"‘Belt and Road’ ASEAN Summit: Opening of Malaysia's Demonstration Base
—— 2023Global Focus: 'Belt and Road' ASEAN High-Level Forum
And the Grand Unveiling Ceremony of Malaysia's DongFangCity Demonstration Base

December 9, 2023
 

        [Beijing News] The historic event, "2023 Global Focus: 'Belt and Road' ASEAN Forum and the Unveiling Ceremony of Malaysia's DongFangCity Demonstration Base," took place on December 9, 2023, from 14:00 to 17:00 in the sophisticated Li River Hall on the second floor of the advanced Beijing International Convention Center. General Zhao Tianmin, Vice Chairman of the Calligraphers Association of Central State Organs, extended congratulations for the unveiling ceremony. More than 350 DFCITY members, including Mr. Wang Wei, former Director of the Department of South-South Cooperation at the China International Economic and Technical Exchange Center of the Ministry of Commerce, Ms. Sun Lili, Chairwoman of the Cross-Border Committee of the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and a lifelong professor at Zhejiang E-Commerce University, Ms. Wang Tongyang, Vice President of China Comment Network, Ms. Cheng Yanping, Executive Vice President and Secretary-General of the Belt and Road Economic and Cultural Committee of the China-Europe Association for Economic and Technical Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce, Ms. Zhou Fan, CEO of Far-sighted Education Technology Holding Group, Idris from Selangor State Development Agency (SSEDA), Mr. LOW KIM KIAT (Jeffrey), Executive Director of DFCITY PKNS SDN BHD Joint Venture Company, Ms. Du Xiuyun, Director of the Market Department of DongFangCity, Ms. Yu Yang, President of Beijing Carbon Ski Sports Development Group, Mr. Zhu Quan, Deputy General Manager of Liyang Guang Technology Co., Ltd., and Ms. Peng Hongyan, representative of Oriental City, attended the unveiling ceremony. 

        This unveiling ceremony was organized by China Comment Network and the China-Europe Economic and Technical Cooperation Association, hosted by the Belt and Road National Editorial Center of China Comment Network and the Belt and Road Economic and Cultural Committee of the China-Europe Economic and Technical Cooperation Association, and co-organized by Far-sighted Holding Limited and DongFangCityHoldingsGroup.

        Ms. Wang Tongyang, Vice President of China Comment Network, stated in her speech—this year marks the tenth anniversary of President Xi Jinping's proposal for the Belt and Road Initiative. With the comprehensive implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), China and ASEAN have further consolidated their positions as each other's largest trading partners. Mutual political assistance and policy communication between the two sides have continuously strengthened, leading to an enhanced quality upgrade in China-ASEAN relations and driving forward the respective modernization processes. The Belt and Road Malaysia DongFangCity Demonstration Base, as well as the Malaysia DongFangCity Base of the ASEAN World Center by China Comment Network, will strive for a brilliant and prosperous future. It aims to inject new vitality into China-ASEAN cooperation and make positive contributions to promoting high-quality development in China's economy and society.

        Ms. Cheng Yanping, Executive Vice President and Secretary-General of the Belt and Road Economic and Cultural Committee of the China-Europe Association for Economic and Technical Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce, expressed in her speech that Malaysia holds a significant position among ASEAN countries and actively participates in the Belt and Road Initiative. The DongFangCity  Demonstration Base, as a crucial component of Malaysia's projects, will offer new opportunities for cooperation between China and Malaysia in economic, trade, cultural, and other fields.

        Mr. Wang Wei, former Director of the Department of South-South Cooperation at the China International Economic and Technical Exchange Center of the Ministry of Commerce, delivered a keynote speech on the RCEP from various perspectives. He emphasized the further consolidation of China and ASEAN's positions as each other's largest trading partners. The continuous strengthening of political assistance and policy communication between both sides has led to an enhanced quality upgrade in China-ASEAN relations and propelled their respective modernization processes forward. The inauguration of the Malaysia Oriental City Demonstration Base signifies not only a new starting point for China-Malaysia relations but also an important milestone in the promotion of cultural exchanges within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. It marks the beginning of a new era—a time of cultural exchange and mutually beneficial cooperation.

1.  "The Belt and Road Malaysia DongFangCity Demonstration Base marks a new era of cooperation."

        DongFangCity has officially been honored by the China-Europe Association for Economic and Technical Cooperation as the Belt and Road Malaysia DongFangCity Demonstration Base. This recognition not only signifies DongFangCity's significant role in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative but also symbolizes the deepening cooperation between China and Malaysia within the Belt and Road framework.
 

2. Li Wei, Director of the Belt and Road ASEAN Affairs Department in Malaysia - The Bridge of Malaysia’s ASEAN Affairs. 

 

3. China Comment Network ASEAN World Center, Malaysia DongFangCity Base - A new platform for Cultural Exchange

 

        The honor bestowed upon DongFangCity by the China Comment Network ASEAN World Center as the Malaysia DongFangCity Base signifies a further consolidation of its status as a core platform for the dissemination of Eastern culture globally. Serving as a convergence and exhibition center for the cultures of 48 Eastern countries, DongFangCity will leverage its influence on the international stage to promote and propagate the unique charm of Eastern culture through news and cultural exchanges. This initiative not only reinforces DongFangCity's pivotal role in global cultural dissemination but also fosters cultural interaction and cooperation among ASEAN countries, further enhancing global recognition of Eastern culture."

4. Li Wei, Director of China Comment Network ASEAN World News Centre, Malaysia DongFangCity Base: A Leader in the News Centre

 

        This series of honors and appointments not only recognizes the outstanding achievements of DongFangCity but also signifies an important milestone in cultural exchange and international cooperation within China-Malaysia relations and the Belt and Road Initiative. President Xi Jinping once profoundly stated: 'Civilizations become colorful through exchanges and enriched through mutual learning.' Just as this profound truth reveals, DongFangCity will use these honors as the sails for navigation, taking on the significant responsibility of promoting international cultural exchange, deepening the friendship between China and Malaysia, and injecting new vitality into the comprehensive implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.
 

        As an important partner of DongFangCity, Selangor State Development Authority PKNS CSO (Chief Strategic Officer) Tuan Haji Idris delivered a speech after accepting the accolade, stating: "DongFangCity is a comprehensive tourism project initiated by the joint development between DFCITY and PKNS, a Malaysian national project. Its construction validates the complementarity between the Selangor State Development Agency and our partners, DFCITY, demonstrating our unwavering collaborative relationship and strong bond. This project not only represents our shared vision but also leads us toward unity and the creation of a diverse multicultural environment, inclusive of innovative and sustainable urban development. As a significant partner of DFCITY, on behalf of the Selangor State Government, we aim to ensure the impeccable implementation of this project. We also welcome everyone to Selangor, which is envisioned as the future destination embodying the ideals and implementation of DFCITY. Today's recognition of DongFangCity can be considered as the first significant good news for PKNS and DFCITY as we stride into 2024."

 
        Tuan Haji Idris emphasized the project's significance for the local community, stating: "We are not only constructing a tourist destination; we are creating a melting pot of culture, an innovative and sustainable future city." The development of DongFangCity symbolizes the convergence of history and modernity, showcasing the profound significance and broad prospects of cooperation between Malaysia and China. He also highlighted DongFangCity’s crucial role in advancing regional economies and enhancing the well-being of the people, expressing confidence in future collaborations: "We believe that through our collective efforts, DongFangCity will become a new model for regional cooperation and cultural exchange, bringing a more prosperous future for Selangor State and Malaysia as a whole."
 
        Following Tuan Haji Idris's enthusiastic speech, the atmosphere reached a crescendo. His words were filled with anticipation for the future and profound gratitude toward DFCITY's partners. He emphasized that DongFangCity's success is not merely the result of collaboration between Selangor State Development Agency and DFCITY but is also a vibrant testament to Malaysia's commitment to multicultural exchange and sustainable urban development.
 
        As Tuan Haji Idris concluded his speech, thunderous applause resonated, reflecting attendees' shared anticipation for DongFangCity’s future development and their wholehearted support for this significant project. With the ongoing ambitious development of DongFangCity, it is poised to become a landmark achievement for Malaysia and the entire Southeast Asian region, further advancing cultural exchange and economic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

 

        DFCITY PKNS SDN BHD's Executive Director, LOW KIM KIAT (Jeffrey), representing DFCITY, accepted the accolade and delivered a speech acknowledging, "As the Executive Director of DFCITY PKNS SDN BHD, I accept the honor bestowed upon Malaysia DongFangCity Base with immense pride and a profound sense of responsibility. The DongFangCity project, as a gem within the Belt and Road Initiative, signifies not only economic cooperation but also deepens the profound connections of cultural exchange, technological advancement, and sustainable development. It is evidence of our collective commitment to creating an environment vibrant with ideas, cultural fusion, and shared prosperity."
 
        Jeffrey further elaborated on the significance and future vision of the DongFangCity project in his address, stating, "DongFangCity is not merely an architectural or geographical landmark; it is a bridge connecting the East and West, linking the past with the future. Here, we are not only constructing buildings but also fostering connections between individuals, promoting mutual cultural understanding, and respect." He emphasized that the success of the DongFangCity project is rooted in multifaceted cooperation and efforts, adding, "This project harnesses wisdom and resources from various sectors, including support from nations, governments, and enterprises. We are honored to collaborate with all stakeholders in driving forward this magnificent project." Jeffrey expressed that DongFangCity  will evolve into a vibrant cultural and commercial hub, fostering economic growth and cultural prosperity for Malaysia and the entire ASEAN region.
 

        Ms. Du Xiuyun, the Director of DongFangCity’s Marketing Department, expressed in her speech that on behalf of the company and the chairman, she extended gratitude for the honor conferred by China Comment Network and the China-Europe Association for Economic and Technical Cooperation. She highlighted that DongFangCity is envisioned to become a radiant tourist city, fusing the cultures of 48 nations with cutting-edge technology on a global scale.
 

        Ms. Yu Yang, President of Beijing Carbon Skiing Sports Development Group and a long-time friend of DongFangCity, provided a detailed overview of the construction plan for the DongFangCity IceSnow World in 2024. She initially conveyed her enthusiasm and anticipation for the project: "The DongFangCity Ice Snow World project is a significant outcome of our collaboration with DongFangCity. It will not only become a top-tier destination for ice and snow sports and entertainment in the region but also serve as a crucial platform for cultural exchange and international cooperation."
 
        Ms. Yu Yang then unveiled the specific construction schedule, stating, "Our goal is to commence construction in 2024. The entire project will employ advanced eco-friendly technologies and sustainable construction materials to ensure the project's green development and long-term sustainability." She emphasized the project's significance in promoting regional economic development and cultural exchange: "The Ice Snow World will not only attract tourists from both domestic and international spheres but also drive local economic growth and enhance the region's international influence. Furthermore, through hosting various international competitions and cultural events, we aim to facilitate the exchange of ice and snow sports and Eastern culture." Ms. Yu Yang concluded her speech with a confident outlook for the future: "For a tropical country like Malaysia, engaging in ice and snow sports is a rare experience. The establishment of the DongFangCity IceSnow World not only fills the gap in Malaysia's ice and snow entertainment sector but also provides a unique experience for local residents and international tourists. The implementation of this project will undoubtedly become a significant highlight for Malaysia's tourism industry."
 
        As Ms. Yu Yang finished her speech, the DongFangCity IceSnow World project garnered high recognition and anticipation from attendees for its unique value and potential in showcasing and utilizing Malaysia's scarce resources.

 

        Ms. Peng Hongyan, representing DongFangCity's marketing team, expressed gratitude in her acknowledgment speech. She thanked the organizers, China Comment Network and the China-Europe Association for Economic and Technical Cooperation, along with all the partners and members of the DongFangCity family. As a representative of this city, she felt the honor of her role and carried immense expectations. She stated, "In my capacity as a spokesperson for this city, I feel a deep sense of pride in my mission and carry an incredible sense of anticipation. In the future, we are committed to shaping DongFangCity as a bridge between the East and West, an economic and cultural link, and jointly sketching out a magnificent blueprint for global cooperation and development."
 

 

        In the conclusion of the event, Ms. Sun Lili, Chairperson of the Cross-Border Committee of the China Information Industry Department and a lifelong professor at Zhejiang Electronic Commerce University, provided a detailed explanation of the far-reaching impact of the "Belt and Road" initiative on the ASEAN economy. She first elucidated the origins of the "Belt and Road" and its core policy guidelines, then introduced the role of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the total investment in the "Belt and Road" plan. She pointed out that ASEAN countries are important bilateral partners in regional economic integration, emphasizing the close cooperation between China and ASEAN in trade and investment.      

 
         Furthermore, Professor Sun specifically mentioned the enthusiasm of Chinese people for real estate investment, especially in Malaysia. Through data analysis, she demonstrated the robust growth trend in the Malaysian property market, illustrating Malaysia's attractiveness in the real estate sector. She further explained that the "Belt and Road" is not only an international cooperation and development project for China but also a crucial economic growth opportunity for ASEAN countries.      
 
         Professor Sun also highlighted the significance of the "DongFangCity" project in Malaysia, emphasizing how this project promotes local economic prosperity and the dissemination of Eastern culture. She believed that these projects and collaborations not only stimulate economic development but also contribute to regional peace and stability. In conclusion, she summarized that the "Belt and Road" initiative and the collaboration between China and ASEAN provide new impetus for regional economic development while paving the way for broader international cooperation and cultural exchange.

        The accreditation of DongFangCity signifies not just a new starting point for China-Malaysia relations, but also serves as a crucial milestone in cultural exchange within the Belt and Road Initiative. Serving as a platform to showcase the cultures of 48 Eastern nations, DongFangCity is more than just a geographical landmark; it is a vital link for cultural exchange, embodying the ideal that "the world is diverse, and cultures are manifold." Here, the wisdom and culture of the East are not only celebrated but also serve as a bridge for global cultural exchange and integration.
 
        In this era of globalization, cultural exchange and dissemination are more critical than ever. DongFangCity is set to become a mosaic of global cultural diversity, fostering mutual understanding and respect among diverse cultures. It's not only a symbol of China-Malaysia friendship but also a successful realization of the Belt and Road Initiative on a cultural level. It not only provides a platform for local residents and tourists to understand and experience Eastern cultures but also contributes to the diversity and richness of global cultures.
 
        In the future, DongFangCity will continue to play a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange between the East and West, enhancing mutual understanding, and fostering friendship among people.