“The Chain of Civilization —
Digital Intangible Cultural Heritage Co-creation Initiative” Makes Global
Overseas Debut in Kuala Lumpur
●
Malaysia becomes the first
overseas host country for the initiative, with the exhibition running until 1
March 2026.
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More than 40 original works are
showcased, featuring National Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritor Zhou
Shuying and contemporary artist Cui Xiaoqing, presenting traditional
craftsmanship through a contemporary visual language.
●
The exhibition features an
immersive “Cube” digital space, a live Master Work3station demonstration, and
an AI interactive experience zone, alongside a cultural exchange between
Chinese paper-cutting and Malaysian batik artisans.
The “Chain of Civilization – Digital Intangible Cultural
Heritage (ICH) Co-Creation Initiative” marked its global first overseas stop in
Kuala Lumpur today at LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre (also known as
LaLaport BBCC). As the initiative’s debut outside China, Malaysia serves as its
inaugural international host. The exhibition is open to the public from 27
February to 1 March 2026.
The “Chain of Civilization – Digital Intangible Cultural
Heritage Co-creation Initiative” is one of the key international cultural
exchange programmes for 2025. With the concept of a “chain” at its core, the
project symbolises the interconnectedness and shared development of
civilisations. It is designed to roll out in different countries under annual
thematic chapters. By fusing digital innovation with heritage traditions, the
initiative aims to shape a new “cultural gateway” for the contemporary era,
presenting Chinese culture through innovative expressions, fostering mutual
learning among civilisations, and establishing a new marker for cultural
exchange.
Titled “Chinese Visions on Paper”, the exhibition
centres on Yuxian paper-cutting, a recognised National Intangible Cultural
Heritage of China. Through digital technology and immersive spatial design, the
showcase highlights how traditional craftsmanship can be reinterpreted in a
contemporary context, while adding fresh momentum to Malaysia–China cultural
exchanges.
Using Intangible Heritage as a Bridge for Malaysia–China
Cultural Exchange
Paper-cutting embodies the essence of Eastern wisdom and serves as a vessel carrying the centuries-old exchanges between China and Malaysia. Today, paper-cutting has become a regular feature of cultural exchanges between our two countries. Today’s event is not merely a showcase of a Chinese intangible cultural heritage craft, but a continuation of a cultural bond that transcends mountains and seas. We hope digital technology can become a powerful wing for the transmission of intangible heritage, enabling Malaysian traditional culture to reach China, and allowing China’s intangible cultural treasures to connect with Malaysian youth. said Zheng Xuefang, Minister of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia
Mr Zhu Xiaojian, Director of the Cultural Heritage
Protection and Utilisation Committee, China Arts Development Association noted that paper-cutting is
more than a folk art form. “It carries people’s aspirations for a better life
and symbolises blessings of harmony and reunion. The vitality of intangible
heritage depends not only on preservation, but also on effective dissemination.
In the digital era, the integration of heritage and technology opens up new
pathways for cultural communication,” he said.
He added that the programme seeks to present Chinese ICH
through digital visuals, online engagement and immersive experiences, making it
more accessible and relatable to overseas audiences.
Over 40 Works Reflect Contemporary Expressions of Eastern
Aesthetics
The exhibition presents more than 40 original works,
including the “Twelve Zodiac” and “Flora & Fauna of Fortune” series by Zhou
Shuying, a third-generation inheritor of Yuxian paper-cutting.
Having trained under her father from a young age, Zhou has
mastered traditional techniques such as sketching, carving and colouring.
Building on this foundation, she continues to innovate, extending paper-cutting
from traditional decorative window art into contemporary thematic works and
public art spaces.
The showcase also features works from contemporary artist Cui
Xiaoqing’s “Thousand-Pattern Project”. By reinterpreting Chinese character
structures and traditional paper-cut patterns, the series explores the
relationship between folk art and modern design language, offering a new
contemporary lens on intangible heritage.
Immersive Installations
and Interactive Experiences
Moving beyond a conventional static exhibition format, the
event introduces an immersive “Cube” digital space. Through light projections
and moving visuals, visitors can experience the intricate details and
aesthetics of paper-cutting in a multi-sensory environment.
At the centre of the exhibition, a “Master Workstation”
allows visitors to observe live demonstrations of traditional processes,
including sketching, cutting and colouring. This provides the public with a
rare opportunity to witness the craftsmanship up close.
An AI Interactive Greeting Card zone further blends tradition
with technology, enabling visitors to create personalised digital artworks
inspired by paper-cut motifs and instantly generate customised images.
On the opening day, National Intangible Cultural Heritage
inheritor Zhou Shuying and a Malaysian batik master conducted a joint sharing
session, highlighting similarities and exchanges in motifs, colours and
handcraft techniques between the two traditional art forms.
“The intangible cultural heritage not only strengthens
cultural exchange between Malaysia and China, but also has strong potential
within the cultural tourism sector,” said
Mr Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director-General, Tourism Malaysia. “Culture
serves as an important bond between our two countries and a bridge that fosters
harmony and mutual understanding. Through these intangible heritage arts,
people can gain a deeper appreciation of each other’s cultures, allowing
Malaysia–China relations to grow stronger and closer,” he added.
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