Tasting Lychee Blossoms Malaysia-China Relations: What You Need to Know… | kbnmart

reading time: 2 minutes

On July 14, GDToday, in collaboration with Kwong Wah Yit Poh Press Berhad, hosted the “Litchi Flavor from Guangdong, All the Way to Malaysia” event in Penang, Malaysia. The event showcased four types of premium lychees from Guangdong: Xianjinfeng, Lingfengnuo, Nuomici and Xinlongdiding.

Liu Jirong from the Kwangtung and Tengzhou Pinang Association spoke highly of lychee, noting that “each lychee has its own unique style.” He highlighted the potential of lychee in promoting trade and cultural exchanges between Malaysia and China. Liu expressed his interest in partnering with Guangzhou and Dongguan for more fruit promotion activities, suggesting, “We can also bring our durian to China and import more lychee from Guangdong.”

The event also included an art exhibition featuring traditional Chinese paintings and oil paintings by famous artists from Lingnan. Wai P Wong Hon Wai, Member of the Executive Council of Penang State“The video and paintings of lychee harvesting gave us a glimpse into the lychee culture of Guangdong Province. The ink and watercolor paintings were absolutely stunning,” said one of the exhibition participants.

YB Wong stressed the importance of bilateral trade between China and Malaysia, saying: “We can bring durian to China and import more lychee from Guangdong. This cooperation reflects the heart of our people.”

Local chefs were inspired by the lychee in Guangdong Province to create new lychee-based dishes, adding vitality to Malaysian cuisine. The event attracted young vloggers who shared their impressions of China. Serena, a local Malaysian vlogger, was enthusiastic about the lychee dishes and saw potential for young Malaysians to explore China as a tourist destination. “With the increase in direct flights and favorable visa policies, many young Malaysians are considering traveling to China,” she noted.

This event marks a timely cooperation following the trade agreements signed between China and Malaysia on June 19, 2024, which allow fresh Malaysian durian to enter China. Future exchanges and cooperation between Malaysia and the Greater Bay Area are expected to further strengthen the half-century-old diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“This event has exceeded expectations and symbolized something greater,” concluded Lee Hin Chan, General Manager of Kwong Wah Yit Poh Press Berhad. “Friends from the Greater Bay Area and our overseas Chinese communities share an inseparable kinship. We hope to have more cultural platforms like this to bring the Greater Bay Area closer to the overseas Chinese communities in Penang and honor our historical ties.”