By Mu Vitet

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has benefited significantly from the long-standing relationship between Malaysia and China, said caretaker Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.

She said the close ties cover cooperation in the economy, tourism, education and cultural exchange.

“China is one of our largest sources of international tourists, apart from cultural exchange programmes, research collaborations and heritage conservation initiatives,” she said at the Confucian-Islamic Civilisation Dialogue at Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

Liew said the dialogue continues the long history of friendship between Malaysia and China, aimed at deepening cultural diplomacy and ensuring the next generation inherits not only economic ties but also lasting bonds of understanding.

“As we enter an age of globalisation, we must not allow our cultural heritage to fade. Instead, we must preserve it, learn from it and share it with the world,” she added.

She assured that the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment remains committed to safeguarding Sabah’s cultural assets.

“Institutional bodies such as the Sabah Museum play a central role in documenting and preserving our history while educating the younger generation about their heritage,” she said.

Liew also welcomed the upcoming visit by Chairman Liu Yuzhu and the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation to the Sabah Museum, which will open new opportunities for collaboration in cultural preservation.

She said the dialogue serves as a meaningful platform where history, philosophy and culture converge to remind people of the common values that unite humanity.

Liew added that President Xi Jinping, during his recent meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, had emphasised the importance of continuing the Confucian-Islamic Civilisation Dialogue and strengthening people-to-people exchanges.