In pursuit of BRI economic goals, educational and cultural activities are also equally important

Malaysia-China Silk Road Business Chamber president (Tan Sri) Ong Tee Keat … sustaining BRI’s success with educational and cultural activities

In pursuit of BRI economic goals, educational and cultural activities are also equally important

KUALA LUMPUR (February 2018): As 68 countries led by China pursue vigorously to develop the multi-trillion-dollar Belt Road Initiative (BRI), they must also not forget the importance of educational and cultural activities and promotions.

“Promoting trans-border trade for mutual economic gains in the spirit of prosper thy neighbour is truly a holistic effort by the BRI member nations.

“But, BRI’s foundation must also be solidified with a greater understanding of member nations. There is no other better way to forge that than through educational and cultural promotional efforts,” Malaysia-China Silk Road Business Chamber president (Tan Sri) Ong Tee Keat said.

Speaking to I Love Malaysia-China Silk Road at a BRI elocution contest in Penang (Malaysia) on Feb 4, Ong said the proverb “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” held true to any effort in the pursuit of success.

“Successful business and trade is the ultimate aim of BRI. But that cannot be the only focus.

“Success must be achieved with sustaining power. And sustainability can only be nurtured by forging trans border understanding of culture and customs,” he added.
Flag bearers of BRI member nations entering the hall for the official opening of the elocution contest in Lot 33 (Prangin Mall, Penang) Malaysia.

Ong said: “This is why we are here today on the first stop of the BRI elocution contest featuring the participants from Malaysia, China and Thailand.


“We will bring this contest to other BRI cities as well.”

The International Mandarin Elocution Contest For Youths, themed “Stars Of The Future on The Belt And Road”, was hosted by Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia (YBNM), a foundation set up by Ong to promote social care and development.

The BRI effort in Penang Island’s Lot 33 (Prangin Mall) was organised by the Penang Chinese School Teachers Association and Kesatuan Kebangsaan Guru-Guru Besar Malaysia (Malaysia Headmasters Association) in Penang Island’s Lot 33 (Prangin Mall).

The day-long contest saw the participation of 108 students from Malaysia, China and Thailand divided into three categories - primary school, secondary school and high school.

The contest highlight was an awards, prize and cerificate presentation grand dinner.

The following is a selection of pictures shot at the BRI event:

(Tan Sri) Ong (wearing cap) having a discussion with a Chinese envoy and his delegation before the opening of the BRI elocution contest

BRI flag bearers of BRI member-nations at the opening the elocution contest







Striking the gong to declare the BRI elocution contest open

Parents, teachers and participants at the BRI elocution contest

Participants from China


The awards and prizes awaiting for the winners


A primary school participant

A primary school participant

A secondary school participant

A high school participant
The elocution contest time keepers
The elocution contest judges
A high school participant
A secondary school participant
A primary school participant
A primary school participant
A primary school participant
The young singer at the BRI elocution contest dinner and awards presentation
Officials and elocution contest participants from China singing a patriotic song at the dinner
Introducing a book to diners
Briefing diners on a high school in Shunde, China
Introducing a book on BRI to diners
Introducing Guangdong to diners
Awards and prize presentation
Awards and prize presentation
Awards and prize presentation
Awards and prize presentation
Awards and prize presentation

Awards and prize presentation
Awards and prize presentation
Awards and prize presentation
Awards and prize presentation
Awards and prize presentation
Awards and prize presentation
Awards and prize presentation
Awards and prize presentation
Awards and prize presentation
Collaboration signing for future trans border cultural activities and events
Presentation of souvenirs
A group photo with the elocution contest big winners

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