UTAR Institute of Chinese Studies hosted a visit by Hong Kong Shue Yan
University’s (HKSYU) Department of History from 8 to 13 June 2015 at UTAR
Perak Campus.
The delegation, led by Prof Mo Shixiang and Dr Chau Chi Fung, was also
joined by HKSYU students Wai Cheuk Yin, Chung Yung Wang, Poon Chun Yan and
Chan Shuk Fang. The visit to ICS was a reciprocation following a visit by
ICS Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate
Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Wong Wun Bin and Adjunct Professor Prof Dr Lim
Chooi Kwa to HKSYU in October 2014.
To intensify the network between the two institutions and also encourage
academic discussions amongst the academics and students, an interactive
session was held at on 12 June 2015 in which Prof Mo and Dr Chau were
invited to share their research findings with ICS staff and students.
On behalf of ICS, Dr Wong welcomed the delegates and briefly introduced the
collaborations between ICS and HKSYU Department of History. “Both UTAR and
HKSYU are private universities and share plenty of similarities especially
in pursuit of excellence. Both institutions have since become sister
universities following an MoU signed last year,” introduced Dr Wong, and
expressed his hope for more close collaborations and exchange of knowledge
between UTAR and HKSYU academics as well as students.
Prof Mo presented his talk titled “The involvement of Overseas Chinese in
Malaya in the Second Sino-Japanese War through the history documented by
Hong Kong newspapers from 1937 to 1941” (马来亚华侨与中国抗战——1937
– 1941年香港报刊记录的历史)
and stressed that the immense financial contribution by Overseas Chinese in
Malaya back then cannot be left unrecognised. “Besides contributing
financially, the Overseas Chinese have also supported China by being in the
frontline during battles,” he said. Prof Mo also recommended a free database
found in Hong Kong Public Library website which allows users to source for
the old newspapers materials for research purposes.
As an expert in Hong Kong history, Dr Chau delivered his findings through
his talk titled “The evolution of British Hong Kong Government and Hong
Kong’s funeral customs (1895 – 1980): Using funeral parlours as case study”
(港英政府与香港殡仪文化之演变（1895-1980）——以殡仪馆为中心之讨论)
in Cantonese. The audience had a glimpse of the role of the British Hong
Kong Government in influencing Hong Kong’s funeral customs and culture from
1895 to 1980. The uncommon topic intrigued the audience which led to an
enriching Q&A session.
Also present at the session were ICS Deputy Dean for Student Development and
Industrial Training Dr Lim Chee Men, Head of Department of Chinese Studies
for Perak Campus Toh Teong Chuan and Head of Postgraduate Programme Dr Tan
Beng Piou.
During their stay in Malaysia, the HKSYU delegation also visited several
heritage sites around Kampar, Gopeng and Ipoh, and was introduced to local
delights.
The visit by HKSYU is the first of four visits this year by ICS
collaborative partners.
Dr Wong (second from left) presenting a token of appreciation to Prof Mo
(second from right) while Toh (right) and Dr Chau (left) look on
HKSYU student representative Poon (fourth from right) presenting a pennant
to ICS student representative Chew Hui Shan
(From left) Chung, Wai, Prof Mo, Dr Chau, Chan and Poon flanked by the
iconic Confucius-Einstein bronze sculptures at UTAR Perak Campus
Dr Chong (third from left) introducing Kampar local cuisines to Dr Chau
(left) and Prof Mo
The delegates, accompanied by ICS staff and students visiting places of
interests in Gopeng and Ipoh
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