By Rohani Mohd Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 (Bernama) -- During four months living as part of the Malaysian diaspora in the Land of the Great Wall, invitations to events hosted by the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing were always highly anticipated.
This was because such gatherings usually featured beloved Malaysian favourites such as nasi lemak, teh tarik, laksa, apam balik, mee goreng mamak, rendang and traditional kuih-muih — flavours deeply missed while abroad.
Yet beyond the food, however, another highlight that brought comfort and a sense of home was the performance by the embassy’s in-house music group, Charisma.
The nine-member ensemble, made up of talented singers and musicians comprising male embassy officers and spouses of female officers, became a distinctive cultural symbol of Malaysia’s diplomatic mission in Beijing.
The writer first watched Charisma perform during the launch of Flavours of Malaysia @ The Balcony at the Grand Hyatt Beijing in October 2025 during the autumn season.
Among the songs performed were Umpan Jinak di Air Tenang, Joget Toleh Menoleh, Joget Penghibur, Cik Mek Molek, Lemak Manis and Warisan, which drew considerable attention from hotel guests.
At the time, the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing was understood to be the only Malaysian diplomatic mission abroad with its own music group.
However, the writer’s demanding schedule under the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme, which required frequent travel from Beijing to various provinces and regions across China, limited opportunities to write about Charisma earlier.
After learning that one of Charisma’s key members had returned to Malaysia, the writer met him in Putrajaya to reflect on his experiences and memories with the group.
Former director of Education Malaysia Beijing and now principal assistant secretary at the Halal Development Section, Halal and Vendor Development Division of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Muhammad Sallehuddin Mohd Dilif said Charisma was formed through voluntary participation by its members, with strong support from Malaysia’s Ambassador to China, Norman Muhamad.
Muhammad Sallehuddin, who served as Charisma’s lead vocalist while stationed in Beijing, said the group made its debut performance during the launch of the Malaysian Gastronomy Festival in 2024 at the Shangri-La Haidian Beijing.
“Our aim in establishing Charisma was to promote Malaysian culture and identity internationally, especially in China.
“We know China highly values culture despite its rapid technological development. Charisma became an excellent platform for Malaysia to introduce its music and artistic heritage in the Land of the Great Wall,” he said.
Following its debut, Charisma gained popularity among both Chinese audiences and the Malaysian diaspora in China through performances featuring traditional, classic and contemporary Malay songs, as well as multilingual musical pieces.
The group also performed during visits by Malaysian dignitaries to China, National Day celebrations, and at the ASEAN-China Centre during the ASEAN Durian Festival.
Muhammad Sallehuddin, who served as Higher Education Ministry education attaché in China from 2023 to 2025, said he used the opportunity to highlight Malaysia’s cultural diversity in efforts to attract Chinese students to pursue higher education in Malaysia.
He believed such exposure would provide added value to international students by allowing them not only to obtain academic qualifications, but also to experience Malaysia’s multicultural environment.
Besides his involvement in Charisma, he also helped nurture Malaysian student talent in China in areas such as dance, poetry, singing and musical performance for official events organised by the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing.
As of end-2025, more than 6,000 Malaysian students were studying at various higher education institutions throughout China.
Asked about Charisma’s rehearsal schedule, he said practice sessions were usually held during weekends or Chinese public holidays to ensure official duties were not disrupted and members could still spend quality time with their families.
Muhammad Sallehuddin said the establishment of Charisma strengthened solidarity among home-based staff at the Embassy while fostering pride in representing Malaysian arts and culture internationally.
When asked who had taken over as Charisma’s lead vocalist after his return to Malaysia and whether he missed performing with the group, he said all members were capable singers across various genres.
“Performing duties is rotated depending on the occasion. Singing while abroad remains one of the most cherished memories, especially during rehearsals together in a four-season country. Everything was done sincerely and wholeheartedly to elevate the name of Malaysia,” he said.
Muhammad Sallehuddin also expressed appreciation to Ambassador Norman Muhamad and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, Norfarina Mohd Azmee, for their trust, support and encouragement that enabled Charisma to grow.
“Charisma will always remain in my heart, wherever I may serve in the future,” he said, ending the nostalgic conversation reflecting on sweet memories in Beijing.
--BERNAMA
