Six centuries ago, Chinese Admiral Zheng He commanded the Ming dynasty's fleet of immense trading vessels on expeditions ranging as far as Africa. He stopped by Malacca five times and brought a message of peace. Since then, Baba Nyonya (the descendants of Chinese who adopted many of the customs of the locals) has been an important part of Malacca’s culture. In modern days, Malacca is also exploring the Chinese market and making itself an ideal destination in Southeast Asia for Chinese tourists under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative.

Dato’ Leong Sir Ley is a Chinese Malaysian. As a lawyer-turned businesswoman, she is now targeting the Chinese market by setting up a China office of Sheng Tai International in Shanghai.

On September 16, the opening ceremony of that office was held. As Dato’ Leong Sir Ley said, she hopes the office can serve as a platform for the company to further promote China-Malaysia cultural exchanges.

Sheng Tai International is a property developer founded by Dato’ Leong Sir Ley in Malaysia in 2012. In Malacca, an important node on the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road, the company is working on a complex project named “The Sail”. The name of the project gets its inspiration from Zheng He’s ships and signifies “everything goes smoothly”. There will be a “Nanjing Street” within the property to remind people of history, as Zheng He’s voyage started from Nanjing. Apart from that, a Belt and Road themed museum will also be open for public view.

According to Dato’ Leong Sir Ley, Chinese and Malaysian cultures mingle very well, especially in Malacca. Therefore, she believes “The Sail” will strengthen the mutual understanding between Chinese and Malaysian people.

“There is kind of a ‘special relationship’ between China and Malaysia,” said Governor of Malacca, T.Y.T Tun Datuk Seri Utama Dr. Mohd Khalil bin Yaakob. According to him, historically the two countries have maintained a good relationship. Zheng He’s fleet stopped by Malacca five times, but unlike other countries, the Chinese went there for peace and friendship, instead of invasion. Also, Zheng He left behind several people who later got married with Malaccans, thus bringing forth the unique culture and food of the Baba Nyonya people. So the bond between the two countries is full of goodwill and beauty.

Speaking of “The Sail”, the governor has high expectations. Tourism is one of the pillar industries of Malacca. He hopes that the project will become a new landmark in Malacca, which will inject new vitality into Malaysia’s tourism, culture and economy and be an important witness to the friendship between China and Malaysia.