ICS Postgraduate International Conference

UTAR Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) hosted the “ICS International Academic Exchange Conference for Postgraduate Students of UTAR MoU Collaboration Partners, Huaqiao University and National Chiao-Tung University (2016年拉曼大学中华研究院友好大学研究生国际学术交流会议报告)” at its Kampar Campus from 9 to 10 April 2016.

A joint collaboration between ICS, UTAR Centre for Chinese Studies Research (CCSR) and the Chinese Studies Society, the two-day inaugural conference saw 20 local and foreign participants from UTAR, Huaqiao University (HQU) and National Chiao Tung Univerity (NCTU) assembled under one roof to share knowledge and findings amongst one another.

The conference began with CCSR Chairperson-cum-ICS Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Wong Wun Bin delivering his welcome address. Dr Wong said that such conference is an ideal platform for postgraduate students to present their research findings. “Talent development in cultural research is necessary and important to counter talent shortage. And postgraduate students have the potential to become the successors of cultural research,” he added.

Dr Wong delivering his welcome address

In his opening remarks, ICS Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei said, “In line with the University’s Vision and Mission, UTAR encourages staff and students to have academic exchanges with the collaborative partners to broaden their horizons and enrich research knowledge.” According to him, the Institute is actively looking forward to other exciting collaboration, such as cross-county, cross-departmental, and cross-disciplinary research plans.

Dr Chong encouraging staff and students to exchange with the collaborative partners

Delegates of other universities present at the conference included NCTU’s College of Hakka Studies, Assoc Prof Dr Lo Lieh-Shih, and Director of HQU Institute of Overseas Chinese, Dr Zhong Darong. Also present were ICS Head of Postgraduate Programme Dr Tan Beng Piou, ICS Head of Department of Chinese Studies for Kampar Campus Toh Teong Chuan and Sungai Long Campus Dr Chin Chong Foh as well as other ICS members.

Dr Zhong (second from left) presenting a token of appreciation to Dr Chong (second from right) while Dr Chin (left) and Dr Wong (right) look on

Dr Lo (second from right) presenting a series of postcards that created by NCTU’s postgraduate student, Chang as a souvenir to ICS

The conference was divided into six sessions. The first session was a forum chaired by Dr Wong, Dr Chin Dr Lo and Dr Zhong on discussion topics such as religious education, cultural education and multiracial studies in Malaysia.

The following five sessions showcased the maturity and competence of the participating postgraduates when they conducted and moderated the discussions.

Participants from UTAR in session three

The conference came to an end with Dr Wong, Dr Lo and Dr Zhong representing ICS, NCTU and HQU respectively to deliver closing remarks.

One of the conference participants, NCTU postgraduate student Chang Chichun, still has fond memories of Gopeng as a charming and memorable place during the field study in Gopeng last year. “We stayed at the Gopeng Heritage House and Museum Gopeng for three weeks during our field study, and the cultural relics and antiques exhibited intrigued me a lot. I then decided to create a series of postcards using the photos I took in the museum as a memory. I consider this as a personal gift for Gopeng,” she enthused. The exclusively created postcards were also presented to ICS as a souvenir during the souvenir exchange session.

Dr Zhong and Dr Wong interacting with the participants during the closing ceremony

Group photo of the guests and participants during the closing ceremony