New regional centre strengthens China-Asean economic link
KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to strengthen China–Asean ties gained momentum following the opening of Hainan International Media Centre (HIMC)'s regional hub for Asean here.
The centre serves as a bridge to engage with the Southeast Asia region to develop an international land-sea trade corridor.
It also plays a critical role in sharing Hainan's development narrative, including tourism, commercial expansion and policy reforms.
Hainan Daily Press Group deputy editor-in-chief Niu Xiaomin said Malaysia was chosen because it is home to a sizeable population of Chinese descendants, particularly the Hainanese community, which has preserved deep-rooted cultural ties and continues to uphold strong traditions.
He hoped the stories of Malaysian Chinese and Chinese citizens could serve as a cultural bridge, strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations while promoting mutual understanding and highlighting shared values across the region.
He also said that Hainan would officially become a free trade port on Dec 18, allowing for some 74% of goods entering the island to enjoy zero-tariff benefits.
"This marks a new starting point for Hainan's journey towards a higher level of openness to the outside world," he said at the launch of the HIMC–Asean Liaison Centre here on Friday (Aug 1).
The event also saw the establishment of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor Asean Economic and Trade Station, and the Haifeng International Film and Television Base Asean Centre.
Several agreements on media collaboration were also signed with Bernama, Nanyang Siang Pau and Kwong Wah Yit Poh to jointly produce programmes and conduct activities about Malaysia and Hainan.
Partnerships were also established between HIMC and the Federation of Hainan Association Malaysia, Mila University and Lingshui Yingli Wanxiang Digital Media Industry.
The HIMC–Asean Liaison Centre also serves as the Malaysia office for Guangxi International Communication Centre and the International Communication Centre of Guizhou Radio and TV Station.
Also present were Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Kwong Wah Yit Poh executive editor-in-chief Tee Hor Yean, Nanyang Siang Pau editor-in-chief Evie Loh, the Federation of Hainan Association Malaysia president Datuk George Yong Ket How and HIMC senior advisor for Hainan-Asean international communication Dr Pua Eng Teck.
Later in the day, Niu led a delegation to visit Star Media Group.
They were briefed on the media company's history, operations and commitment to journalistic integrity while engaging in a fruitful meeting with its group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
8 minutes ago
- The Star
Thailand, Cambodia chose Malaysia because of stability, says Anwar
KOTA KINABALU: Thailand and Cambodia chose Malaysia as the location for peace talks because the country has stable politics and a developing economy, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said that as a friendly country, Malaysia was proud to be able to help resolve the conflict between the two Asian countries, thus ensuring that the region remains peaceful and stable. Anwar said Cambodian Defence Minister General Tea Seiha and Thai Acting Defence Minister General Natthaphon Narkphanit were expected to arrive in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow to hold detailed discussions in an effort to find a solution to the conflict between the two neighbouring countries. "We are proud as a friendly country and of Malaysia's success in resolving the discord between two Asian countries. Imagine, they agreed in Kuala Lumpur. For the first time, we have been able to reconcile the war between two countries in Kuala Lumpur. Alhamdulillah," he said. He said this when officiating the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day here on Sunday (Aug 3). - Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
24 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
US tariff rate has no impact on nation's commodities market, says Johari
Plantation and commodities minister Johari Ghani said the tariff rate for commodities is still fair, even if it remains at 19%. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The 19% tariff imposed by the US on Malaysian goods will not affect the competitiveness of Malaysia's commodities in the global market, says plantation and commodities minister Johari Ghani. He said this was because the tariff remains competitive compared with other Asean nations, including Indonesia, which also faces the same tariff rate, Bernama reported. 'We're almost on par with the lowest rates in Asean. For example, Indonesia is the world's top producer of palm oil, and we're number two. 'It is also subject to the 19% rate. So for us, 19% is fair. It's not a problem,' he was quoted as saying, after attending the Pasir Gudang Umno delegates' meeting today. Yesterday, the US announced the imposition of a 19% reciprocal tariff on imports from Malaysia, effective Aug 8, a reduction from the previously proposed 25%. In response, investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said Malaysia will advocate for 0% tariffs on commodities such as cocoa, rubber and palm oil, similar to the 0% rate enjoyed by the semiconductor and pharmaceutical sectors.
New Straits Times
38 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Narathiwat council uncovers Malaysian women using fake documents to remarry in Thailand
KOTA BARU: The Narathiwat Islamic Religious Council has uncovered several cases involving Malaysian women attempting to deceive its religious officers by submitting forged divorce or death certificates to remarry new Malaysian partners in southern Thailand. Council deputy president Abdul Aziz Che Mamat said such cases have been detected over the past few years, with most of the individuals involved hailing from Kelantan. "We have recorded numerous instances where Malaysian women submitted falsified documents claiming they were either divorced or widowed to facilitate remarriage in southern Thailand," he said. According to Abdul Aziz, some women went as far as altering names and dates on official documents, including tampering with divorce certificates, to bypass the marriage vetting process. He stressed that the council treats such matters seriously and will immediately halt the solemnisation process upon detecting any fraudulent activity. "There were cases where my officers, unaware of the deception, allowed the marriage to proceed. "However, the registration was later revoked after the actual husband came forward to confirm that he was still alive and they were not divorced," he added. Abdul Aziz warned that such dishonest practices could jeopardise the legal status and future of children born from these marriages — particularly in matters relating to identity documentation, citizenship, and inheritance. "These children could face complications when registering their births, enrolling in school, or proving their legitimacy later in life," he said. In response, the council has tightened procedures for cross-border marriages, especially those involving foreign nationals. He noted that recent efforts to curb illegal and questionable marriages have yielded positive results. "Cases involving syndicate-driven marriages and underage unions have significantly declined thanks to improved cooperation and greater awareness among couples following our outreach and educational briefings," he said. He added that previously, the council dealt with numerous cases involving syndicates, underage girls, and pregnant women.
