The China-Malaysia Youth Leaders Camp, themed on Cultural Integration and Ecological Protection, was held from Oct 9 to 18 in Kunming and Lijiang in China and Kuala Lumpur and Melaka in Malaysia. Organized by Yunnan University (YNU), the camp brought together 44 teachers and students from universities in Yunnan and Malaysia for cross-cultural learning and exchanges.

The closing ceremony of the China-Malaysia Youth Leaders Camp is held at YNU. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

In Yunnan, participants visited the Monument to the Kunming Memorial Site for the Nanyang Volunteers Drivers and Mechanics who supported the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, learning about their contributions and patriotism. At the Yunnan Nationalities Museum, they explored the province's ethnic diversity and cultural integration through lectures and intangible cultural heritage activities. In Lijiang, visits to Mufu Mansion, Lijiang Normal College, and the Yulong Snow Mountain Provincial Nature Reserve Administration focused on the preservation of ethnic culture, historic architecture, and biodiversity conservation.

In Kuala Lumpur, participants visited the Kong Zi Institute Universiti Malaya to learn about Chinese language education and cultural exchange abroad. At Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, they discussed higher education cooperation and experienced traditional Malaysian batik-making. Visits to the National Museum of Malaysia and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia offered insights into the country's history and its efforts to preserve tropical rainforests.

In Melaka, the group visited the Zheng He Cultural Museum to learn about Zheng He, a Chinese admiral and diplomat from the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum to learn about the longstanding exchanges between China and Malaysia along the Maritime Silk Road.

Snapshots of participants during the event. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

At the closing ceremony, 40 students formed six groups themed around cultural heritage and environmental conservation to present their observations, discuss shared challenges facing the two countries, and outline proposed actions and personal commitments for the next 30 days.

Participants said the 10-day program had deepened their understanding of China-Malaysia cultural exchange and joint environmental conservation efforts, while pledging to apply what they had learned to their studies and professional practice.

The camp provided a platform for young people from both countries to engage in dialogue on culture and the environment. YNU plans to continue strengthening partnerships with Malaysian universities and promote more youth exchanges to foster mutual understanding and support closer China-ASEAN cooperation.