CIVILISATIONAL EXCHANGES VITAL FOR DEEPER ASEAN-CHINA UNDERSTANDING, SAYS BERNAMA CHAIRMAN

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- It is important for ASEAN and China to step up efforts to promote civilisational exchanges and set an example for the Global South countries to highlight rich cultural, historical, and intellectual contributions, said Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, chairman of Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama).

Thanks to "Black Myth: Wukong," a 2024 action role-playing game and Ne Zha 2, an animated movie, these two classic Chinese figures have become big names, he told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"China has successfully proven its effective soft power approach to a global audience ... which has been made possible through the clever and creative use of digital and artificial intelligence applications," he said.

More significantly, he added, it has resonated with young audiences worldwide in an unprecedented way—an arena long dominated by Western influence.

In the case of Malaysia and other ASEAN countries, Wong said virtual and augmented reality experiences can be shared to create the Malacca historic city, the legendary hero Hang Tuah, or Cambodia's Angkor Wat through an immersive walk-through.

As ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia will seize the unique opportunity to shape regional narratives and enhance ASEAN-China collaboration, Wong said. He highlighted ongoing content and technical exchanges between Malaysian and Chinese media outlets, joint research initiatives on trade, green energy, and artificial intelligence by think tanks from both countries, as well as partnerships spanning cultural and youth engagement at multiple levels.

Wong also underscored the importance of promoting positive narratives that highlight how ASEAN-China cooperation has delivered significant benefits, particularly through infrastructure projects and private sector collaborations.

He emphasised that the exchange of ideas, values, traditions, and innovations between diverse cultures and civilisations can foster mutual respect, break down prejudices, and contribute to a more interconnected and harmonious global community.

Wong is the first ethnic Chinese chairman of Bernama, Malaysia's official news agency. Over the years, Wong has made multiple visits to China, witnessing the country's rapid development and the deepening cooperation between Malaysia and China across various fields.

--BERNAMA-XINHUA