00:00 Thank you, Dr. Wee Kar Siew, for delivering such a powerful closing address for the Malaysia...
00:07 Our collaboration in Belt and Road Initiative is a testament to our shared mission for regional connectivity and economic integration.
00:17 Ladies and gentlemen, people-to-people exchanges are the bedrock of a strong relationship.
00:27 Let us encourage student exchanges, cultural performances and joint research initiatives by fostering understanding of each other's customs, traditions and perspectives.
00:41 We can build bridges that transcend language and geography.
00:47 Our educational partnerships have flourished with more students than ever before, taking the opportunity to study abroad, gaining new perspectives and skills.
00:59 Ladies and gentlemen, this is just for your information.
01:03 For the last two years, when we faced the COVID outbreak, there were only 9,000 Chinese nationals studying at our universities for the Master's and PhD programs.
01:18 And today, after two years, we have more than 40,000 students, the postgraduate students in Malaysia.
01:29 So it simply means there are more and more to come to Malaysia.
01:34 That shows the relationship in the higher education sector.
01:38 Imagine a future where young Malaysians and Chinese are fluent in each other's language,
01:45 working together on cutting-edge scientific advancement or collaborating on artistic endeavours that celebrate our share of humanity.
01:56 This is the future we can build through a commitment to cultural exchange.
02:01 Again, ladies and gentlemen, this is just for your information.
02:06 In 2004, there were only 100 Chinese restaurants owned by foreigners from China.
02:14 They operated odd restaurants in Malaysia.
02:17 After 10 years, in 2014, it shook up to 1,000 restaurants.
02:23 And today, in 2024, the figures have gone up tenfold, which is 10,000 Chinese restaurants.
02:32 All types of Chinese restaurants are owned by Chinese businessmen.
02:36 The future of Malaysia-China partnership is bright.
02:39 By working together, hand in hand, we can harness the power of economic collaboration, cultural exchange and regional cooperation to build a brighter future for our people.
02:53 Let us seize this opportunity to build bridges and forge a partnership that exemplifies the true meaning of friendship and cooperation.
03:06 With that, I conclude my speech. Thank you. Terima kasih.
03:12 And we hope that from this summit, we can be really bold for a bold, connected...
03:17 [Silence]
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