Malaysia loves Yi

In Mandarin, Sheng Yi, which means “peaceful and friendship. But Yi is not a human being. It is a locally bred giant panda cub born in Malaysia drawing huge crowds. The name also indicates the wish of the Malaysian government in strengthening its diplomatic ties with China.

“The Malaysia government hopes that Sheng Yi could help enhance and improve the established relationship between Malaysia and China,” said Takiyuddin who witnessed the naming ceremony with Ouyang Yujing, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre of Zoo Negara. Sheng Yi made a grand appearance to the public with her mother Liang Liang for the naming ceremony and enjoyed a sumptuous fresh bamboo feast.

As the third cub to mother Liang Liang and father Xing Xing, she was born on May 31, 2021, in conjunction with the 47th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. Currently weighing around 27 kg and in healthy physical condition, the giant panda cub started to meet the public in December 2021.