On the evening of 11 November 2024, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), in collaboration with the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, hosted the “ASEAN (Malaysia) Movie Night” at the ACC. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC and Ambassador Dato’ Norman Muhamad of Malaysia to China attended the event, along with about 70 attendees including diplomats from the Embassies of Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Timor-Leste and university students from ASEAN Member States (AMS) and China.

     Shi Zhongjun pointed out that, under the framework of the ASEAN-China Year of People-to-people Exchanges in 2024 and in 2025, ASEAN and China have hosted and will host various cultural exchange activities. These have contributed to the mutual trust and win-win cooperation between both sides. Against the backdrop of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, the “ASEAN (Malaysia) Movie Night” created another dialogue platform for youths from AMS and China to strengthen their friendship and mutual understanding, which enhances ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

     Ambassador Norman expressed his gratitude for the ACC’s support in hosting the event and stated that, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, both countries have worked together to deepen cooperation in politics, economy and people-to-people exchanges, which have yielded tangible outcomes. The Embassy of Malaysia will deepen the collaboration with the ACC to promote cultural exchanges and foster greater understanding and trust among the young generations. This would contribute to the closer Malaysia-China relationship as well as ASEAN-China relations.

     After the screening of the Malaysian film Denu, the students shared their thoughts and reflections inspired by the movie, underlined that they had gained unique and profound insights into the local tradition and culture of Malaysia. They also looked forward to more of such activities in the near future to explore more about ASEAN countries. The AMS diplomats also exchanged views with the students over the Malaysian and Chinese culinary delicacies, after the movie screening by the ACC.