ICS's International Seminar

The Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) and its Centre for Chinese Studies together with Taipei National Dr Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall jointly organised the “International Seminar on Dr Sun Yat Sen and Nanyang Chinese” (孙中山与南洋华人国际学术研讨会) at Sungai Long Campus on 11 June 2016.

The seminar was set to congregate international scholars with diverse expertise in the relevant disciplines to promote international academic exchange and recognise the influence of Dr Sun Yat Sen on the Southeast Asian Chinese community.

Besides the delegates from the organisers, the seminar also saw the presence of seven Taiwanese universities — National Taiwan University, National Chengchi University, Yuan Ze University, I-Shou University, Hsuan Chuang University, University of Taipei, and Hsin Sheng College of Medical Care and Management. Also present at the seminar were scholars and researchers from local varsities, namely University of Malaya, New Era University College, and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, as well as members from the public and media.

Speaking at the seminar’s opening ceremony, ICS Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei remarked, “This seminar is a reflection of UTAR’s vision to be a global university of educational excellence with transformative societal impact. I am glad to witness the success of this meaningful seminar which does not only serve as an international learning platform to the academics, but also the public. I wish that this seminar can also be a timely juncture which can provide scholars the opportunity to explore future collaborations.”

On behalf of Taipei National Dr Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, its Director-General Dr Lin Kuo-Chang said, “Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia, has very rich cultural and historical data that is worth examining and being researched. Through this seminar, I also learnt that there are many passionate researchers who have been working very hard on the development of the Chinese communities in Southeast Asia from multiple aspects such as culture, education, economy, and more. I believe such academic collaboration also plays a significant role in informing the public about the historical development of Southeast Asian Chinese.”

The international seminar was divided into four sessions, chaired respectively by ICS’s Adjunct Professor Prof Dr Lim Chooi Kwa, Taipei National Dr Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall’s Director-General Dr Lin Kuo-Chang, Yuan Ze University’s Prof Liu A-Ron, and UTAR Faculty of Creative Industries’ Dr Wu Ming Chu. Topics discussed at the seminar and the list of presenters can be viewed here. 

Guests, presenters, and participants of the seminar

Dr Lin (right) presenting a souvenir to Dr Chong