On September 4, Vice Consul General of China in Penang Ding Qiao attended the opening ceremony of the Lion Origin Penang 2026 performance. Also present were about 2600 spectators including Loke Siew Fook, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport; Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development; Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of the Tourism Malaysia; Lim Guan Eng, Member of Parliament; Penang State Executive Councillors, performers and audience.

Ding stated that, cultural exchange is the most amiable and enduring bond in bilateral relations. Chinese culture has flourished in Southeast Asia, nurturing and being nurtured by local history and the cultures of Malay, Indian, and other ethnic groups. The performance of "Lion Origin" in Penang is the best local interpretation of the Global Civilization Initiative. She hopes that more friends in Penang would appreciate and support traditional Chinese culture, contributing to the people-to-people exchanges between China and Malaysia.

The performance combined lion dance, dragon dance, 24 Festive Drums, martial arts, and diverse cultural dances, recreating the history of Chinese people settling down, striving, and passing on their culture. The three performances attracted a total of 6,000 audience members.