On 29 June 2024, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) held the “2024 ASEAN-China Family Day” event in Beijing. The ACC Secretary General Shi Zhongjun and his spouse, Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun of Indonesia and his spouse, Ambassador Pehin Dato Rahmani Dato Basir of Brunei and his spouse, and Ambassador Dato’ Norman Muhamad of Malaysia attended the event. Over 100 diplomats and their family members from ASEAN member states (AMS) Embassies in Beijing were also present.  

In his opening remarks, Shi Zhongjun stressed that, over the years, the ACC has been in close communication and cooperation with the AMS Embassies in a joint endeavor in deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between ASEAN and China. Under the framework of the 2024 ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges, the ACC sponsored “Family Day” event in the purpose of building on a better platform of communication for the ACC and the ASEAN diplomatic corps in Beijing so as to enhance sincere friendship and mutual understanding. The ACC will continue to organize a variety of cultural exchange activities in the future to foster fonder amity and closer exchanges between the peoples of both ASEAN and China. 

In the soccer game, players from AMS and China were mixed to form four competing teams. SG Shi Zhongjun, Indonesian Ambassador, Bruneian Ambassador and other AMS diplomats kicked off the game. The players all showcased their skills and team spirit. Each brilliant pass and shot invited cheers from the audience. In the end, the White Team made up of the representatives from the Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia won the championship.

The fun games were also exciting. Indonesian Ambassador and madam, Bruneian Ambassador and madam, Malaysian Ambassador and other guests participated with interest in the “sharp shooter”, “sack jump” and “harvesting” games, and all the participants had joy and fun. 

After the games, SG Shi Zhongjun, together with ASEAN diplomatic envoys, awarded prizes to the winners of soccer and fun games, congratulating everyone on the outstanding performance and active participation. The ASEAN guests thanked the ACC for its efforts in organizing the “Family Day” event, which really stands testimony to the family-like relationship of harmony between ASEAN and China. They also expressed their willingness to render full support to the ACC in organizing more cultural activities in the future.