The Malaysia-China 50th Anniversary Photo Exhibition launches at the Mid Valley Megamall, celebrating the rich cultural and historical ties between the two nations.

Featuring some 400 photographs in black-and-white and colour, the exhibition highlights Malaysia and China’s deep-rooted friendship and collaboration over the past 50 years.

The event showcased iconic images that captured the historic moment between then-prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and Chairman Mao Zedong in May 1974, photographs of current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and pandas Xing Xing and Liang Liang.

Photos of sporting matches between the two nations and newspaper cuttings were also featured.

The photographs were curated and exhibited based on themes such as the pre-establishment era, cultural exchanges, collaborations, and humanitarian efforts.

China Ambassador Ouyang Yujing, who was among the guests of honour, said both China and Malaysia have hosted a series of celebratory events in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Malaysia Friendship.

“This shows great warmth and appreciation for the development of China-Malaysia relations from all walks of life.

“As one of the celebratory events, today’s photo exhibition will lead us on a journey back to history, showcasing China-Malaysia friendly exchanges in the last half century and manifesting the growing maturity, stability, and vitality of China-Malaysia relations while introducing a promising future for all to anticipate,” he said at the launch on Monday (Aug 5).

Ouyang also lauded the media for playing an important role in enriching the strong ties between China and Malaysia.

“Today’s event is jointly held by The Star and Sin Chew Daily.

“Sin Chew Daily is one of Malaysia’s most influential Chinese-language media, and The Star is one of Malaysia’s best-selling and most influential English-language newspapers.

“The two influential media’s joint efforts have availed us precious photos to honour this golden 50th anniversary.”

Being a witness of and contributor to the long-lasting China-Malaysia friendship, he said the media have played an “important role in consolidating and enriching the two countries’ cooperation and strong ties.”

“At the same time, the media are enriched and strengthened in this process.

“I hope that the media friends will continue to make their unique contribution to prospering China-Malaysia friendship by discovering and sharing more good stories to render a more vivid and genuine China to the Malaysian people,” he said.

Star Media Group group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt said both Star Media Group and Sin Chew Daily played a critical role in documenting the evolution of ties between both countries.

“We have chronicled the milestones and promoted a deeper connection between our nations via insightful editorials, captivating photographs and comprehensive reports.

“It is also a testament to the transformative power of diplomacy, economic engagement and cultural exchange,” he said in his speech.

Chan highlighted the Blossoming and Fruiting: 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China, a unique coffee table featuring 200 photographs across 270 pages, highlighting the enduring friendship and growing synergy between Malaysia and China.

“Within its pages, a collection of carefully curated media photographs tells the story of our journey through history where each image captures the essence of moments shaping our relationship,” said Chan.

Sin Chew Daily chief executive officer Koo Cheng said in his speech that the official launch of the coffee table book after months of preparation marks a significant milestone in the enduring friendship between Malaysia and China.

“The exhibition highlights the rich history and development of our bilateral relationship through a series of invaluable historical photographs and images,” he said.

Koo urged all visitors to take a closer look at the exhibited photos, as each one tells a compelling story and captures moments of our collaboration and cultural exchange.

“These images not only showcase our joint successes but also reflect the genuine emotions and enduring friendship between our peoples.”

Koo noted the coffee table book contains almost all the photos exhibited and is an invaluable collection.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Manoharan Periasamy, UTAR research, development, and commercialisation vice-president Prof Dr Faidz Abdul Rahman, AirAsia global policy and government relations chief Lim Boon Seong, and Mid Valley Megamall chief executive officer Rennie Lee attended the launch.

Also there from Star Media Group were chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and chief business officer Lydia Wang.

Sin Chew Daily editor-in-chief Kuik Cheng Kang was also present.

The exhibition will be on display from Aug 5 to 18, 10am to 10pm daily, on the ground floor of the mall’s Centre Court concourse. Admission is free.

The Blossoming and Fruiting Coffee Table Book and Malaysia-China 50th Anniversary Photo Exhibition are jointly organised by Star Media Group and Sin Chew Daily, supported by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, with UTAR as the education partner, AirAsia as the official partner, Mid Valley Megamall as the venue partner. IJM Corporation Bhd, Midea Scott & English Electronics Sdn Bhd, QL Resources Bhd and Tan Hong Aik as Coffee Table Book sponsors.