Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chiew emphasized that these moments can open hearts, deepen understanding, and create enduring bonds of friendship. He made these remarks during the 'Harmony Beyond Borders-A Celebration of Cultural Friendship' concert at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa. The concert, part of the Malaysia Cultural Festival 2026, showcased artists and musicians from China, India, and Uzbekistan alongside Malaysian artists, reflecting the diversity of their 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; and Uzbek doira performer Bekmurodov Dilmurodbek Shuxratovich and flutist Ergashev Azamat Akmalovich. The concert, coordinated by Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia, served as a flagship initiative under Malaysia's Cultural Diplomacy Programme. This programme aims to demonstrate the power of the arts to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries while fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties between nations.
Chiew highlighted that the arts serve as a universal language, connecting people across borders, while music, dance, heritage, crafts, and creative expression enable communities to share their stories, identities, and values. He noted that through this process, people learn to appreciate differences while discovering common values that unite them as a global community.
He further stated that the spirit of cultural exchange is particularly meaningful as Malaysia welcomes the world through Visit Malaysia 2026-2027. International visitors are invited to experience not only the country's destinations but also its people, traditions, heritage, and cultural diversity. Malaysia remains open to celebrating the cultures of its international friends, embodying the spirit of Harmony Beyond Borders by using cultural diplomacy to build bridges and creativity to strengthen friendships.
As part of 2026, this 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. Chiew 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.