Malacca bridges Malaysia-China ties through festive media showcase

As Malaysia launches the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026), the historic city of Malacca is once again emerging as a cultural bridge between Malaysia and China, using heritage, tradition and media collaboration to strengthen ties that stretch back more than half a century.

Against the evocative backdrop of Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat), popularly known as Jonker Walk during festive periods, dragon and lion dances, elegant Nyonya performances and traditional festivities have transformed the heart of the old city into a vibrant cultural stage. The celebrations are not merely for local audiences or tourists on the ground. They are part of an international media collaboration linked to China’s Fujian Spring Festival Gala, marking a significant moment in people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries.

The overseas filming, conducted amid packed crowds and festive decorations, underscores how Malacca’s living heritage continues to play a pivotal role in promoting Malaysia’s cultural identity abroad—just as the country positions itself for a major tourism push in 2026.

A global showcase from Jonker Street

At the centre of this effort is the Hokkien Huey Kuan Melaka, one of the city’s oldest and most influential clan associations. Speaking during an exclusive interview at the association, Mr Tan highlighted the scale and significance of the production currently underway at Jonker Street.

A specialised media team from China is recording a major programme at the Jonker Street stage, carefully capturing the distinctive sights and sounds of Chinese New Year as celebrated in Malacca. From traditional performances to the atmosphere of the historic street itself, the production aims to present an authentic portrayal of Malaysia’s multicultural heritage.

“They are taking all the records… and it will be played during the Chinese New Year in China,” Mr Tan explained.

The broadcast is expected to reach millions of viewers across China, providing Malacca with a rare and prestigious platform. More than a festive programme, it serves as a powerful visual introduction to the city’s heritage, architecture and community life—elements that resonate strongly with audiences seeking culturally rich travel experiences.

234 years of heritage and grassroots diplomacy

The event was further elevated by the presence of Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Lim Hock San, President of the Federation of Hokkien Associations Malaysia. His visit to the Hokkien Huey Kuan Melaka, an institution with a documented history spanning over 234 years, highlighted the enduring importance of grassroots organisations in sustaining Malaysia-China relations.

By engaging directly with local members and exchanging views, Tan Sri underscored that bilateral ties extend far beyond formal diplomatic channels. The more-than-50-year relationship between Malaysia and China, he noted, is anchored in shared traditions, migration histories and community institutions that have preserved cultural practices across generations.

Associations like the Hokkien Huey Kuan have long served as custodians of language, customs and mutual support, forming a cultural bridge that predates modern state-to-state relations. Their role today, particularly in hosting international media and cultural exchanges, reinforces the idea that diplomacy is most resilient when it is rooted in community life.

Strategic momentum for Visit Malaysia Year 2026

The timing of the media collaboration is especially significant as Malaysia builds momentum towards VM2026. By broadcasting a distinctly “Malaysian-style” Chinese New Year celebration to a vast audience in China, the production aligns cultural storytelling with tourism promotion.

Early attention from press and social media has already suggested growing interest among potential travellers, particularly those seeking destinations that combine historical depth with festive vibrancy. The imagery of Jonker Street—its iconic stage, traditional associations, and richly decorated shophouses—positions Malacca as a compelling destination ahead of the 2026 travel season.