‘Global unity through dialogue'
Calling for global unity, the MCA president said the spirit of exchange and mutual learning is facing new challenges amid rising protectionism, ideological divides and a worrying tendency towards isolationism.
'Some are tempted to see the diversity of civilisations not as a source of strength, but as a source of conflict. This is a dangerous path,' he said.
Dr Wee was speaking at the forum on 'Inter-Civilisation Exchanges and Mutual Learning: Global Development and Prosperity,' part of the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Civilisations Dialogue held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse here yesterday.
He emphasised that civilisation should not be a contest of dominance, but a journey of mutual learning.
'It is a journey of learning, where we share experiences, exchange knowledge and draw wisdom from one another to solve common challenges, be it poverty, climate change or global inequality,' he said.
Also present was MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
The forum was opened by Chinese Academy of Social Sciences vice-president Li Xuesong, followed by a keynote address from Hu Heping, executive deputy head of the CPC Central Committee's Publicity Department, and a speech from Andrey Chorbanov, chairman of Bulgaria's Education and Science Committee.
Other speakers included Xinhua News Agency president Fu Hua, Bangladesh Cultural Affairs Ministry adviser Mostofa Farooki and CPC Central Committee Party School vice-president Li Wentang.
Former Dewan Negara president and Star Media Group Bhd chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng (pic) also participated, speaking at a separate forum.
Dr Wee is on an official visit to China at the invitation of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee's Contemporary World Magazine.
He is leading a delegation of 23 media representatives from 12 Asian and African countries under the theme 'Media Empowerment and Shared Prosperity'.
The delegation is visiting key sites and companies to gain deeper insight into the historical foundations of Chinese civilisation as well as the major achievements and global opportunities arising from China's path to modernisation.
Dr Wee noted that Malaysia, as a nation at the crossroads of Asia, embodies the value of cultural convergence, where diverse cultures, beliefs and ideas have come together to produce a rich civilisational tapestry.
'Our future lies not in turning inward but in engaging with the world,' he said.
He highlighted Malaysia's commitment to modernisation through learning and adaptation, pointing to the Belt and Road Initiative as a successful example of international cooperation.
'Malaysia and China have shown the world how such collaboration can work,' he said.
Dr Wee added that MCA is proud to have fostered these ties through the Belt and Road Centre, Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research, inter-party exchanges and academic cooperation via Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Dr Wee also expressed support for China's Global Civilisation Initiative, which promotes mutual respect and dialogue among nations.
'No civilisation, no matter how advanced, holds all the answers. But through humility and openness, we can find solutions that benefit humanity as a whole.
'We must choose dialogue over division, cooperation over confrontation, and mutual learning over suspicion,' he said, adding that the wisdom of the past shows that diversity is humanity's greatest strength.
Meanwhile, in a parallel session, Wong addressed the topic 'Inter-Civilisation Exchanges and Mutual Learning: Cultural Inheritance and Innovation,' highlighting the need for cultures to evolve while staying rooted in their essence.
He cited examples such as Malaysia's batik and China's ink painting, which are flourishing in the digital age.
'In Malaysia, traditional batik motifs are being revitalised through digital fashion platforms, while in China, centuries-old ink painting techniques have found new life through immersive digital exhibitions.
'These expressions give rich meaning to our cultural inheritance. Yet, as we evolve, so must our cultures. Innovation does not mean turning away from tradition,' he said.
Highlighting the media's role, Wong said, 'The media plays a critical role in cultural inheritance and innovation. We are not just storytellers, we are connectors.'
He added that Star Media Group has been using its platform to encourage dialogue and unity in Malaysia's diverse society.
'We live in a time of unprecedented challenges, geopolitical tensions, technological disruption and environmental crisis.
'In such times, dialogue among civilisations is not merely valuable; it is essential,' he said.
He praised the Global Civilisation Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping as a timely framework for celebrating diversity and shared values.
'Peace, equality, justice and common prosperity are aspirations for all of humanity.
'Let us work together, not only to preserve our past but to leverage its essence to drive innovation and share its gifts with the world,' Wong said.
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