On 18 August 2022, the Opening Ceremony of Peranakan Art Salon “An Evening of Peranakan Culture” was held in Nanchizi Art Museum in Beijing. Mr. Nushirwan, Ambassador of Malaysia to China and spouse, Mr. Pehin Dato Rahmani, Ambassador of Brunei to China and spouse, Mrs. Teng Soo Fen, Spouse of Ambassador of Singapore to China, diplomatic envoys of the Embassies of ASEAN Member States (AMS) in Beijing, and representatives from relevant organisations, friendship groups and the media, including Mr. Yuan Mindao, Vice President of Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, were present at the event. Ms. Wang Hongliu, Director of the General Affairs and Coordination Division of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) attended and addressed the Opening Ceremony, accompanied by Mr. Fang Qiang, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations Division of ACC. 

Mr. Nushirwan introduced Malaysian artist Maisarah Loo and her artworks exhibited in the Salon. He stated that in Malaysia, the Baba Nyonya forms a rich part of Malaysia’s multicultural heritage. Peranakan cultural heritage demonstrates common humanity of Malaysia and China, and promotes peace, prosperity and development of the two countries. The Peranakan Art Salon aims to preserve Peranakan culture and strengthen friendship, breaking a new path for further people-to-people exchanges and collaboration between Malaysia and China.

Ms. Wang Hongliu stated in her remarks that the unique Peranakan culture illustrates the culture exchanges and people-to-people bonds between Malaysia and China. Linked by mountains and rivers, China and AMS including Malaysia offer timely help for each other, and have close ties. In 2022, the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has got a strong and good start. ACC is committed to deepening friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between the two sides, striving for an amicable home together with all parties.

As one of the activities of Malaysia Truly Asian Festival 2022, the Peranakan Art Salon was co-organised by the Embassy of Malaysia in China and ACC. At the Opening Ceremony, guests appreciated Peranakan artworks, enjoyed Peranakan dance and traditional food, experiencing unique charms of Peranakan culture.