The Institute of Language and Literature Malaysia and the Han Culture Centre Malaysia recently unveiled 50 literary classics to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. 

Chinese Culture in the Malay Language and History of Malay Literature, two textbooks compiled and published by the Malay language program of the School of Asian Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), have been reviewed by experts to be part of this prestigious catalog.

The promotion ceremony of the 50 literary classics to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China is held recently. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

At the promotion ceremony of the book list, Senator Datuk Seri Awang Sariyan, also an emeritus professor at the National University of Malaysia, emphasized that publishing exchanges facilitate the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and information between the two countries. This, in turn, supports deeper cooperation between Malaysia and China based on mutual understanding. 

Datuk Goh Hin San, chairman of the Han Culture Centre Malaysia, said that the book list includes 25 seminal works from each country, published from the time when diplomatic ties were established in 1974 to the present, highlighting the extensive scope of bilateral cultural exchanges. 

Cover photos of Chinese Culture in the Malay Language and History of Malay Literature [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Chinese Culture in the Malay Language is the first textbook in China to comprehensively present Chinese history and culture in the Malay language. The book, designed for teaching Chinese culture to Malay language majors, is divided into four units: Historical Overview, Philosophy and Thought, Language and Literature, and Arts and Culture. It includes special sections such as key concepts in Chinese thought and culture, profiles of prominent cultural figures, bilingual vocabulary lists for further reading and questions for reflection. 

It plays a crucial role in promoting Chinese culture among Malaysian audiences, garnering significant attention and recognition from political, educational and cultural circles in Malaysia. It is hailed as "an important book for China-Malaysia cultural exchanges". 

History of Malay Literature is the first officially published textbook on Malay literary history in China. Drawing on extensive teaching practices of Malay language programs at Chinese universities, the book presents the development and main features of Malay literature from classical to modern times in the 21st century. It selectively introduces major literary schools, renowned writers and significant literary works from different periods, including Malay novels, short stories and poetry, as well as important literary organizations and awards.