On February 9, the Malaysia Jiangsu Entrepreneurs Business Association was invited to participate in the 2025 Yisi Year Chinese New Year Gathering, themed “Golden Snake Welcomes Spring, Prosperity Arrives at Every Door.” The event was hosted by the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) and was filled with a lively atmosphere, bringing together elites from various sectors to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
On the day of the event, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, YB Loke Siew Fook, and the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, attended as distinguished guests, adding a formal yet festive ambiance to the gathering. Many representatives and leaders from Chinese associations were also present to witness this grand celebration.
Sun Jianwei, President of the Malaysia Jiangsu Entrepreneurs Business Association, was honored as a main table guest and participated in the traditional Lou Sang ceremony. Lou Sang is a cherished Chinese New Year custom among Malaysian Chinese, symbolizing prosperity and success in the coming year. Amidst a cheerful atmosphere, President Sun and other guests tossed the raw fish slices high, sharing laughter and joy while embracing festive blessings.
During the event, Huazong President Tan Sri T.C Goh delivered a welcome speech, extending heartfelt greetings and Lunar New Year wishes to all attendees. Following this, Minister of Transport Loke Siew Fook emphasized the significance of economic development in his opening remarks. He stated that only by continuously expanding the economic “cake” could the nation achieve better growth, improve citizens’ livelihoods, and foster a more harmonious society.
Additionally, Minister Loke expressed his hope to have Malaysia’s unique Lou Sang culture recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, ensuring its preservation and global appreciation. He further reassured attendees of the unity within the government, emphasizing that national solidarity and social harmony remain the foundation of governance. He maintained an optimistic outlook on Malaysia’s economic growth this year, vividly stating, “We want the stock market to rise, the Malaysian Ringgit to strengthen, and the economic influence and overall quality of life to improve—this is the government’s top priority.”
Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, highlighted in his speech that the Lunar New Year, as one of the oldest and most important traditional Chinese festivals, embodies the values of peace, harmony, and unity in Chinese culture. He also mentioned that in December last year, the Lunar New Year was successfully inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, marking another proud moment for Chinese culture on the global stage. Ambassador Ouyang reflected on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia last year, emphasizing that this milestone had brought tangible benefits to both nations, strengthening exchanges and cooperation in various fields.
Apart from President Sun Jianwei, Vice President Wei Huali of the Malaysia Jiangsu Entrepreneurs Business Association also attended the event. Under President Sun’s leadership, they engaged in warm exchanges with Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation YB Chang Lih Kang, President of the Federation of Hokkien Associations of Malaysia, Tan Sri Lim Fook San JP, Founding Honorary President of the Federation of Chinese Surnames Association Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Ang Lai Hee, and President of the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia, Ni Qingjiu. They exchanged festive greetings and best wishes for the new year.
The annual Chinese New Year Gathering is a significant event for Malaysian Chinese associations. It not only strengthens ties within the community but also highlights the preservation and promotion of traditional Chinese culture. This year’s event not only fostered a rich festive atmosphere but also served as a bridge for furthering cultural exchanges and cooperation between Malaysia and China, injecting new vitality and hope for the year ahead.
Photo 1: President Sun Jianwei (far left) posing with fellow main table guests. From left to right: Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport YB Loke Siew Fook, Founding Honorary President of the Federation of Chinese Surnames Association Malaysia Dato’ Seri Ang Lai Hee, and Huazong Deputy President Dato’ Lim Kah Chuan.
Photo 2: President Sun Jianwei (right) with President of the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia, Ni Qingjiu. Vice President Wei Huali (left) accompanies them.
