Building cultural bridges

The Star

4 days ago

IN the words of the late Pope Francis: 'All wars, all struggles, all problems that are not resolved, with which we face, are due to a lack of dialogue.' Similarly, China's founding figures Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping urged their people to 'Seek truth from facts (shi shi qiu shi).'
These insights encapsulate a recent media delegation's visit to China, where journalists from 12 Asian and African nations engaged in a ministerial dialogue on global civilisation.
Led by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, the delegation comprised 23 media representatives from, among others, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. The delegation had been invited by the Inter-national Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee (IDCPC).
In a world where geopolitical tensions threaten global harmony, dialogue is the most effective tool to foster peace and prosperity.
Strengthening global ties
The visit, described by Dr Wee as 'meaningful', highlighted the importance of engaging in dialogue while witnessing China's advancements.
'We are impressed to see its advancement and civilisation,' he said, calling for more frequent exchanges to 'open up bridges for us to learn from each other and appreciate culture and people'. This is the way to go, he added.
During a meeting with IDCPC Minister Liu Jianchao, Dr Wee emphasised the media's role in shaping balanced narratives and fostering a more interconnected world. He echoed Liu's call for a Global South media group to ensure that voices are heard in global discourses.
The visit highlighted the media's role as both a unifier and a potential divider. Established media outlets must fight fake news and disinformation, which can quickly turn allies into adversaries.
'The media is not merely a mirror of society but a bridge that connects people, cultures, and ideas,' Dr Wee noted, calling for stronger collaboration between Malaysian and Chinese media.
Economic and cultural transformation
The delegation visited key sites and enterprises in Beijing, Yan'an and Xi'an, gaining insights into China's economic and technological advancements.
Yan'an, once poor, is now a thriving hub of agriculture and industry, known for apple farming and energy production.
As the former headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party, the city exemplifies how strategic partnerships and innovation can revitalise rural areas.
Dr Wee said China's focus on internal development is a valuable lesson for sustainable growth.
Embracing diversity
The Ministerial Meeting of the Global Civilisations Dialogue was a highlight of the visit.
Speaking at the 'Intercivili-sation Exchanges and Mutual Learning' forum, Dr Wee called for dialogue and cooperation to tackle global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and inequality.
Amid rising ideological divides, he said, 'Civilisation should not be a contest of dominance, but a journey of mutual learning'.
He said no single civilisation holds all the answers; through partnership, global challenges can be addressed for humanity's benefit.
Malaysia's Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang also delivered an address, emphasising the role of science and technology in transcending geographical boundaries and facilitating intercultural exchanges.
Lessons and future prospects
Reflecting on the visit, Dr Wee said, 'I feel it is a good exchange between countries about trade, economic issues, and civilisation dialogue'. He called for more frequent programmes to enhance understanding and cooperation.
Sovann Heng, editor-in-chief of the Cambodian version of Contemporary World magazine, emphasised the importance of dialogue to treat each other as equals and foster cooperation: 'Cultural differences should not lead to confrontation but rather encourage mutual support,' he said.
Elkana Kuhenga, editor of Tanzania's Daily News, noted the media's role in mitigating cultural divides: 'Media acts as a bridge,' he said.
Kamran Yousaf, a senior journalist from Pakistan, praised China's development, saying, 'China's rise to global prominence is positioning itself as a formidable force'.
For this writer, visiting the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, home to the terracotta warriors, was an eye-opener. These figures not only symbolise the artistic achievement of that ancient time but also reflect the harsh realities of their era. The Qin Dynasty's fall was due to its oppressive rule, yet the artistic legacy from that time remains an amazing testament to human creativity.
True civilisation is not solely about technological progress but also about cultivating personal character. As a nation continues to grow, its reputation is shaped by both its achievements and the values it upholds. Balancing economic success with personal and societal development leads to sustainable progress, benefiting everyone.
In an age where misinformation spreads faster than truth, media organisations hold the crucial responsibility of shaping an informed society by cutting through the noise, upholding facts, and serving as a trusted compass in a world flooded with content.
This aligns with the theme of the media delegation's visit, 'Media Empowerment and Shared Prosperity'. The mission is strengthened when media organisations cooperate, share resources, and support each other in the collective pursuit of truth.