BUSINESS community, Chinese associations, academicians, and several politicians offered their deepest gratitude to the Chinese consul-general to Penang Lu Shiwei at the latter’s farewell reception here.
After four years of service in Malaysia, Lu is leaving his post and returning to China.
Kwong Wah Yit Poh general manager Datuk Lee Hin Chan, who represented the Chinese media practitioners, extended his blessings to Lu in his speech.
“He is a knowledgeable, caring, and approachable diplomat. Over the past four years, he has frequently visited the local communities.
“He is not only concerned about the development of the chambers of commerce and business associations, Chinese associations, and schools, but also about the media organisations and personnel.
“Lu and his colleagues were always ensuring that the media personnel were protected during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Since he took office, he visited major media companies under his consular district, listened to the feedback from the media, and contributed to the promotion of Malaysia-China friendship,” he said.
Penang Chinese Girls’ School Board of Directors honorary secretary Datuk Loh Nam Hooi said Lu had provided strong support for Chinese education.
“The support includes financial, materials, and moral support.
“He paid close attention to the development of Chinese education in Malaysia. We can feel his care for Penang through his action and wisdom,” he said.
Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) president Datuk Seri Hong Yeam Wah said PCCC and Lu had witnessed, experienced, and promoted Malaysia-China relations over the past four years.
“The frequent exchanges and interactions in trade, economics, education, culture, and others have brought benefits to both China and Malaysia.
“I hope that the friendly relations between Malaysia and China will bring more development and opportunities,” he said.
Penang Chinese Town Hall chairman Tan Sri Dr Tan Khoon Hai said the Malaysia-China diplomatic ties were not only established with words but with solid work and actions.
“In the past four years, Lu spared no effort to enhance the relationship between Malaysia and China, support, and concern about the Chinese community in Malaysia
“Memories are always beautiful, parting is always sad,” he said.
The Penang government is looking forward to more collaborations with Chinese manufacturers in the coming years. The state is celebrating its 50 years of industrialisation journey this year.
In recent years, Penang has attracted many good-quality Chinese investments through Lu’s efforts.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that according to the data provided by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), 29 manufacturing investments from China came to Penang between 2018 and March 2022.
“Among these Chinese companies was the Shanghai-based StarFive Technology which announced its investment of RM250 million over the next five years to set up its first design centre in Penang.
“We (Lu and I) have witnessed the changes in Penang over the past four years, and the remarkable growth in the bilateral relations between Malaysia and China.
“Both nations – Malaysia and China – have maintained good relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties, 48 years ago.
“For nearly 50 years, bilateral trade, cultural exchanges, tourist numbers and education opportunities between both countries continue to grow.
“In 2021, the bilateral trade volume between Malaysia and China reached a record high of US$176.8 billion (an increase of 34.5% year-on-year).
“China has also been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years,” Chow said in his speech during the farewell reception at Kwong Wah Yit Poh in Lebuh Presgrave today.
Chow said time flies and it was never easy to say goodbye.
He also highlighted Lu’s efforts during his tenure in Penang.
“He is very concerned about the development of Chinese education in the states under his consular district.
“Last year, he established the ‘Chinese Consulate-General in Penang Scholarship’ to aid Chinese schools in four states under his consular district. The aid provided includes books, teaching equipment and financial support to promote Chinese education; as well as Malaysia-China people-to-people cultural exchanges and helping outstanding but financially disadvantaged students to complete their education.
“The scholarship also played an important role in the setting up of Chinese Cultural Research Centres in secondary schools and colleges,” Chow said.
Recollecting the critical period in the fight against Covid-19, Chow said the Chinese consulate-general in Penang provided medical supplies to the four northern states in Malaysia in their hour of need.
“On behalf of the Penangites, I express my deepest respect and gratitude to you. Thank you for your dedication and contribution over the past four years. Thank you for being a great friend to Penang. All the best in your future undertakings,” he said.
Lu thanked the guests for their warm greetings.
“I am very touched. All the memories I had in Malaysia brought me warmth.
“How fast time flies! I cannot help thinking of the wonderful times we have worked together and forged friendships.
“It has been a busy and rewarding four years. We have participated in and witnessed the sustained and stable development of China-Malaysia relations.
“The development of bilateral relations has continuously empowered local exchanges between the two countries.
“I am deeply impressed by the diversity, harmony, tolerance, and development of traditional Chinese culture in Malaysia.
“I have seen great achievements in schools, cultivating virtues, educating students, and promoting Chinese culture. I deeply understand the hardships, persistence, and dedication of the Chinese community and the strong support from various circles of society to realise these achievements,” he said.
Lu added that next year would be the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Malaysia, and the year after next would be the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.
“China-Malaysia relations are presented with new development opportunities, built on past achievements, and forge ahead into the future,” he said.
Later, the guests gave a toast to long-lasting friendship, good health, success, and happiness.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix and video by Law Suun Ting