To celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, Malaysian artist Ah Niu and Chinese singer Huang Ying have released a captivating music video. This video beautifully merges the beloved Malaysian folk song “Rasa Sayang” with the Chinese classic “Mo Li Hua” (Jasmine Flower), creating a harmonious blend of both cultures.
The two-and-a-half-minute video is a vibrant showcase of cultural exchange between the two nations. Filmed in the historic city of Melaka, it highlights the area’s rich heritage and stunning scenery. Ah Niu, whose real name is Tan Kheng Seong, is renowned for his catchy Malaysian folk songs, while Huang Ying is celebrated in China for her contributions to traditional music.
In the video, Ah Niu and Huang Ying perform together, accompanied by dancers in colorful, traditional attire. The collaboration has received widespread praise on social media, particularly on the platform Xiaohongshu, where users have commended its strong cultural resonance and enjoyable fusion of folk tunes. Fans also appreciated the portrayal of cultural beauty, noting the elegance of the Nyonya kebaya and cheongsam worn in the video.
The release of this music video is a fitting tribute to five decades of Sino-Malaysian diplomatic relations, which have fostered significant political and economic cooperation.
Earlier in June, the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia released another song to celebrate this milestone. Titled “Sayang-Sayang My Dear Friend,” the track is performed by Ah Niu in Mandarin, English, and Malay. Ah Niu also composed the song, with lyrics co-written by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) president Datuk Dr. Ewe Hong Tat. This song reflects on the enduring friendship between China and Malaysia, featuring a blend of traditional Malay, Chinese, and Indian instruments.
Together, these musical projects underscore the deep and lasting connection between the two nations, celebrating their shared history and cultural ties.