When The Cheng Ho Series airs next year, it will be the first ever Malaysia-China large-scale epic series made.

The 36-episode historical series, which chronicles the adventures of the famed Chinese explorer and diplomat to Malaysia back in the 1400s, is expected to air in both Malaysia and China next year, coinciding with the Malaysia-China Cultural Tourism Year 2020.

"Cheng Ho's expedition to Malaysia took place some 600 years ago but his story is still relevant today," Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chong Chieng Jen said after witnessing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing between counterparts from Malaysia and China.

"When Cheng Ho came here with 200 ships and over 20,000 manpower, he could've come here to conquer our land."



Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chong Chieng Jen believes 'The Cheng Ho Series' carries an important message of peace.

"But he didn't, he came here looking for trade and friendship. And I think this concept of peace is still important to talk about today."

Around 60% of the series will be filmed in Malaysia, particularly in Melaka and Johor Bahru. Filming is expected to span eight months and will comprise crew members from both Malaysia and China. The co-production will cost around RM178mil.

Malaysia's Trillion Film Group and Trillion Production, entrusted by the China International Culture and Artistic Centre (CICAC), will take the lead on the filming process taking place in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the partners from China include the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of China (CCPPD), State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People's Republic of China (SAPPRFT) and China Central Television (CCTV).