Malaysia Hosts Successful Premiere of “UPanda Cinema” and China-Themed Programme Showcase

8 December 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian premiere of “UPanda Cinema” and the launch of the China-Themed Programme Showcase Season were successfully held in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. This initiative is jointly overseen by the State Council Information Office of China, the National Radio and Television Administration of China, and the Malaysian Ministry of Communications. It is co-organised by the China Intercontinental Communication Centre (CICC), Astro Malaysia, and Mango Media Sdn. Bhd.

“The Malay-language ‘UPanda Time’ China Programme Showcase Season will offer Malaysian audiences a culturally rich and engaging viewing experience,” said Li Zhuang, Deputy Director-General of the External Promotion Bureau at China’s State Council Information Office. He expressed hope that traditional Chinese culture would strengthen people-to-people ties and facilitate better storytelling of China–Malaysia cultural exchange and mutual understanding. He added that deeper audiovisual collaboration, including co-productions, content sharing, and talent development, would broaden channels for mutual comprehension. He also emphasised that youth exchanges could serve as a vital force in reinforcing these bonds and opening new pathways for the next ‘Golden 50 Years’ of China–Malaysia relations.

Zheng Xuefang, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, attended the ceremony and remarked, “China and Malaysia share centuries of friendship, with culture as an enduring bridge between our peoples. The launch of ‘UPanda Cinema’ marks a significant step in implementing our leaders’ consensus and deepening cooperation in film, television, and culture. We believe the diverse programmes showcased will help Malaysians better understand China’s history, heritage, and development, further strengthening mutual learning and people-to-people ties as we work towards the next ‘Golden 50 Years’ of friendship.”

Representing the Malaysian government, Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications, highlighted the longstanding cultural ties between Malaysia and China that continue to enhance mutual understanding. “‘UPanda Cinema’ provides Malaysians with greater access to Chinese content and opens new opportunities for collaboration in film and television. Our screen industry has attracted over RM1 billion in investments, supported more than 160 projects, created 16,300 jobs, and generated an economic impact of RM3.5 billion. We look forward to deepening cooperation and forging a new chapter in our bilateral friendship,” said Teo Nie Ching.

At the ceremony, representatives from the State Council Information Office of China, the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, the Malaysian Ministry of Communications, Tourism Malaysia, Astro Malaysia, and CICC jointly launched the China-Themed Program Showcase Season.

The showcase will be broadcast on Astro’s channels through Chinese New Year of 2026, featuring over 100 hours of curated Chinese programmes. Highlights include drama series such as Flourished Peony and Romance in the Alley, documentaries like Master Class and Rediscovering Home Truths, animated series MooBoo Cops, and more, offering a rich cultural viewing experience.

Additionally, CICC signed two major cooperation agreements with Mango Media Sdn. Bhd. and Juxta Films: a China–Malaysia Short Drama Co-Creation Programme and a China–Malaysia Film and Television Cultural Exchange and Cooperation Agreement. These initiatives aim to foster co-production, industry development, and collaborative projects. A new China–Malaysia co-produced light-variety show, *Melody Bridge*, was also announced.

The event concluded with a performance by Malaysian dancers, featuring the traditional craft of Wau Bulan (Moon Kite), which formed the silhouette of a giant panda, symbolising the enduring friendship between Malaysia and China.

First launched in 2021, UPanda Cinema (UPanda Time) is an international audiovisual platform collaborating with major media outlets across more than 20 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, India, South Africa, and Central Asia, reaching an audience of over 130 million worldwide. The platform actively promotes media partnerships, programme distribution, copyright exchange, cultural activities, and creative collaborations globally.