Kuala Lumpur, May 12, 2026 — The “512 World Civilization Day – Awakening of Chinese Civilization · Passing the Torch Forward” conference, jointly promoted by the World Civilization Day Organising Committee, was officially launched at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. The event brought together Chinese community leaders, entrepreneurs, representatives from the cultural and education sectors, and members of the public to advocate for the preservation of Chinese civilization and the development of a more civilised society.
The conference highlighted that while technology is advancing rapidly and global economic ties are becoming increasingly interconnected, family values, social order, and trust among people are gradually weakening. What the world truly lacks is not wealth or technology, but enduring standards of civilization, moral principles that guide human behaviour, long-term systems that support social stability, and a shared direction for the future of humanity.
The organisers emphasised that the continuity of Chinese civilization over thousands of years has depended not only on economic and technological achievements, but also on the intergenerational transmission of family genealogies, household rules, family teachings, and traditions. Without a shared culture, a community cannot form common roots; without common roots, true unity is difficult to achieve. Therefore, the “Awakening of Chinese Civilization” is not about criticising others, but about self-reflection and returning to one’s roots, values, discipline, and sense of responsibility.
In his keynote address, Datuk Dr. Liew Chang Yew, the chief initiator of 512 World Civilization Day, stated that a family without rules soon loses direction, a society without order descends into chaos, and a community that loses its civilizational foundation risks losing the basis for long-term development. He stressed that unity among Chinese communities should not rely solely on emotional appeals, but should be grounded in shared cultural identity, family education, moral standards, and civilizational responsibility.
He further noted that Malaysian Chinese have long lived in a multicultural environment, and their most valuable asset is not merely business acumen, but their “civilizational capability” — the ability to show respect, exercise moderation, coordinate differences, and coexist harmoniously over the long term. Chinese communities with strong civilizational values can serve as an important bridge between ethnic groups and cultures; without these values, they may instead hinder social progress.
The conference also promoted the concepts of “Civilized Enterprises” and a “Civilized Society.” A civilized enterprise pursues growth while upholding integrity, responsibility, compliance, and long-term value creation. A civilized society places emphasis on order, ethics, family values, and lasting trust among people.
During the event, the organisers officially appointed the “World Civilization Day Compassionate Legacy Ambassadors and Co-Initiators,” symbolising a collective commitment to promoting a new era of civilizational awakening through compassion, shared values, and intergenerational responsibility.
A joint signing ceremony for the World Civilization Day International Development Fund was also held. The agreement was signed by Datuk Dr. Liew Chang Yew and Mr. Shane Wen, Founder and Chairman of the World Public Welfare Alliance Foundation, to jointly advance civilization education, humanistic development, and the promotion of positive social values.
The conference concluded with a call for Chinese communities worldwide to participate actively: to preserve their roots through family genealogies, establish discipline through family rules, pass down virtues through family teachings, and unite through civilization. By doing so, the torch of Chinese civilization can continue to shine and help shape a more compassionate and harmonious future for humanity.
