KUCHING: A five-day cultural exchange mission to China’s Yunnan province has opened a new chapter in Sarawak-China relations.
The 38-member Sarawak-Yunnan Cultural Exchange Delegation, organised by the Sarawak Chinese Association (SCA), wrapped up the visit on a high note this week, building new bridges in culture, tourism and trade.
The delegation’s packed itinerary included university discussions, museum tours, and community engagements with the Yunnan Provincial Association for Ethnic Studies, Yunnan Minzu University, and other key institutions.
At Yunnan Minzu University, the Sarawak delegates were moved when Chinese students presented ethnic cultures in fluent Malay – a gesture that showcased China’s multilingual education and openness to global exchange.
A key highlight was the signing of an agricultural cooperation agreement between Borneo Rice Plantation Company and Yunnan University, aimed at introducing advanced rice seedlings and technology to Sarawak.
“This partnership not only strengthens food security but also deepens people-to-people ties,” said Deputy State Secretary, Datuk Hii Chang Kee, who thanked Professor Hu Fengyi for his leadership in the collaboration.
Hii represented Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“This wasn’t just a Chinese community initiative,” said SCA’s President, Harry Lee, who led the delegation. “It was a joint effort with our indigenous associations, a cultural rediscovery for all Sarawakians.”
Twelve indigenous associations participated, reflecting Sarawak’s multicultural spirit.
In his keynote remarks, Hii drew parallels between Sarawak’s 34 ethnic groups and Yunnan’s 26 ethnic minorities, noting shared traditions in costume, festivals and music.
He also revisited centuries of historical ties – from Admiral Zheng He’s voyages over 600 years ago to the contributions of Malayan Chinese mechanics who helped build the Burma-Yunnan Road during World War II.
“These are not just historical echoes,” he said, adding, “they are living connections that continue to bring our peoples closer.”
Recent high-level visits have strengthened that bond, including Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s 2017 visit to Yunnan, the establishment of the Kunming-Kuching Friendship Park, and Yunnan Communist Party Secretary Wang Ning’s visit to Sarawak earlier this year.
During the Yunnan visit, indigenous leaders recognised striking similarities between Yunnan’s ethnic groups and those in Sarawak.
Penghulu Wilfred Mac, President of the Miri Dayak Association, drew parallels between Yunnan’s people and Sarawak’s Ibans in rituals and harvest festivals, while Simon Ilus of the Bidayuh Association noted shared motifs with the Yi people.
Yunnan leaders praised Sarawak’s role in deepening bilateral ties.
“Malaysia and China are now building a high-level strategic partnership, and the Sarawak-Yunnan friendship is an important chapter of that story,” said He Tao, Deputy Director of the Yunnan Foreign Affairs Office.
Kunming City Government officials highlighted the enduring relationship between Kuching South and Kunming, symbolised by the Friendship Park established in 2012.
“Today’s meeting is not just about reviewing the past; it’s about building the future,” said Gao Mingyuan, Deputy Director of Kunming’s Foreign Affairs Office.
Scholars from Yunnan Minzu University noted that “friends grow closer by walking together, and cultures grow warmer through dialogue”, reinforcing the natural affinity between Yunnan and Sarawak as ethnically diverse regions.
Both sides expressed a shared commitment to expand cooperation in education, tourism, agriculture and research, aligning with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which promotes inclusivity, sustainability and innovation through green growth and cultural diplomacy.
Lee, meanwhile, also announced that the Taste of Borneo Cultural Festival 4.0 will be held in Miri from July 1-12 next year, featuring performers from all 34 ethnic groups in Sarawak alongside guests from Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia.
“It will be more than a festival; it will be Sarawak’s open day to the world,” he added.
