Soft launch of Spotlight Taiwan Project

A soft launch was held on 21 November 2013 to highlight UTAR's collaborative activities in the Spotlight Taiwan Project at the Fui Chiu Association, Kuala Lumpur. Jointly organised by UTAR and Fui Chiu Association, the soft launch featured a talk on Taiwan Hakka Society and Culture by Prof Chang Han Pi from Taiwan Central University.

Too (in blue shirt) presenting souvenir to Prof Chang (middle) while (from left) Kau, Prof Chuah and Yong look on

Marking the commencement of the launch were the welcome speeches from UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato' Dr Chuah Hean Teik and Fui Chiu Association's Honorary Secretary Yong Yew Wei.

In his opening address, Prof Chuah said, "A series of talks and workshops ranging from topics on Taiwan traditional cuisine, folk dances and songs to calligraphy, business etiquette and traditional games have commenced successfully in both Perak and PJ campuses to introduce Taiwan art and culture to students and the public." He also added that UTAR will have a MOU signing with Taiwan Central Library on 29 November 2013 at Perak Campus followed by an opening ceremony of the Taiwan Resource Centre for Chinese Studies and a Taiwan Art and Culture Exhibition.

Yong in his welcome address said, "Culture is important to society and its development and I hope that more parties can come together to promote such cultural studies in Malaysia." He also added that most universities focused relatively more on studies and researches on information and technology.

Attending the launch were Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia Deputy Representative Jeffrey Kau, Taiwan Central University Prof Chang Han Pi and from UTAR; Institute of Chinese Studies  Dean Dr Chong Siou Wei, Division of Community and International Networking  Director Dr Tan Sin Leng and Division of Corporate Communication & Public Relations Director Ong Soo Weon. Also present were the Fui Chiu Association members and staff, UTAR staff, lecturers and students. 

Kau in his speech said that the Chinese culture is  well preserved in Malaysia and observed that many Malaysian youths respect their elders. In citing the common practice of greeting and acknowledging the elders by our youths, he added that reverence and devotion to the elders in a society indicated good adherence to culture.

Prof Chang sharing her opinion about Hakka studies

Prof Chang in her talk said that globalisation and modernisation have changed the language and culture of the Hakka group. She added that in Taiwan, many Hakka people speak Mandarin instead of Hakka dialect due to competitive urban lifestyle and inter-marriages.

UTAR participates in the Spotlight Taiwan Project as part of its internationalisation efforts to stimulate students' interest and appreciation of diverse cultures in the globalised community. The Spotlight Taiwan Project is the effort of the Taipei Ministry of Culture to promote international exchanges and to cultivate a greater understanding of Taiwan culture worldwide.