Books bring China and Malaysia closer at fair

KUALA LUMPUR — Picking up a Chinese book to explore Chinese culture; meeting Chinese writers face to face to understand the thinking behind contemporary Chinese literature; joining China-Malaysia youth dialogues to deepen mutual understanding — these were scenes at the 10-day Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2026, which opened on May 29.

A host of Chinese publishing houses and cultural enterprises are taking part, presenting not only multicategory, multi-language books but also cultural and creative products infused with traditional Chinese elements. Through the promotion of reading, interactive events and other activities, they are offering Malaysians a close-up experience of China.

At the "China-ASEAN Book Culture Week" exhibition zone, visitors browse books, make inquiries and purchases in a lively atmosphere.

Nurul, who studies Chinese at university, brought along her young niece. "Chinese culture is broad and profound. I want my niece to learn Chinese from an early age, so that one day she can read in Chinese and get to know the rich and colorful Chinese culture more directly."

May 31 marks the 52nd anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic ties. During the fair, dialogues were held on China-ASEAN cultural heritage, China-Malaysia youth, and children's publishing, bringing together guests from the cultural and publishing industries for in-depth exchanges.

"In our exchanges, we should be guided by the Hehe culture — harmony and cooperation — and promote mutual learning and integrated development among civilizations on the basis of respecting differences," said Goh Hin San, president of the Han Culture Center Malaysia.

Paduka Mastura Hj Muhamad, director of the Selangor Public Library, expressed hope that more quality books will flow in both directions between Malaysia and China in the future, so that good works can truly circulate and people of both countries can read more great books.

A Chinese edition of The Asian Renaissance was also launched during the fair. The book was originally written in English and published by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in 1996, when he was deputy prime minister.

The Chinese edition was officially published by the Foreign Languages Press in March 2026. A copy was presented to Anwar after the opening ceremony.

Chan Ming Kai, political secretary to the prime minister of Malaysia, said the two countries share many commonalities in their development visions and civilizational concepts. He looks forward to promoting common development from a broader civilizational perspective and injecting more Asian wisdom into world peace and a just order.

Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, said that Malaysia and China have continuously deepened cooperation in investment, education and other fields over the 52 years of diplomatic ties, and the younger generation will play a more important role.

XINHUA