USM, PENANG, 11 August 2016 – Narrations and relations between the Islamic world and China in the stories and histories need to be documented, displayed and shared with everyone.

According to Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Dato' Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Abdul Rahman Haji Abbas during the officiating ceremony of the exhibition entitled "Expression of Chinese Muslim Culture: Unity in Diversity" held at the Muzium dan Galeri Tuanku Fauziah (MGTF) USM recently, it is important that such narratives be appreciated and understood by the public.

He hoped that the exhibition which is held from 11 August until 10 September 2016 would achieve its objectives and in turn would be able to accurately spread the information on the Chinese Muslims in China and the rest of the world.

Meanwhile, the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dato' Dr. Muhamad Jantan said that, this exhibition showcased various types of collections such as the Islamic calligraphy in different styles of ‘khat’ writing, artifacts and legacies of Muslims from China such as ceramics with Arabic ‘khat’ writings, numismatics from China with Islamic characters and wood carvings.

He added that, this exhibition would also portray activities of the Chinese Muslims in China in welcoming Ramadhan and celebrating Aidilfitri, as well as the information on the history of Islam in China and the Chinese Muslim communities around the world.

"The Muslims in China and their daily activities have been captured on video to help us understand them better, as the minority group in China," he said, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman.

Chinese Muslim writer and co-chairman of the ‘Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam’ (DMDI) organisation, Haji Yusof Liu Boujun said that, this exhibition is intended to promote awareness to the public on the Muslim world in relation to China, and USM has been selected as the venue for the exhibition because it is an institution that promotes lifelong learning.

"Apart from that, USM and Penang are also tourist destinations and the opportunity to hold an exhibition here is truly meaningful, as it can become one of the attractions for those who would be interested to know more on this aspect of history," he said.

He added further, the Muslims in China have established good relations with other countries throughout the world, especially around Asia.

“This exhibition revolves around the culture and arts of the Muslims in China and generally around the world, and although the Muslims in China belonged to a minority group (in a population of 23 million people, divided into 10 ethnic groups), they still retain similarities of their belief in Islam and their practices, all within the context of a multicultural way of life,” he said.

As part of the programme, there was also a tour of the exhibition and a cultural performance by USM staff members.

Approximately 150 people attended the officiating ceremony of the exhibition organised by MGTF and DMDI.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin

Text: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah