Chinese edition of The Asian Renaissance presented at Kuala Lumpur book fair

The Chinese edition of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s seminal work The Asian Renaissance was formally presented at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair on May 29.

The presentation took place at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. Gao Anming, editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group, presented the Chinese edition on behalf of Chang Bo, president of CICG. Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing attended the ceremony.

Mood Khair Ngadiron, advisor to the book fair’s organizing committee, praised the publication and noted the significance of its Chinese translation.

“I have seen that when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim worked out of the idea of ASEAN and the region, he recognized that we live in diversity,” he said. He stressed that while Asian countries have differences, they manage them through mutual respect, enabling them to build sound relationships.

“I believe that the world, especially the West, will learn from us how we can coexist. The coexistence of multicultural, multi-religious ASEAN countries is a perfect example to the world,” he said, adding that Malaysians are proud to see the prime minister’s work translated into Chinese by a Chinese publisher.

Zhang Miao, deputy dean of the Research School for Southeast Asian Studies at Xiamen University and one of the book’s translators, also attended the event. She noted that Asian civilizations and values carry deep cultural and historical heritage, particularly the longstanding traditions of inclusiveness, mutual understanding, and mutual learning among different civilizations.

“Western values are by no means the only benchmark. Asia’s voices, traditions and cultures deserve due attention, recognition and respect,” she said. “Exchanges, mutual appreciation and inclusiveness across civilizations can provide ample reference for navigating the current international landscape.”

pengchao1@chinadaily.com.cn