ICS and INSAP co-host International Seminar

UTAR Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) and the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP) jointly organised a seminar titled 2014 International Seminar on the 40th Anniversary of China-Malaysian Diplomatic Relations at Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya from 22 to 23 August 2014.

The objective was to commemorate the 40th anniversary milestone in Malaysia-China diplomatic relations by bringing eminent scholars from universities in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and INSAP researchers on joint presentations of research findings pertaining to Malaysia-China bilateral ties.

The seminar also served as a valued platform to review the long historical relations between Malaysia and China and to examine the prospects for consolidation and advancement of the exemplary partnership from the social, economical, cultural and educational perspectives.

The Chairman of INSAP YB Senator Dato’ Dr Hou Kok Chung represented the Transport Minister and President of Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) YB Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai as the Guest of Honour in officiating the opening ceremony. In his address, he said,”I sincerely look forward to more efforts and synergy in our political, economical, cultural and educational co-operation.” He also mentioned China’s Xiamen University campus in Malaysia and the set-up of the first Institute of Confucius as examples of the educational and cultural advancements between both countries.

In his welcome speech, UTAR Vice President (Internationalisation and Academic Development) Prof Ewe Hong Tat said,”This gathering of eminent speakers and scholars from different disciplines, engaged in the study of Malaysia-China relations, have made this seminar more meaningful and it is a great reflection of our existing close bilateral relationship.” He also thanked the organisers, presenters and participants for their efforts in making the seminar a success.

Representing the Ambassador of China to Malaysia was Director of Chinese Embassy Political Section Wang Hongliu. The Secretary of Malaysia-China Friendship Association Tan Khai Hee and the former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon were also present at the opening ceremony.

The organizing committee chairman Dr Chin Chong Foh, ICS Dean Dr Chong Siou Wei, Prof Dr Lim Chooi Kwa, UTAR staff and students were present together with participants and members of the public whose presence and participation enhanced the seminar.

The 2-day seminar had a total of six sessions that featured presentations with topics such as the Review of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations, Politics and Economics Studies on Malaysia-China Relations, Review of Malaysia-China Social and Cultural Interactions, Cultural and Social Studies in Malaysia-China Relations and the Influence of China in Malaysian Education and Literature. Four sessions were conducted in Mandarin and two sessions were conducted in English.

“The progress of China’s economy is an opportunity as well as challenge to Malaysia,” said Prof Wu Zongyu from Beijing Foreign Studies University in session one. He added that Malaysians could benefit from China’s progress and mentioned that the current 250 Malaysians studying in Beijing Foreign Studies University would return to serve Malaysia after their graduation.

Prof Xu Liping from the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences elaborated that Malaysia plays an important role in helping to lead the ASEAN countries to communicate and collaborate with China as Malaysia and China have a good 40- year diplomatic ties.

Dr Yeoh Kok Kheng from the Institute of China Studies in University of Malaya evaluated the lessons that could be learnt from each other’s experience of State policies in the context of ethno-politics and the political economy of ethnic relation.

ICS Deputy Dean (R&D and Postgraduate Programmes) Dr Wong Wun Bin elaborated on the relationship between Malacca and China during the Ming and Qing Dynasties that eventually led to the migration of the Chinese to Malacca.

Liew Ching Hoong, a senior researcher in INSAP presented on the topic of Tourism Management by focusing on a case study on issues affecting the arrivals of Chinese tourists to Malaysia.

The other presenters for the seminar were Prof Zhou Mengzhen from the Business School in Guanxi Universities for Nationalities, Prof Selina Ching Chan from the Contemporary China Research Centre in Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Dr Ling Teck Guan from the Institute of China Studies in University of Malaya, Dr Chen Bing Xian from the College of ASEAN in GuangXi University of Nationalities, Dr Zhong Da Rong from the Institute of Overseas Chinese in Huaqiao University, and Zhang Xiuming from the Chinese Institute for Overseas Chinese History.

The UTAR staff presenters were the Director of the Institute of Management and Leadership Development Prof Cheng Ming Yu, Chairperson of the Centre for Social Change and Trends Dr Wu Ming Chu, Director of the Centre for International Studies Dr Steven Leong Mun Yoon, Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Head of Department of General Studies Mohd Syuja bin Saedin, Head Of Modern Chinese Literature Studies Unit Lee Soo Chee, ICS lecturer Dr Pua Shiau Chen and FCI lecturer Ng Chan Chai.

Dato’ Hou delivering his opening remarks

Speakers and delegates at the seminar

Prof Ewe presenting a token of appreciation to Dato’ Hou while (from left) Dr Chong, Wang and Tan look on

Prof Wu Zongyu was the first speaker

Prof Xu speaking on the role of Malaysia

Dr Yeoh listening to a question from the floor

The participants observing a minute of silence for MH17