Global Connections: Ancient Routes, New Discoveries, and the Spirit of Penang!


Dear Friends,
We are excited to share some updates with you from the Gavin Menzies Research Foundation and the 1421 Foundation.

This season brought remarkable discoveries, bold research, and inspiring conversations at the inaugural Commonwealth of World Chinatowns Conference in Penang.

Thanks to your support, we are shaping new narratives in global exploration.

Your Active Participation - Archaeological Research Program
We will soon be launching an Archaeological Research Program led by Dr. Mark M. Newell, RPA. This program invites professionals, students, and volunteers to join global projects both in the field and remotely. You can participate in archaeological surveys, excavation, local and digital research, and data analysis. Full details and contact information will appear soon on our websites.

Commonwealth of World Chinatowns Penang Conference: Landmark Ideas and Research
The Penang conference gathered an international group of scholars, artists, and students. Lively debate and new research sparked deeper discussions on creativity, history, and maritime connections.

Highlights included:


• Dr. Sheng Wei Wang offered more evidence that Zheng He's fleet reached the Americas before Columbus. Her study of ancient maps called for greater global collaboration and a reconsideration of early exploration.
  
• The exhibition, “From Zheng He to da Vinci,” opened in Penang to huge acclaim.. The show invited visitors to rethink European history by exploring how Chinese knowledge and invention may have helped launch Europe’s golden age. Inspired by Gavin Menzies’ research, the exhibition features treasures such as the Yongle Dadian, rare manuscripts, historic maps, and scientific diagrams that document the remarkable flow of ideas from China to Italy.

 
Fresh Perspectives on Zheng He

• Fausto Guimarães, a Brazilian researcher, described how Zheng He’s voyages seeded global migration and trade to South America.
  
• Captain Lim Keow Wah of Singapore revealed archaeological evidence suggesting Zheng He's fleet created ongoing connections, as well as showcasing some of his beautiful Ming porcelain.

 
Spotlight: The Zheng He Society of China
Founded in 2005, the Zheng He Society provides a platform for research, education, and international collaboration. During the conference, Jeff Lai demonstrated "Zheng He GIS," an interactive online map that uses historic navigation charts and modern technology. This tool lets users trace Zheng He’s journeys and explore the world as he saw it. You can explore the fascinating project here: https://csteng.cc/%e8%88%aa%e6%b5%b7%e5%9c%96gis/

Empowering the Next Generation
Education was a major focus of the conference, with more than a thousand students joining creative workshops and talks. The launch of the Penang International Youth Space Academy highlighted a commitment to curiosity and ambitious exploration.

New Asia Currents – Zheng He Focus
New Asia Currents is the official media channel for the CWC, and will partner with the Gavin Menzies Research Foundation, broadcasting new stories relating to 1421 and Zheng He.
You can read the special Zheng He Focus which details much of the research discussed at the CWC conference by clicking here.

Even better, by subscribing to NAC, you will receive all the latest news and stories published not only on the site but also on its sister site, PostScript NAC, for FREE. Please click on the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON via this link: https://www.newasiacurrents.com

Recent news stories:

• Research shows that Venice’s iconic St. Mark’s Lion began life as a Chinese tomb guardian - a powerful symbol of ancient global exchange.

Read more here.


• The 1402 Korean map, featured by Asia Times, revealed astonishing knowledge of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe well before Columbus.

Read more here. 


Developing the 1421 Foundation AI Project
Over 25 years, our team has built a digital archive with more than 100,000 data points from global exploration - covering everything from ancient stones and artifacts to shipwrecks. Our new AI project, currently in development, will analyze over 1,000 carefully selected data points using the combined expertise of historians, data scientists, and artificial intelligence.  We will keep you posted on milestone developments.
 
Help Us Keep Exploring
It is hugely important to note that continuing our work depends on your support. If you share our passion for discovery, please consider making a financial contribution to the cause. You can find donation information below.


For UK based: donate to Gavin Menzies Research Foundation (UK): https://www.gavinmenziesresearchfoundation.org/donate

For US based: donate to The 1421 Foundation (USA): https://www.1421foundation.org/donate


Every gift supports research, education, and the next wave of discovery.


Thank you for being part of the journey,
Ian Hudson and the team


P.S. We love hearing your stories and learning about your discoveries. Stay curious and please keep in touch!