Zeng He’s Great Voyage At The Mall
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - A two-day exhibition, showcasing over 80 historical photographs and replicas of artefacts from ancient China during Zheng He's great voyages to the West, was officially launched yesterday at The Mall in Gadong.

On hand officiating the launching ceremony were Pehin Major General (R) Dato Awang Hj Mohammad bin Hj Daud, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, and Miss Yang Yanyi, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam.

Also present were Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hj Jemat bin Hj Ampal, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, foreign dignitaries and prominent local businessmen.

In a speech, the Chinese ambassador said that 2005 was the 600" anniversary of the famous Chinese Muslim admiral and great maritime explorer Zheng He's voyage to the West.

She said that Zheng He's remarkable feat of commanding seven naval expeditions, which had visited more than 30 countries, was accomplished almost a century earlier than the great explorers, Columbus and Magellan.

The expeditions, which were of great significance, had left; a strong impact on the friendly relations between China and Asia as well as African countries, she said.

China with a population of 4.4 billion is now engaged in the drive for modernisation and is emerging fast in the global arena, she said.

However, she pointed out that the core values of Chinese civilization - peace and harmony - still remained the same.

The exhibition is organised by China's Ministry of Culture, the Chinese embassy, the Sultanate's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Also involved are Abdul Razak Holding, Sunlit and the Brunei-China Friendship Association. The 600th Anniversary of Zheng He's Great Voyage exhibition will end today. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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