On September 22, the 2024 Chinese Cultural Camp in Sabah, Malaysia, celebrated its closing ceremony in Kota Kinabalu, attracting over 400 local youth. This event was organized by the Chinese Language and Culture Development Center with backing from the Tianjin Overseas Friendship Association and the Sabah Chinese-Malaysian Association.
Feng Yuanyuan, an executive member of the Tianjin Overseas Friendship Association, shared the camp’s mission, saying, “We sent skilled educators to immerse participants in Chinese language, culture, and traditional arts.” The camp featured a wide array of engaging courses designed to make learning fun, which significantly ignited the interest of young Chinese descendants in delving into the richness and depth of Chinese culture.
During the closing ceremony, 60 outstanding students were recognized for their achievements, and a selection of exceptional works was displayed from a pool of thousands of student submissions. Participants showcased their talents through various artistic performances, including rapid poetry recitation, martial arts, and dance, all under the guidance of Chinese instructors.
Yong Weiguang, the Deputy Speaker of the Sabah State Assembly, praised the growing cultural exchanges between Malaysia and China. “I hope activities like this will deepen local youth’s appreciation for Chinese culture and further strengthen the friendship between Malaysia and China,” he noted. He urged the Sabah Chinese-Malaysian Association and similar organizations to uphold their traditions and organize more cultural events to facilitate the transmission of Chinese heritage.
Huo Yishan, President of the Sabah Chinese-Malaysian Association, spoke about future initiatives aimed at enhancing the association’s activities and expanding participation. “Our goal is to provide more young people with opportunities to connect with and learn about Chinese culture,” he stated, reaffirming the association’s dedication to promoting cultural exchange and friendship between China and Malaysia.
The event also saw the attendance of several prominent figures, including Ye Can, Chairman of the Sabah Kian Kok High School and Honorary President of the Sabah Chinese-Malaysian Association, alongside school principal Wu Decheng and other honorary members and committee chairs.