2025-01-17

Nga Kor Ming's Harbin Visit Yields Fruitful Results, Strengthens Malaysia-China Relations

Nga Kor Ming Invited as Keynote Speaker at “Nihao China!” 2025 Global Winter Tourism Campaign

    Malaysian Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, successfully concluded a three-day official visit to Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, at the invitation of the provincial government. The visit marked significant progress in Malaysia-China bilateral cooperation, with key achievements including plans for a direct flight route between Malaysia and Harbin, the potential establishment of a Harbin Institute of Technology campus in Malaysia, and Malaysia’s selection as the Guest of Honor for the 2026 Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair (HTF).

    Organized with precision by the Malaysia-China Cultural Tourism Association, the delegation’s packed itinerary included high-level meetings with Heilongjiang Vice Governor Yu Jian, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Heilongjiang Committee Chen Shijun, and Vice President of Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) Shuai Yong. The discussions covered various areas of collaboration, ranging from trade and education to housing and tourism.

The delegation, led by Minister Nga, comprised notable representatives including Member of Parliament Chow Yu Hui, Director-General of the Local Government Department Dato’ Mohd Fadzli Bin Mohd Kenali, Director of the New Village Development Department Lim Shean Lee, and Vice President of the Malaysia-China Cultural Tourism Association, Tan Tiong Yih.

Strengthening Malaysia’s Global Profile at the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival

    As a highlight of the visit, Minister Nga represented Malaysia as the Guest of Honor at the opening ceremony of the 41st Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival on January 5. He also officiated the launch of the “Nihao China!” 2025 Overseas Winter Tourism Promotion Campaign and the “Shared Dreams of Ice and Snow” global tourism promotion event.

    Addressing an audience of over 300 international dignitaries and business leaders from 29 countries, Minister Nga showcased Malaysia’s appeal as a premier destination for tourism and investment. His eloquent and impactful speech in Mandarin left a lasting impression on the attendees, emphasizing Malaysia’s unique multicultural heritage and strategic role in fostering global partnerships.

Paving the Way for Deeper Collaboration

    The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, renowned as one of the world’s leading winter tourism events, served as an ideal platform to promote Malaysia’s offerings ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The event also provided opportunities to introduce “Kampung Good” – premium products certified under Malaysia’s village development initiatives – to Chinese and international audiences, fostering economic and cultural exchanges.

    Minister Nga’s visit reaffirmed the importance of strengthening subnational ties between Malaysia and China, leveraging platforms like the Ice and Snow Festival to explore new opportunities in trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.

    “Harbin’s dynamic growth and global outreach align perfectly with Malaysia’s vision of deeper international collaboration,” Minister Nga remarked. “This visit not only enhances bilateral relations but also opens new horizons for shared prosperity.”