Let the World Know Malaysia through Literature – World Chinese Writers’ Night Promotes Literature-Tourism Integration

(Miri, 26th) – Malaysian Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Member of Parliament for Miri, Chiew Choon Man, stated that the 13th World Chinese Writers Conference is not only a literary event, but also an important opportunity to promote the integrated development of tourism, arts, and culture—enabling the world to know Malaysia further through literature.

He delivered these remarks in a speech, read by his representative Zou Zijian on his behalf, as he could not be present, at the 'World Chinese Writers' Night' of the 13th World Chinese Writers Conference organized by Miri Writers' Association at the Meritz Hotel last night.

He said that in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, this year’s conference holds particularly profound significance. In contemporary society, tourism is no longer just “passing through a place”, but a way to “read the world”, while literature allows these experiences to be recorded, understood, and passed on.

He pointed out that Malaysia possesses rich and diverse cultural and natural resources. For example, the historic city of Melaka offers not only ancient architecture but also a cultural narrative spanning the history of colonization and trade; the majestic caves of Mulu National Park are chapters left on the earth by time; and Niah National Park preserves traces of early human life, connecting the ancient past to the present.

“These places help us understand that tourism is like stepping into a text, while literature completes the text.”

He stated that arts and literature are the most vivid forms of cultural expression, complementing each other. Art gives literature form and image, while literature endows art with thought and narrative, enabling culture to be remembered and passed on.

He noted that Sarawak’s rich cultural assets—including longhouse culture, traditional music, and folk tales—are important cultural treasures yet to be fully recorded and continually recreated.

He said that the relationship between culture and literature is close: “Culture is the root, literature is the flower”—the two rely on each other. Malaysia’s uniqueness lies in its coexistence and blending of multiculturalism, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, and various indigenous groups, together forming a rich cultural landscape, and literature is the important medium that transforms this diversity into stories and memories.

Chiew Choon Man pointed out that this conference brings together Chinese writers from all over the world, making Malaysia an important platform for international literary exchange.

He hopes that participants will not only exchange ideas, but also draw inspiration, bringing Malaysia’s culture and stories to the world stage.