| James Kon |
PRESIDENT of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping’s official State Visit to Brunei Darussalam from November 18-20 has cast an unprecedented spotlight on the Sultanate.
More than 80 members of media from major Chinese news agencies such as Xinhua News Agency, China Daily, People’s Daily and China Central Television were in the country to cover President Xi’s visit as well as to promote Brunei Darussalam to their Chinese audience.
Wu Chun, arguably one of the most renowned Bruneian figures in China due to his success in the entertainment industry, has also done his part to help promote Brunei to the East Asian country.
“The visit of President Xi has helped promote Brunei to the Chinese people, especially with the major Chinese news agencies here to provide coverage of the visit,” the actor said in an interview yesterday. “Through the comprehensive coverage in Brunei, I hope that we can further raise Brunei Darussalam’s profile as a tourism destination for the huge China market.”
Wu Chun added that besides tourism, he hopes that President Xi’s visit will bring about “an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brunei and enhance the two countries’ bilateral relationship”.
“Whenever I attend events in China, I always get questions about Brunei Darussalam. I’ll always introduce the culture of Brunei to my fans and colleagues,” he said.
“I have noticed as well that there are more tourists visiting Brunei. I usually fly back from China to Brunei around three to four times each month, and I am so happy to see that there are now barely any vacant seats on my flights. I even have to book early now in order to get a seat.”
Recounting his decision to build his entertainment career further in China, Wu Chun said, “It has always been my dream to pursue a career in China. When an opportunity arose, I knew I had to go. I feel that the Chinese entertainment industry is growing tremendously and is still growing now.”
