KUALA LUMPUR, January 11, 2026 – Malaysia celebrated the official public debut of China’s newest giant panda ambassadors, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, in a ceremonious event at Zoo Negara’s Giant Panda Conservation Center on Saturday. The long-awaited introduction followed a mandatory quarantine and acclimatization period for the bears.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim presided as guest of honor at the unveiling ceremony, where he expressed profound gratitude to China for their ongoing cooperation in giant panda conservation efforts. “These magnificent creatures have captured the hearts of Malaysians,” Anwar stated during his address, emphasizing the diplomatic significance of the panda exchange program.
The Giant Panda Conservation Center witnessed enthusiastic crowds as visitors gathered for their first glimpse of the new arrivals. The zoo has installed special panda-themed decorations and educational exhibits to commemorate the occasion, with numerous families taking photographs alongside panda displays throughout the facility.
This panda diplomacy initiative represents the latest chapter in Sino-Malaysian wildlife conservation collaboration, continuing a tradition that began with previous panda pairs hosted by Malaysia. Zoo authorities confirmed that both pandas have adapted well to their new environment and are displaying healthy behaviors indicative of successful acclimatization.
Conservation experts at Zoo Negara have implemented specialized care protocols to ensure the pandas’ wellbeing, including climate-controlled habitats and tailored dietary programs. The arrival marks another milestone in international efforts to protect this vulnerable species through global cooperative breeding programs.