Cultural Diplomacy Strengthens People-to-people Ties Across Borders - Chiew

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Cultural diplomacy plays an important role in strengthening friendship among nations by creating meaningful people-to-people connections through creativity, collaboration and mutual respect, said Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man.

He said cultural exchanges demonstrated that diplomacy did not take place only across conference tables or through official agreements, but also happens through a melody, a dance, a work of art and a shared cultural experience.

“These moments can open hearts, deepen understanding and create bonds of friendship that endure,” he said in his opening remarks at the “Harmony Beyond Borders-A Celebration of Cultural Friendship” concert at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here tonight.

The concert, held in conjunction with the Malaysia Cultural Festival 2026, brought together artists and musicians from China, India and Uzbekistan alongside Malaysian artists, reflecting the diversity of their respective cultural traditions. 

Among the international performers were Chinese pipa musician Chuang Tzuhui and erhu performer Shen Tong; Indian pakhawaj artist Dr Ankit Parikh and sarangi musician Anish Mishra as well as Uzbek doira performer Bekmurodov Dilmurodbek Shuxratovich and flutist Ergashev Azamat Akmalovich.

The concert, coordinated by Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia (OTM), served as a flagship initiative under Malaysia’s Cultural Diplomacy Programme, aimed at demonstrating the power of the arts to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries while fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties between nations.

Chiew said the arts served as a universal language connecting people across borders, while music, dance, heritage, crafts and creative expression enabled communities to share their stories, identities and values.

“In doing so, we learn to appreciate our differences while discovering the common values that unite us as a global community,” he said.

He noted that the spirit of cultural exchange was particularly meaningful as Malaysia welcomed the world through Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 (VM2026–2027), with international visitors invited to experience not only the country’s destinations, but also its people, traditions, heritage and cultural diversity.

At the same time, he said Malaysia remained open to learning about and celebrating the cultures of its international friends, reflecting the spirit of Harmony Beyond Borders in using cultural diplomacy to build bridges and creativity to strengthen friendships.

As part of 2026, the programme also contributes to Malaysia’s wider cultural, economic and diplomatic objectives under the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign by promoting cultural tourism, creating opportunities for Malaysian artists and creative practitioners, and strengthening international cultural collaboration.

He also expressed hope that the performances would inspire greater understanding, deeper cooperation and lasting friendship among peoples, while demonstrating that diversity is not a barrier but a source of beauty and strength.

-- BERNAMA