Malaysia welcomed its newest cultural ambassadors this weekend as giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue from the Chinese mainland made their highly anticipated public debut at Zoo Negara's Giant Panda Conservation Center. The pair, who arrived in November 2025, drew large crowds of excited visitors eager to witness their first bamboo-munching appearances.
The pandas' 10-year residency marks the second phase of China-Malaysia panda diplomacy, following the successful 11-year stay of predecessors Xing Xing and Liang Liang that concluded in May 2025. "This exchange demonstrates our enduring commitment to wildlife conservation and bilateral friendship," stated a zoo spokesperson during Saturday's unveiling ceremony.
Conservationists highlight the program's dual benefits: advancing international research on endangered species while fostering cultural connections. Since the program's 2014 launch, Malaysia has reported significant advancements in veterinary knowledge and public engagement with wildlife protection initiatives.
The pandas will reside in a climate-controlled habitat replicating their native Sichuan environment. Zoo authorities have implemented timed entry slots to manage visitor flow while ensuring animal welfare standards.
