Xi’s visit to Malaysia bridges cultures through TV

by FARAH SOLHI

CHINESE President Xi Jinping’s visit to the country from April 15-17 not only strengthened economic ties between the two nations but marked a significant cultural milestone. The visit featured a unique initiative that brought Chinese TV content to Malaysian audiences, offering a window into China’s culture, values and development.

During the visit, Malaysians were given opportunities to learn more about Chinese traditions, government policies and modern advancements — all from the comfort of their homes.

A curated lineup of shows — including The Heritage Guardian, Aerial China: Xinjiang Edition, Up and Out of Poverty, China Traditional Medicine Conference, China: Race to the Future, and Gen Z Talks — was broadcast on Bernama TV, TV Al-Hijrah, Coolita and 8TV. This collaboration between China Media Group and several local media outlets aimed to foster cross-cultural understanding and enrich Malaysia’s media landscape.

The initiative was designed to provide a comprehensive and authentic portrayal of modern China — as a trustworthy, endearing and respectable nation — while also offering insight into its poverty alleviation efforts and cultural richness.

China Media Group president and CPC Central Committee Publicity Department Vice Minister Shen Haixiong described the initiative as an important step in enhancing cultural exchange and deepening the friendship between China and Malaysia.

What Were the Shows About?

The TV content ranged from documentaries to talk shows. The Heritage Guardian, for instance, highlights Xi’s commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Chinese culture throughout his political career.

Aerial China: Xinjiang Edition is a visually stunning documentary offering a bird’s-eye view of Xinjiang’s vast and diverse landscapes, rich ethnic heritage and historical sites. The programme allowed viewers to experience the region’s beauty, resilience and ongoing development from a cinematic perspective.

Gen Z Talks, a youth-focused talk show, amplifies the voices of China’s younger generation through multimedia storytelling and open dialogue. It showcased how Chinese Gen Zs balance tradition and modernity while confronting contemporary challenges and exploring innovative solutions for the future.

What Did Viewers Think of the Initiative?

The Malaysian Reserve (TMR) spoke to two Malaysians who tuned into the shows.

Darren Tan shared that watching The Heritage Guardian gave him a deeper appreciation for the Chinese government’s cultural preservation efforts. “It reminded me of Malaysia’s own efforts to protect our heritage, like the Baba Nyonya houses and the ancient city of Melaka,” he said. “The show was fascinating—it portrayed how ancient civilizations can be revitalized in today’s world and taught me a lot about Chinese history and tradition. This initiative really satisfied my curiosity about China.”

Another viewer, who wished to be known as Nicholas, praised Gen Z Talks for showing how young Chinese embrace tradition while remaining in step with modernity and technology.

“It was inspiring to see how optimistic and forward-thinking Chinese Gen Zs are,” he said.

“One episode featured a young entrepreneur using biopolymers like PHA to replace plastic. It got me thinking—what if we used something like palm shells to develop sustainable materials in Malaysia?”

He added that the shows were largely relevant and encouraged viewers to make positive changes, even in small ways.

Regional Tour

Xi’s visit, at the invitation of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, marked his second official trip to Malaysia in 12 years. His previous visit in 2013 led to the upgrading of diplomatic ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

This year’s visit was part of a regional tour that also included Vietnam and Cambodia.

China and Malaysia established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009, with total trade reaching RM484.12 billion in 2023.

Xi’s visit also witnessed the signing of 31 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) across various sectors, underscoring the depth and breadth of bilateral cooperation.