The conference is jointly organised by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Melaka state government, International Zheng He Society (Malaysia), Cheng Ho Multicultural Trust, Zheng He Research Institute of China and International Zheng He Society (Singapore).
DAP chairman Tan Kok Wai said the achievements of Cheng Ho should be made known as he succeeded in expanding a trading empire without war and colonisation.
He said Cheng Ho was a symbol of peace and brotherhood in the places he visited.
“I hope the conference will open the eyes of the people all over the world about the voyages of Cheng Ho in the 15th Century, which paved the way for the silk trade as well as brought China closer to trading nations,” he told reporters today.
Tan said unlike early European explorers who colonised areas and were brutal, Cheng Ho was on a peace and trade mission.
“This will be the second conference and more than 600 participants from all over the world including experts and academicians from Singapore, US and Brazil are expected to attend the conference themed “Cheng Ho Multi-Cultural Spirit for World Peace,” he said.
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