China-Malaysia Spring Festival Gala Successfully Kicks Off in Malaysia

7 December 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: On the afternoon of 5 December, the event titled "Enduring as Water, Together for the New Year" — China-Malaysia Spring Festival Gala — was officially launched in Malaysia. The occasion was guided by the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China. It was organised by the Information Office of Shandong Provincial People's Government, the Foreign Affairs Office of Shandong Provincial People's Government, Shandong Radio and Television Station, and the Shandong Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. The event was hosted by Shandong TV and the Shandong International Communication Center, with joint support from the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce and the Malaysia-Shandong Chamber of Commerce.

Representatives from the External Promotion Bureau, the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, relevant Malaysian government departments, the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, chambers of commerce alliances from both nations, media outlets representing Chinese-funded enterprises in Malaysia, and local residents gathered to celebrate. Bridging cultures and embracing the festive spirit, they shared in the joy of the Lunar New Year and reaffirmed the deep friendship between China and Malaysia, described as "frequent exchanges, as close as family."

The event commenced with a performance of the "Lion Dance" by Malaysia's nationally recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage High Pole Lion Dance Troupe. The majestic leaps of the lions and the powerful drumbeats immediately elevated the atmosphere. The Twenty-Four Festive Drums, with their lively and passionate rhythms, showcased the unique charm of Malaysia's intangible cultural heritage and served as a prelude to the fusion of traditional folk arts from both countries. Li Zhuang, Deputy Director-General of the External Promotion Bureau; Zheng Xuefang, Minister-Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia; and Dato' Mohd Yusri, Deputy Secretary-General of the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, delivered speeches, jointly envisioning a prosperous future for China-Malaysia relations in the upcoming "Golden 50 Years."

This event also marked the commencement of overseas recordings for the Shandong Spring Festival Gala. In his speech, Li Zhuang highlighted that the friendship between China and Malaysia is "as enduring as flowing water." Hosted by Shandong — the homeland of Confucius and Mencius — the event aims to showcase intangible cultural heritage and artistic performances. It seeks to channel the festive spirit of reunion and blessings into cultural resonance, allowing the China-Malaysia friendship to shine brighter like glowing red lanterns.

Minister-Counsellor Zheng Xuefang reflected on the cultural significance of the Spring Festival, emphasising themes of "hope, harmony, happiness, and family." He noted that, as friendly neighbours sharing a common future for humankind, China and Malaysia are jointly progressing towards a higher strategic partnership. With the approach of the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, the auspicious symbolism of the horse resonates strongly with Malaysia's national identity. Zheng expressed hopes that both nations would deepen strategic cooperation, advance practical initiatives with determination, and foster regional prosperity with the metaphor of "ten-thousand horses running." He also extended a warm invitation for Malaysian friends to visit Shandong and experience its rich cultural heritage and hospitality.

Dato' Mohd Yusri, Deputy Secretary-General of Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, delivered an enthusiastic address. He praised the event's diverse programme lineup, which embodied the spirit of harmony and cultural exchange, affirming that performances by Chinese and Malaysian artists together foster opportunities for multicultural and artistic collaboration. He remarked that culture, like water, connects communities, bridges differences, and inspires new possibilities. Through joint efforts, China and Malaysia can continue building a future of mutual prosperity and deepening their friendship.

The performances were spectacular and harmonious. The Chinese Orchestra from Universiti Putra Malaysia opened with "Flourishing Age," immersing the audience in the beauty of traditional Chinese instruments; the Malaysian Zapin Dance Troupe performed "Zapin Welcomes Spring," showcasing the elegance of local culture; the Xi'an Soldier Acrobatic Troupe presented "Dreams of Chang'an," a breathtaking display of Chinese acrobatic artistry; Henan Opera's "The Monkey King," led by Sun Jingpeng, highlighted the unique charm of Chinese opera through agile movements; and Dr. Wang Ping, a music doctoral graduate from UCSI University, performed the folk classic "Jasmine Flower," whose melodious notes evoked shared emotional resonance. The "National Style Goddess" Shen Feifei made a striking appearance with her performance of "Li Qingzhao," delicately capturing the poetic essence of her hometown and the elegance of Jinan, known as the "City of Springs." During the event, Malaysian internet influencer Qian Qian Long, with over 16 million followers, participated on stage as the "China-Malaysia Spring Festival Ambassador," sharing her experiences of Chinese culture and fostering youth exchanges between the two countries.

At the launching ceremony, representatives from the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, the Malaysian government, chambers of commerce, and media organisations illuminated the "Ship of Friendship" launching platform. This gesture symbolised China-Malaysia friendship sailing through waves towards a brighter future, bringing the event to a rousing climax. Concurrently, the Shandong International Communication Center launched the "I Want to Be on the Spring Festival Gala" campaign, inviting Malaysian internet celebrities and cultural ambassadors to participate. This initiative aims to discover local talents, promote cultural storytelling, and deepen people-to-people connections.

The event concluded with all performers and attendees joining together in the singing of "Love Each Other," Shandong's provincial song. Ding Kunnian, chief director of the Shandong Spring Festival Gala, remarked that the event not only provided a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and contemporary charm but also, through the Spring Festival as a unifying bond, would contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and building a high-level, strategic China–Malaysia community with a shared future.

Prior to the Spring Festival, Shandong Radio and Television Station will organise a series of activities in Malaysia, including the "Each in Its Own Beauty" China-Malaysia Intangible Cultural Heritage Exchange Exhibition, "Beauty in Harmony" artistic performances, and flash mobs featuring artists from both countries. These initiatives aim to create a grand cultural celebration, allowing the people of both nations to rejoice and share in the festivities together.