Department, Dr. Mansor Sulaiman. 
Also present were the Deputy Director of the International Cooperation & Exchange Office, Hebei University, Associate Professor Liang Wei Ge, the Director of the Centre for Sports & Culture, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr Rosli Abu Bakar, the General Manager of the Academic & International Affairs Department, Abd Hamid Majid, the Director of CI UMP, Yong Ying Mei and the Director of the Confucius Institute China, Professor Guo Fuliang.
According to Dr. Mansor, the uniqueness of the plural society in Malaysia has attracted tourists to come to this country to experience the diversity of the ethnics’ heritage.
“In this regard, the students on campus must foster unity and inter-racial relationship in all activities. 
“The Shared Prosperity Vision under the Malaysian government today is a handy reference for us to learn to appreciate the diversity that exists as a foundation to strengthen the nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Malaysia–China cultural forum was panelled by Dr. Fan Yuguang of Hebei University and Dr. Ahmad Rahman Hamzah of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and moderated by Mohd Zaki Ahmad.
There was also a cultural exhibition featuring the use of chopsticks, Chinese knots and traditional Malaysian games, as well as various cultural performances involving students from both universities.