On February 23, the Belt and Road International Art Exhibition kicked off in Sibu, Sarawak of Malaysia to celebrate the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations. Co-hosted by College of Fine Arts of Huaqiao University (HQU) and University College of Technology Sarawak, the exhibition presents work from 12 Chinese and Malaysian artists, covering lacquer painting, oil painting, ink painting and print.

Guests invited to attend the opening ceremony of the exhibition included Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau Lee Ming—honorary chairman of United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu Division, Liu Renxiang—president of UCA Sibu, Lau Kim Foo—General Secretary of UCA Sibu, Han Mengqi—dean of Confucius Institute at University College of Technology Sarawak, Raymond Tiong Yiong Ching—chairman of Sibu Contemporary Arts Association (SCAA), and Datin Sri Liu Gongyi—consultant of SCAA.

Dato Vincent Lau and Han Mengqi addressed the opening ceremony. They emphasized the significance of arts in facilitating cultural exchanges and enhancing friendship between the two countries, and expressed their confidence and support towards China-Malaysia friendship that had lasted for half a century. They also expected the two countries will continue their joint efforts in building the Belt and Road, promoting comprehensive cooperation in emerging fields and bringing better lives for both peoples.

As the curator and the youngest artist at the exhibition, Xiao Hewen, an Malaysian student who studies at HQU College of Fine Arts, gave remarks at the opening ceremony, briefing on her current research in lacquer painting. She believed that Chinese lacquer culture, as the treasure of the Chinese nation, could create distinguished works when paired with Malaysian customs, which would add special cultural glamour to amicable cooperation between both countries.

The exhibition was co-hosted by Confucius Institute at University of Technology Sarawak and International Lacquer Art Research Center at HQU College of Fine Arts, and enjoyed broad participation of people from all walks of life.

Artist Xiao Hewen Giving Remarks

Group Photo on the Spot

(Editor: Wei Linying)