BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – A special exhibition to celebrate the relationship between China and Brunei was launched on Thursday at the Royal Wharf Art Gallery.

Dubbed the “Splendid Chapters of Silk Road Cultures”, the showcase features close to 100 artworks and photographs from China and Brunei that illustrate the friendship, scenery, architecture and traditional handicrafts of the two countries.

Present to launch the event was the Vice Minister of the State Council Information Office in China, Guo Weimin, and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Hj Aminuddin Ihsan Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin.

“In recent years, as the Belt and Road Initiative makes advances, the two countries have conducted increasingly frequent mutual visits, exchanges and entered into pragmatic cooperation in various fields,” Weimin said in his speech.

President Xi Jinping’s upcoming state visit to Brunei will further promote the friendly relations between the two countries… In the new era, China stands ready to work with Brunei to write splendid chapters of silk road cultures featuring peaceful development and common prosperity.

Open to members of the public, the month-long exhibition is divided into four sections: “Bonds of Friendship”, “Along the Maritime Silk Road”, “People-to-People Connectivity” and “Uniqueness and Diversity”.

MCYS Minister Dato Hj Aminuddin (2R) having a look at an embroidery exhibit at the Silk Road showcase. Photo: Rafidah Hamit/The Scoop

One of the highlights is an interactive exhibit of Chinese embroidery and porcelain, where artists will be on hand to demonstrate their craftsmanship to visitors.

Other exhibits include a three-metre long scroll of hand-embroidery which features national flowers of the ten ASEAN member countries; a 3D painting; and augmented reality installations.

China’s ambassador to Brunei Yang Jian added that the ancient silk road is not just a trade route but also facilitates people-to-people exchanges and communication.

“More importantly, the silk road promotes cultural exchanges and mutual understanding of different countries in the world… Today, we are ready to join hands with our partners in building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road towards common prosperity,” she added.

MCYS Minister Dato Hj Aminuddin (L) and Vice Minister of the State Council Information Office in China, Guo Weimin (R) launching the Brunei issue of China Report ASEAN Magazine. Photo: Rafidah Hamit/The Scoop

During the event,  a special Brunei issue of China Report ASEAN Magazine was launched featuring interviews and analysis on the bilateral relationship. Six hundred copies will be available for free at the gallery.

The Splendid Chapters of Silk Road Cultures exhibition is open from 9am to 4pm daily.