Kota Kinabalu: The World Economic Development Organisation (WeDo) intends to Invest in Sabah and film a documentary on the history of Chinese migration to Southeast Asia.
WeDo Executive Chairman of the Greater China Region Cui Weilin, recently led a delegation to visit Sabah and revealed the organisation’s intention with the Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC).
According to Cui, the delegation has met with several departments and agencies of the Sabah Government with strong support for the documentary project.
SCCC President Datuk Frankie Liew said during the meeting that trade relations between Sabah and China date back hundreds of years.
“This is evidenced by the ancient shipwreck salvaged off the coast of Kudat, the Zheng He River in Sandakan, the hanging coffins, and the legends of Sipadan Caves and Mount Kinabalu, all of which reflect the long-standing trade ties between the two regions.
“The historical trade between Sabah and China, the migration and settlement of Chinese people in Sabah, their integration with local communities, and their harmonious coexistence are worth documenting and preserving for future generations to understand and study,” he said.
Frankie emphasised the resilience of Chinese communities and Chinese culture, noting how overseas Chinese managed to preserve their culture while integrating into local societies.
He described overseas Chinese as a pillar in their respective countries, as well as a key bridge for China’s peaceful rise, global outreach, the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
He expressed full support for this documentary project and pledged that the SCCC would provide necessary assistance to ensure the smooth completion of the filming and production process.
He hoped the documentary would be released soon so that more people in China and around the world could learn about Sabah’s treasures.
Frankie also welcomed the WeDo to explore various business and investment opportunities in Sabah.
He highlighted that the Sabah Government values China’s technology and machinery advancements and hoped to attract Chinese investments to promote the development of Sabah’s infrastructure, food processing industry, and downstream industries.
The visiting delegation included Bai Wenguang, WeDo Vice Chairman of the Greater China Region and Chairman of the Southeast Asia Region, Wu Disheng, Chairman of the Malaysian Asset Development Council, Ting Yihang, East Malaysia Representative of the Malaysian Asset Development Council, and Zhu Junxiong, Head of the Southeast Asia WeDo Office.
Representing SCCC were Deputy President Brett Chua, Deputy Director of Commercial Affairs Lucas Kwan and committee members Max Chan and Chen Hui Zhi.
