Exhibitor Yap Ting Ting poses with her brand's cookies at the Malaysia Pavilion during the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 17, 2025. [Photo by Liu Caiyi/China.org.cn]

At the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the aroma of freshly baked cookies drifted from the Malaysia Pavilion, where exhibitor Yap Ting Ting shared her story of how a small family business reached customers around the world.

Yap first attended the expo in 2024, joining nearly 70 Malaysian enterprises invited by the Malaysian government as part of its cooperation with China. For her, the decision proved transformative. "It was my first time at CAEXPO, and to my surprise, all of our cookies were sold out," she recalled with a smile.

Building on that momentum, Yap returned to Nanning this year with greater confidence and a broader vision. Thanks to CAEXPO, her cookies have now entered markets in more than 60 countries, from Asia to the Middle East and beyond. "The expo gives us visibility and credibility," she said. "It is not only a chance to sell, but also a bridge to global partners."

Her journey captures the wider significance of CAEXPO. Since its inception in 2004, the expo has grown into a major platform for promoting trade, investment and cultural exchange between China and ASEAN. Each year, it brings together thousands of enterprises, offering opportunities not only for large corporations but also for small- and medium-sized businesses like Yap's to expand their reach. By showcasing products as diverse as technology solutions, agricultural goods and cultural crafts, the expo demonstrates the depth and diversity of China-ASEAN cooperation.

A wide variety of Malaysian cookies on display at the Malaysia Pavilion during the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 17, 2025. [Photo by Liu Caiyi/China.org.cn]

For many exhibitors, CAEXPO represents more than business deals — it is a stage where cultures meet, friendships are formed, and long-term partnerships are forged. The event embodies the shared vision of building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, underpinned by openness, inclusiveness and mutual benefit.

As Yap put it, "Cookies may be simple, but through CAEXPO, they carry our culture and craftsmanship to the world." Her words capture the spirit of the expo—where local flavors find global audiences.