45 Malaysian-Chinese teenagers, together with four teachers, embarked on a journey to discover their Chinese roots. The journey lasted for 10 days, finishing on June 5.

The teenagers participated in the 2019 “China Root Seeking Trip” summer camp in MaAnshan, Anhui Province. During the activity, the campers learned about Chinese history and language, and experienced Chinese communication, handicrafts, dance, calligraphy, tea art and bamboo flutes.

The students expressed their interest in this journey, which also gave them first-hand experience in the reform and opening-up of Anhui Province. They also said that they would share the unique culture and customs they took part in with friends back home, bridging the friendship between Malaysia and China.

Many students had particular personal interests. One teenager, Sun Huiling, said that she had learned a lot from the activities. What interested her was wuqinxi, calligraphy, and the origins of Chinese surnames, which introduced the development and meaning behind surnames. Another camper, Liao Wenqing, found history the most fascinating class.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China. Wu Hengliang, headmaster of Kian Kok Middle School, introduced the long history of the exchanges between Malaysia and China, noting that the two countries share many common points in language, culture and art, and even folk customs.

The camp was sponsored by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and organized by the Anhui Overseas Chinese Federation. The camp, themed “Chinese language, culture, and discovering personal roots”, aims to build a platform for overseas Chinese teenagers to experience Chinese culture and enhance their connection with China.