From December 11 to 15, 2025, a delegation from Leaders for Peace traveled to Malaysia, a land of peace and dialogue, to attend the inauguration of the Lin Xian Xiong Gallery in Penang.
Lin Xiang Xiong is a renowned artist born in 1945 and President of the Global Chinese Arts & Culture Society. Trained at the Academy of Arts in Singapore, he later continued his studies in Paris, developing an artistic style that blends Eastern and Western techniques. Through his works, he depicts the lives of local communities, addressing themes such as poverty and environmental degradation, reflecting the artist’s deep humanistic concern. Lin strongly believes in the power of art to promote peace and unity.
This 8,000 m² museum is entirely dedicated to peace and to promoting art as a means of international dialogue. Shaped like a turtle, the very architecture of the museum symbolizes longevity and wisdom. Its inaugural exhibition, entitled “Picasso and Lin Xiang Xiong – A Dialogue Across Time and Art for the Peace Forum,” was unveiled on this occasion.
Strengthening Collaboration with Leaders for Peace
Sharing common values and convinced of the central role of art and culture in building a peaceful world, Leaders For Peace is pleased to announce that Lin Xiang Xiong has since joined the board of Leaders for Peace.
The Foundation also organized a roundtable on the theme “The Art of Peace,” attended by the entire Leaders for Peace delegation: Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Irina Bokova, the Foundation’s President Donia Kaouach, Antonio Patriota, Motohide Yoshikawa and Lin Xiang Xiong.
Strengthened Institutional Ties for Peace
This visit to Malaysia also provided an opportunity to meet with local stakeholders and strengthen institutional ties between our two countries.
The Leaders for Peace Foundation met with the Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Liew Chin Tong; the current Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow; and the former Chief Minister of Penang, Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon.
Leaders For Peace is also pleased to announce the signing of a partnership between the Foundation and ISTIC (International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre), aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of peace, leadership, science, and technology. Finally, the delegation was welcomed at the Alliance Française de Penang for a discussion dedicated to peace, education, and intercultural dialogue.
Leaders for Peace warmly thanks Mr. Olivier Sigaud, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, and the entire embassy team for their invaluable support in preparing this visit.