Malaysian Chinese Literature conference

The Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) hosted "The 2015 International Conference on the Study and Dissemination of Malaysian Chinese Literature: With Special Focus on the Sirius Poetical Society and Modernism" (2015马华文学研究和传播国际学术研讨会：天狼星诗社与现代主义) at Kampar Campus from 4 to 5 July 2015.

The conference was a joint collaboration with the Federation of Alumni Associations of Taiwan Universities, Malaysia (FAATUM) and the Alumni Association of the Department of Chinese Studies of Universiti Malaya (PEJATI).

The conference saw more than 50 local and foreign participants, with foreigners hailing from countries such as Singapore, China, Taiwan and Japan. The delegates were FAATUM executive officer Lee Cheng Soon, president of PEJATI Dato’ Ng Tong Hai and representative from Persatuan Bekas Penuntut-Penuntut Taiwan, Kampar Phan Yau Yin.

Dr Chou delivering his welcome remarks

The conference began with Chairperson of the Organising Committee Dr Chou Wen Loong delivering his welcome remarks. He said, “Thank you and welcome to everyone attending the conference. This conference is different as we usually discuss big topics, whereas today we specially focus on the ‘Sirius Poetical Society’ to discuss and probe its status in Malaysian Chinese Literature.”

Dr Chong giving his speech

In his opening remarks, ICS Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei said, “The conference was a feast for Malaysian Chinese Literature circles and well attended by researchers. Research in Malaysian Chinese Literature is increasing locally as well as overseas in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, USA, and Australia.” He added, “ICS fully supports research or activities on Malaysian Chinese Literature as it is one of our prominent courses.”

The keynote speakers were Chair Professor and Senior Vice President of Southern University Prof Wong Yoon Wah and President of the Sirius Poetry Society Woon Swee Tin. UTAR ICS speakers for the conference included Dr Lee Soo Chee and Dr Chou.

Pioneer members from the Sirius Poetry Society Lee Chong Shun, Teoh Chiaw Lin and Tan Chong Meng, were also invited by the organisers to join the roundtable discussion session. They shared their fond memories of the Sirius Poetry Society and how the society enlightened and motivated them in their poem writing during their youth.

The conference came to an end with ICS lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Khor Boon Eng representing ICS to deliver the closing remarks. Dr Khor said, “The proposals delivered by the speakers today spur the dissemination of Malaysian Chinese Literature and inspire the audience.” Furthermore, he also summarised all the 14 proposals delivered by the speakers and gave a general assessment of them.

Group photo of the organisers and speakers

Dr Chong (right) presenting the certificate of appreciation to Prof Wong, while Dr Chou looks on

Dr Chong (right) presenting the certificate of appreciation to Woon

Roundtable discussion session

Members from the Sirius Poetry Society sharing their memories during the Q&A session

Dr Khor delivering his closing remarks

Organising committee members taking a group photos with Dr Chou after the conference