Historical city Melaka hosted the "17th International Calligraphy Joint Exhibition," an exhibition which brought together calligraphers from ten countries and territories including Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Macau, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam. This exhibition was jointly organised by SGM Melaka, the Malaysian Contemporary Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Association as well as the International Calligraphy Alliance.

The Minister of Tourism, Dato’ Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen officially declared the exhibition open on June 28, 2009 at the SGM Melaka Culture Centre. In her speech, Dato Ng said that the ten countries taking part in the exhibition in the historical city of Melaka augured well not only for the Malaysian arts industry but also the tourism industry. She urged those in the tourism industry to seize this golden opportunity to promote both the arts and tourist destination to the neighbouring countries.

Among those present at the launch of the exhibition were the State Exco members Dato’ Seet Har Cheow and Dato’ Gan Tian Loo; President of the International Calligraphy Alliance, Prof Chang Ping-Huang; President of the Malaysian Contemporary Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Association, Foo Yong Kong and representatives from various countries and regions.

In his speech, SGM Secretary-General Koh Sia Feai pointed out that it was the view of SGM that culture has the elements to connect people’s hearts and the strength to promote peace. At the same time, it is also the catalyst for human societal progress and development. Koh added, “Today’s international joint calligraphic exhibition has very deep meaning and impact on us all. It fosters international friendship, uplifts the world standard of calligraphy, enriches the cultural spirit of Malaysians and definitely will foster further interest in the field now and in the future among the people.

The theme of the exhibition was “Life is not an empty space”. It was held from June 27 to July 5, 2009. Over 300 pieces of calligraphic works were on display.