KOTA KINABALU: In conjunction with the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah successfully organised the “Jom! Malaysia–China 2026 Run” this morning at Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu.
The event attracted more than 5,000 participants from across Sabah, including people from various ethnic communities, employees of Chinese-invested and local companies, representatives of government agencies, members of associations, teachers and students, as well as running enthusiasts.
Through running, participants promoted healthy living and strengthened friendship, reflecting Sabah’s multicultural harmony and the vibrant growth of Malaysia–China people-to-people exchanges.
In addition to the 7-kilometre Friendship Run, this year’s event also featured a special “52nd Anniversary of Malaysia–China Diplomatic Relations Photo Exhibition”.
The exhibition showcased valuable historical photographs highlighting key achievements since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974, covering diplomacy, trade and investment, education, culture, tourism and local-level cooperation.
The exhibition attracted considerable public interest, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation of the journey of mutual development, friendship and win-win cooperation shared by both countries over the past five decades.
From the early hours of the morning, thousands of participants gathered at the venue, creating a vibrant sea of colour in their commemorative running shirts. At 6.20am, invited guests and participants took part in a large-scale warm-up session, with energetic music quickly elevating the atmosphere.
This was followed by the official flag-off ceremony, jointly officiated by distinguished guests. More than 5,000 runners then set off from Padang Merdeka, making their way along the scenic Likas Bay coastal route.
Accompanied by the refreshing sea breeze and morning sunshine, participants enjoyed the experience while embracing the spirit of “Sports for All, Health for All”.
Laughter, cheers and encouragement filled the route throughout the event. Many families participated together, while corporate teams, youth groups, students and association members took the opportunity to strengthen friendships and foster greater interaction.
As such, the Malaysia–China Friendship Run served not only as a sporting event but also as a community celebration that brought people closer together and promoted mutual understanding.
Upon completion of the 7-kilometre course, participants eagerly awaited the lucky draw session, during which 249 cash prizes and attractive gifts with a total value exceeding RM43,000 were awarded.
The highlight prize was a one-year running shoe reward package sponsored by Skechers Malaysia, valued at RM5,508. The lucky winner will receive a pair of running shoes worth RM459 every month for 12 consecutive months. Other prizes included sports equipment, shopping vouchers and food hampers, ensuring that many participants left with memorable rewards.
Dr. Oh Ei Sun, president of The Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah noted that, apart from a two-year interruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s event marked the seventh edition of the Malaysia–China Friendship Run.
Over the years, with strong support from government agencies, Chinese-invested enterprises, local businesses, chambers of commerce and various sectors of society, the event has grown into one of Sabah’s most recognised mass participation sporting events. Beyond promoting a healthy lifestyle, it has also become an important platform for strengthening Malaysia–China friendship, cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation.
Dr Oh added that, in conjunction with the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, the photo exhibition was specially introduced to enable more members of the public, particularly younger generations, to better understand the history and achievements of bilateral cooperation.
The initiative reflects the belief that “friendly relations between nations are built upon close ties between their peoples, and close ties between peoples are built upon mutual understanding and heartfelt connections.”
Among the distinguished guests attending the event were Mr Ram Tang, Wholesale and Franchise Director of Skechers Malaysia; Mr Mohd Shahrir Hadzin, Senior Deputy Director of the Strategic Planning Division of Tourism Malaysia; Senator Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe; Deputy Speaker of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly Datuk Richard Yong We Kong, JP; Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Dr Zhu Xinglong; and Guest of Honour, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
The guests were accompanied by Dr Oh Ei Sun, JP, President of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah, and Organising Chairman Michael Lim Chie Yen, as they jointly officiated the flag-off ceremony and officially launched the event.
For the more than 5,000 participants, the footsteps taken this morning measured far more than a distance of seven kilometres. They also symbolised the deep friendship nurtured over 52 years of Malaysia–China diplomatic relations.
As a flagship programme of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah, the Malaysia–China Friendship Run will continue to use sports as a medium and culture as a bridge to deepen friendship between the peoples of both countries and contribute to a stronger and more enduring Malaysia–China partnership for generations to come.
