A Rung Less, A Step Higher Book Launch

The Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) hosted UTAR Council Member Senator Dato’ Hou Kok Chung’s book launch at Sungai Long Campus on 16 October 2018.

Present at the book launch were UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Hai-O Enterprise Berhad Executive Chairman Tan Kai Hee, Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat, TAR UC Vice President for Academic and Research Assoc Prof Dr Ng Swee Chin, Dato’ Hou’s wife Datin Lim Mooi Lang, guests, and friends. The occasion also saw the presence of students from SMK Seri Kembangan and Xiamen University Malaysia Campus, UTAR staff and students, as well as members of the media. 

The new book authored by Dato’ Hou reflects his life philosophy

The book, called ‘A Rung Less, A Step Higher’《上了层楼》, is Dato’ Hou’s fourth book of the series of calligraphy and the text consists of 40 essays. His first two books ‘Appreciate’《珍惜》and ‘Conscience’ 《本心》 were launched in July 2016, and his third book ‘Humbled Musings’《底蕴》was subsequently released in September 2017. 

From left: Prof Chuah, Dato’ Hou and Yap officiating the book launch

The book launch commenced with book reviews given by Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research Director Yap Hon Lun, who shared his insightful analysis of the writing style and the life of Dato’ Hou. Invited to grace the occasion was Prof Chuah. In his speech, Prof Chuah congratulated Dato’ Hou for his great accomplishment and expressed his gratitude to him for his dedications and contributions to UTAR. He hoped that Dato’ Hou could publish more writings in the future to enrich students with his remarkable intelligence and abundant experience of life. Following the speech, the book launch was officiated by Prof Chuah together with Dato’ Hou and Yap. 

Dato’ Hou sharing his inspirational life experience

Dato’ Hou thanked all the guests and participants for their support. Sharing his life experience, he said, “You can learn anything if you take every matter in your life seriously.” He added, “I enjoy the process of writing, same like watching television or enjoying a cup of coffee.Life is about living each moment seriously and accumulating experience slowly.” He also quoted the saying of Qing Dynasty painter Zheng Banqiao “woolly-headed”, and encouraged participants to look at things with a brighter and a more positive perspective. “Holding such perspective can be as simple as just taking things more lightheartedly,” he said. 

Dato’ Hou (front row, fourth from left) with all the guests and participants