Celebrating Chinese Literature Week

A group photo of the attendees during the opening ceremony

UTAR Chinese Literature Week 2019 (CLW 2019) – Di Yuan (第三屆拉曼大學文學週“締源”) was held at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Kampar Campus from 30 March to 3 April 2019.

CLW 2019 was organised by the Chinese Studies Society of Kampar Campus (CSS) and supervised by the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS). It aimed to promote the creation of literary works, improve the campus’ literary atmosphere and provide a valued platform for lovers of literature to share and exchange their thoughts.

Declaration of the opening ceremony

Present were ICS Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei representing UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes  Assoc Prof Dr Wong Wun Bin, Kampar Campus’ Head of Chinese Studies Department-cum-CSS Advisor Dr Toh Teong Chuan, CLW 2019 Advisors Mok Tuck Hau and Yau Ai Ping, Representative from Student Representative Council (SRC) Soh Yi Ren, Organising Chairperson Chee Sung Lek and the sponsor from Quinton Group Stanley Song.

Dr Chong expressing his appreciation

Dr Chong said, “UTAR Chinese Literature Week is an inheritance passed on by the seniors to the juniors. This is a very good opportunity to introduce the attendees to Malaysian Chinese Literature and provide them with a platform to gain a deeper understanding of Malaysian Chinese Literature. Malaysian Chinese Literature is gradually gaining importance in the international arena. It is now even included in China and Taiwan’s literature programme. Hence, we should know more about this unique and precious literature that belongs to us and hope for better development in the future.” He added, “I hope the Chinese Literature Week will continue to be a significant event for the University and also an event that gives back to the community. I also hope it will continue to progress even further.”

Dr Toh revealing the purpose of the event which is to allow students to create beautiful and unforgettable memories

Dr Toh thanked the University for its support towards student activities, and said, “The first Chinese Literature Week was held in 2017 and now we are progressing to the third Chinese Literature Week. It has become a major annual event for both CCS and ICS. Learning does not only occur in the classroom but through participation in various activities that take place outside the classroom. The main purpose of this event is to allow our students to create beautiful and unforgettable memories during their university lives.”

Mok explaining the theme ‘Di Yuan’

Further explaining the theme ‘Di Yuan’, Mok said, “Our aim is not only to present the blend of the Chinese culture and the local culture, but we also hope to focus on the history of Malaysian Chinese. We wish to present the change and development that took place from the time our ancestors emigrated from the mainland, China.”  Mok added, “I was happy to work, learn and grow together with the students. I am really impressed by their ingenuity in designing the backdrop. The radical of the Chinese character‘週’(week) symbolises a ship, a mode of transportation used by our ancestors to get here. The sea of flowers in the background represents every good hope that they carried in their heart.” He also thanked the sponsors for their sponsorship as it allowed the students to realise their potential and gain practical experience in organising activities.

Chee thanking all parties for their support and advice

Chee said, “I would like to thank ICS and the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) for their kind support and advice, and also for the cooperation and teamwork from our committee members and helpers in overcoming all kinds of challenges and difficulties. You have made the third UTAR Chinese Literature Week a rousing success.” He added, “CLW 2019 provided us with an opportunity to convey and inherit the literary spirit. It is a special occasion where we can connect with literature lovers from a different background. I really hope that the attendees will enjoy our arrangement and leave with a deep memory.

Chee (right) and Mok presenting a token appreciation to Dr Chong (left)

Marketing student Yuen Mun Kit playing guzheng (Chinese zither) during the opening ceremony

Dance performance by Jit Sin Independent High School Dance Club during the opening ceremony

CLW 2019 included various activities and workshops such as theatre workshop, wood calligraphy workshop, toys workshop, Chinese knot workshop, dough figurine workshop, Xiangqi (Chinese chess) workshop, Hanfu experience workshop, literary talks, exhibitions and a book fair. The exhibition was divided into two sections, namely literature corner and cultural corner. The literature corner displayed the original Malaysian Chinese literary works. The cultural corner, on the other hand, displayed the unique cultures of Malaysian Chinese, such as Baba Nyonya, Clan Associations, religion and many more. 

The guests taking a group photo at the entrance

Participants during the dough figurine workshop

Wei Yuan Jin (left) conducting the toys workshop

Participants posing at the antiquity study room corner

The literature and cultural exhibition 

(Photo courtesy of UTAR Chinese Literature Week 2019)