Admiral Zheng He’s ‘historic visit’ to Johor Bahru

A month long exhibition titled “The Voyages Of Admiral Zheng He ” depicting the life, struggles and adventures of the renowned sea explorer from China will be held in Johor Bahru for the very first time.

A total of 13 special galleries have been set up to showcase the various exhibits, and will be open for public viewing in Sutera Mall here starting June 18.

According to Sutera Mall general manager, Goh Lak Sin, the objective of the exhibition is not only to provide shoppers an insight into the history of Admiral Zheng He but also to allow them to enjoy a “shop and learn” experience which has been Sutera Mall’s shopping theme for the last two years.

He said, this year “The Voyages of Admiral Zheng He” was chosen as the ‘shop and learn’ theme is because of its strong influence on the history of Malaysia.

Shoppers will have the opportunity to learn more about the life, struggles, naval explorations of the great Admiral Zheng He, said Goh in a press conference here yesterday.

He added that an replica exhibit comprising a fleet of 317 naval ships and 27,000 crewmen will be on display and for sale.

Besides the exhibition, there will also be competitions, including public speaking, calligraphy, chinese chess, colouring contests and photography, which come with cash prizes totalling RM15,000, said Goh.

We have also invited renowned local and foreign history researchers from Singapore and China to give talks on Admiral Zheng He, Goh added.

Adding further, he said that Admiral Zheng He holds the world record of commanding the largest naval expeditions covering Asia, Africa and the Arab peninsula.

Admiral Zheng He, a Muslim, performed his pilgrimage in Mecca and led seven expeditions during his naval career.

Footnotes:

Zheng He (1371–1435), also known as Ma Sanbao and Hajji Mahmud Shamsuddin was a Hui-Chinese mariner, explorer, diplomat and fleet admiral, who commanded voyages to Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa, collectively referred to as the Voyages of Zheng He or Voyages of Cheng Ho from 1405 to 1433.

In the People’s Republic of China, 11 July is Maritime Day and is devoted to the memory of Zheng He’s first voyage.