2024-06-18

Celebrating Malaysia-China Friendship: Exploring Tea Culture Through a Youth Study Program

    From July 1 to 5, 2024, a delegation of 12 students and faculty members from Zhejiang International Studies University (ZISU), together with representatives from the Malaysia-China Cultural Tourism Association, embarked on a journey to explore Malaysia’s tea culture and the intertwined cultural heritage of Malaysia and China. Visiting historic Melaka, Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, and the Cameron Highlands tea plantations, the participants exchanged heartfelt wishes for the enduring friendship between Malaysia and China.

    The “Tea Trails Along The Silkroad” Malaysia-China Youth Study Camp 2024 was initiated by ZISU’s School of Culture and Tourism in collaboration with Malayia China Cultural Tourism Association, with academic support from Malaysia’s HELP University and significant backing from Tourism Pahang. Guided by the principle of “promoting culture through tourism and tourism through culture,” the association aims to align with Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Ministry of Higher Education in advancing high-quality educational tourism.

    This tea culture study initiative marks a deeper level of Malaysia-China cultural exchange, strengthening the shared heritage of Chinese communities abroad while promoting the value of traditional Chinese culture. It is also one of the key cultural exchange activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.

    Led by Associate Professor Li Na of ZISU, 11 university students participated in a five-day study program. This followed earlier virtual forums in May, where scholars and industry experts discussed the history, current state, and similarities and differences between the tea industries of Malaysia and China.

    At HELP University’s Damansara campus, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Deputy Vice-Chancellors Professor Stephen Wu and Professor Fiona Woo, as well as Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management Professor Dr. Alice Lim and Dean of the Graduate School Professor Dr. Nicholas Lum. The students collaborated with their Malaysian counterparts to form four research groups, exploring themes such as tea houses, tea merchants, tea beverages, and tea plantations.

    The delegation received valuable insights from ASEAN Tea Association Secretary-General Wong Yee Chen and Kok Pui Leng, founder and chief tea artist of NW Tea Concept. During a field visit to Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, the participants interviewed long-established tea businesses, learning about the century-old legacy of Malaysia’s tea trade, tea varieties, storage, processing methods, and evolving consumer markets. These experiences deepened their understanding of the unique characteristics and shared cultural roots of Malaysia’s tea culture.

    The final stop of the study tour brought the group to the BOH Tea Plantation in the Cameron Highlands, where they explored the ecological practices of tea cultivation and learned techniques for brewing and appreciating black tea.

    The closing ceremony and certificate presentation were graced by Tanah Rata State Assemblyman Ho Chi Yang, who expressed his appreciation for the delegation’s visit. “We warmly welcome you to Pahang to explore our beautiful region and experience Malaysia’s rich culture. Pahang will continue to support international study programs, providing a platform for cross-cultural exchanges,” he said.

Associate Professor Li Na praised the collaborative efforts that made the program a success. She emphasized that the trip offered students a unique opportunity to experience Malaysia’s diverse tea and food culture, while gaining deeper insight into the localization and cultural significance of Chinese tea culture in Malaysia.

    President of Malaysia China Cultural Tourism Association Ms Natalie Chan commended the students for their enthusiasm and dedication. “This program has not only achieved academic outcomes but also serves as a meaningful effort in advancing Malaysia-China tourism and cultural exchanges. We are grateful for the support of Pahang’s Executive Councillor for Unity, Culture, and Tourism, YB Leong Yu Man, Assemblyman Ho Chi Yang, and Tourism Pahang.

    It has been an honor to partner with ZISU in organizing this impactful tea culture study tour. The exchange of tea culture between Malaysia and China will continue. Moving forward, PKPMC will collaborate with ZISU and tea organizations from both countries to promote further research and industry exchanges. Through tea, we will strengthen friendships and foster mutual understanding among the youth of Malaysia and China.”