Consul General Huang Shifang (seventh right) posing with the Sabah media representatives who are visiting Guangzhou and Guilin.
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 15): A Sabah media delegation is looking forward to visit Guangzhou and Guilin in China on the invitation of the China Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu from August 18 to 23.
The aim of the visit is to enhance the understanding of the culture and history of China among various sectors in Sabah as well as to further expand the bilateral exchange and cooperation.
The 11-member delegation will explore high-tech industrial hubs, natural landscapes, significant cultural sites, and innovative rural development projects, providing them with a firsthand experience of the region’s traditions and ways of life. One of the places on the visit list is Weixin headquarters.
Utusan Borneo chief editor Datuk Lichong Angkui said this visit will open up the mind of the Sabah media and allow them to explore more about China as a whole and Guangzhou and Guilin specifically.
He hopes this week-long visit will enable the Sabah media representatives to see up close the country’s development and modernization process, which has been one of Sabah’s major trading partners in recent years.
“Sabah and China indeed have a long historical relationship. In almost every district in the state of Sabah, there are Chinese communities engaged in business.
“Now the Sabah-China trade relationship has developed rapidly,” he said.
Lichong added the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, remains committed to strengthening cooperation with China in various sectors to attract more investors from that country to Sabah.
Investors from China, such as the Kibing Group, are among the largest investors in Sabah, investing RM3 billion in solar glass manufacturing at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park. Most recently, it further expanded its operations with a RM7.2 billion investment to build a solar glass factory in Kimanis, Papar.
“My hope is that this visit will enable the Sabah media to play a proactive role in helping to strengthen the economic and trade relations between Sabah and China.
“I also hope that the Sabah media’s visit to China’s two main cities will pave the way for further developing the tourism industry in the state, as part of efforts to promote tourist arrivals in Sabah.”
Lichong also said the tourism sector is now rapidly growing in Sabah, with Chinese tourists being among the major contributors, due to the numerous direct flights between the two destinations. This is also one of the focal points of the state government through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Blueprint, he said.
Muhamat Baba from Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) is visiting China for the very first time and would love to know more about Guangzhou and Guilin.
“I’m proud to be invited by the Consul General of China in Kota Kinabalu, Dr Huang Shifang to join this visit to promote the good relationship between China and Sabah,” he said.
In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, he said it is as an opportunity for the two sides to carry out programs in the fields of culture, tourism, religion, youth and locality.
“I would like to take this trip to do special reports for my media organisation, RTM, to relate the great relationship between these two countries, the culture and environment,” said Muhamat.
Tiong Jia Jow from Asia Times has been visiting China for the past 25 years, witnessing its reformation and immense development to become a world’s economy and development power house.
He hopes to learn the sustainable development of Guangzhou in technology, economy and city infrastructure so as to be able to apply in Sabah.
Lee Shaw Yun from Sin Chew Daily has visited other regions in China but this will be his first time exploring Guangzhou and Guilin.
“I am particularly looking forward to experiencing the blend of high-tech innovation and natural beauty. Guangzhou’s high-tech industry clusters are renowned for their cutting-edge advancements, and I am eager to learn about the latest developments in green technology and sustainable practices. Additionally, Guilin’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage offer a unique opportunity to capture the essence of China’s natural and historical beauty,” he pointed out.
“Beyond the professional aspects, I am excited to engage with the local communities and understand their perspectives on environmental conservation and sustainable development. This trip also provides a chance to explore how these regions balance modernization with the preservation of their natural and cultural heritage, which could offer valuable insights for my reporting back in Malaysia,” added Lee.
This will be the second trip to China for Julia Chan.
The Malay Mail journalist is looking forward to learning more, seeing how China works and hopefully new scenery.
Another first-time visitor to China is Noorazlina Indeh from Bernama.
She is looking for information in China to write about the country’s historical rich culture.
Wong Loong Hou from Berita Harian Merdeka is also making his visit to China.
He wishes to have an in-depth experience of the local culture, lifestyle, technology and the beautiful nature of the country.
Suraidah Roslan is visiting China the second time.
The Utusan Malaysia journalist expects to see beautiful landscape in Guangzhou and Guilin, and explore China’s technological advancement, including AI and to experience efficient public transportation systems like high speed train.
“China is known for a variety of regional cuisines. I hope as a Muslim, I can taste China cuisine during the trip,” she said.
Teo Jinn Jiun from See Hua Daily News hopes to have a in-depth look into China’s amazing technology and know more about the transformation of traditional media in the country.
“And there is a popular Chinese saying, ‘Guilin’s scenery bests all others in the world’, so I am looking forward to visit nice places in Guilin too and taste its good food,” said Teo who took her Biological Science degree at Shanghai Fudan University in China.
On August 13, the media participants attended a pre-departure briefing at the consulate where Consul General Dr Huang Shifang hosted a banquet for them.
