Sabah Tourism Set to Reach Millions in China Through Jiangmen Media Outreach
- nabalunews
- 8 minutes ago
- 2 min read
18 January 2026
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s efforts to promote tourism under Visit Malaysia 2026 are set to gain significant momentum, with the state expected to reach millions of listeners and viewers in China through Jiangmen Radio and Television.
Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Chan Foong Hin extended an invitation to visitors from Jiangmen and across China to travel to Malaysia, highlighting Sabah as a key destination.
He was speaking when officiating the celebration of the 52nd anniversary of Malaysia–China diplomatic relations, the Chinese New Year festivities and the Chinese Martial Arts Overseas Communication Friendship Showcase, featuring a delegation from Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province. The event was held at Kian Kok Middle School here.
Chan noted that since diplomatic relations were established in 1974, Malaysia became the first ASEAN country to recognise the People’s Republic of China. He added that China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years.
“Our cooperation spans a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, electronics, agriculture, infrastructure, industrial parks, renewable energy, the digital economy and high technology,” he said.
Chan also emphasised the importance of people-to-people exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative, describing them as a vital pillar of bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, Deputy Consul-General of China in Kota Kinabalu, Xue Xiaoning, said Guangdong Province has long been recognised as a cradle of Chinese martial arts, with southern styles and generations of masters embodying the values of righteousness and courage.
She highlighted Choy Li Fut, a nationally recognised intangible cultural heritage and one of the most widely practised martial arts styles in China, particularly in Jiangmen.
The art form, she said, combines the strengths of southern hand techniques and northern kicking styles, marked by expansive movements and powerful momentum.
“This overseas martial arts promotion programme includes hands-on cultural workshops personally led by two intangible cultural heritage inheritors from Jiangmen, with more than 40 participants taking part,” Xue said.
She added that the core philosophy of Chinese martial arts — “using martial virtue to stop violence” — promotes peace, justice and inclusiveness, values that strongly resonate with Malaysia’s multicultural harmony.
“Through martial arts exchanges, we are not merely showcasing techniques, but building bridges of friendship, enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties,” she said.
Xue also said the Consulate-General would continue to serve as a bridge in supporting diverse cultural exchanges between Sabah and China, with particular emphasis on youth engagement.
Malaysia–China Friendship Association Sabah president Dr Oh Ei Sun said that over the past five decades, both countries have upheld the principles of mutual respect, equality and non-interference while steadily deepening cooperation.
“We have achieved meaningful progress in many areas, including political trust, trade and commerce, cultural exchange and educational cooperation, bringing tangible benefits and closer ties between our peoples,” he said.
Dr Oh added that cultural and economic exchanges between Malaysia and China have grown increasingly vibrant in recent years, encompassing cultural performances, academic collaborations, student exchanges, business partnerships, investments and trade cooperation.
“All these efforts have strengthened the bridge of understanding and friendship between our two nations, bringing our hearts closer together and elevating our cooperation to new heights,” he said.
