Inaugural Colloquium by FTAM and UTAR

Front row (from left): Daozhang Tan, Tan Sri Lee, Prof Goi and Prof Tan

Themed ‘Taoism: Past, Present and Future’, the first FTAM-UTAR Colloquium was held at Sungai Long Campus on 6 August 2023. It was organised by the Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia (FTAM) and UTAR Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies (TCLC). Not only that, the first Taoist Society in Malaysia’s higher education institutions was also launched at the opening ceremony of the colloquium.

The guests present at the opening ceremony were FTAM Honorary Advisor Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, FTAM President Daozhang Tan Hoe Chieow, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, UTAR Adjunct Professor for the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Prof Dr Tan Chee Beng, TCLC Chairperson Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun and fellow members from FTAM.

Tan Sri Lee shared his perspective on Taoism’s historical significance and its place within the Chinese culture, and highlighted the timeless wisdom embedded in Taoist classics, emphasising their relevance even for Westerners. He also urged the Chinese community to study and explore Taoism. Throughout his speech, he frequently referenced the Tao Te Ching, which advocated for virtuous actions. He concluded by expressing hope for sustained collaboration between FTAM and UTAR, aiming to promote and preserve Taoism's cultural philosophy.

 

Tan Sri Lee encouraging people to study and learn the philosophy of Taoism

Daozhang Tan highlighted the significance of the colloquium, which stemmed from the MoU signing between FTAM and UTAR. He expressed his gratitude to UTAR for the support and the organising committee for ensuring a successful event. Emphasising Taoism’s dual focus on ancestral wisdom and future development, he linked them to the colloquium’s theme, namely ‘Taoism: Past, Present, and Future’. Daozhang Tan also announced the forthcoming FTAM youth team, which aims to engage the younger generation and collaborate with UTAR’s Taoist Society for more activities. He concluded with optimism that youth involvement would invigorate Taoism’s future.

Daozhang Tan expressing his optimism about having the youths involved in Taoism activities

Prof Goi said, “This colloquium serves as a platform for accomplished experts and scholars to harness contemporary philosophical perspectives, enabling them to craft more strategic responses to the intricate challenges that both internal and external factors pose to Taoism today. Through insightful discussions, these luminaries aim to offer constructive recommendations. Although the exact trajectory of Taoism’s future development remains elusive, I firmly believe that the strides we undertake at this juncture will indubitably constitute noteworthy contributions to the scholarly discourse surrounding Taoism in the days ahead.”

Prof Goi explaining the benefit of the colloquium

A group photo after the moderator and presenters received souvenirs from Tan Sri Lee. From left: Dr Elena Chai, Dr Tan Ai Boay, Dr Chin Yee Mun, Dr Wang, Dr Poey, Prof Tan, Prof Goi, Tan Sri Lee, Daozhang Tan, Dr Chin Chong Foh, Lee Kin Keong, Lee Jenn Yuan, and Dr Toh

The first Taoist Society in Malaysia’s higher education institutions was launched by Tan Sri Lee (right), witnessed by Daozhang Tan (middle) and Prof Goi (left)  

At the colloquium, renowned anthropologist Prof Tan Chee Beng was invited to deliver a keynote speech to the attendees. Prof Tan commenced his presentation by delving into the historical origins of Taoism in China. Subsequently, he transitioned into an insightful discourse, where he imparted his own research findings and observations regarding the evolution of Taoism within the context of Malaysia. As he reached the culmination of his talk, Prof Tan asserted that conducting research and engaging in interviews with Taoist priests hold the utmost significance in comprehending and reconstructing the narrative of Taoism’s historical journey in Malaysia.

Prof Tan sharing his research finding and insight

The audience focusing on Prof Tan’s insightful talk

Subsequently, eight speakers took turns to share their research findings and ideas. They were Huaqiao University (China) academic Dr Wang Zhaoyuan, UTAR Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Head of Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Tan Ai Boay, University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) senior lecturer Dr Elena Chai, UTAR Division of Corporate Communication and Public Relations (DCCPR) Assistant Manager Dr Toh Chen Chun, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) senior lecturer Dr Poey Tiang Peow, UTAR Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) academic Lee Kin Keong, Dr Chin Yee Mun and TCLC Assistant Manager Lee Jenn Yuan. The presentations, which were separated into two sessions, were moderated by UTAR ICS Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Chin Chong Foh and UTAR FCI academic Dr Soon Thean Bee.

Speakers presenting during the morning session (clockwise from top): Dr Chin Chong Foh, Dr Tan Ai Boay, Dr Toh, Dr Elena Chai and Dr Wang

Speakers presenting during the evening session (clockwise from top): Dr Soon, Lee Kin Keong, Lee Jenn Yuan, Dr Chin Yee Mun and Dr Poey

Following the enlightening presentations, a breakout session ensued, wherein the overarching theme was subdivided into four distinct categories: Teaching, Activities, Organisation and Recognition. The main objective of this breakout session was to explore the strategic approaches that guided Taoism to effectively embrace and adapt to the ever-evolving currents that exert influence on both the religious landscape. Attendees were encouraged to participate in discussions pertaining to any of the aforementioned categories, based on their individual interests.

Participants during the breakout session

The insights and resolutions generated during these breakout sessions were subsequently elevated to a comprehensive roundtable deliberation. Concluding the colloquium, Daozhang Tan extended his gratitude to the presenters and participants for their invaluable insights and suggestions, which have illuminated a clear path for the FTAM to steer Taoism towards a promising future in the country. He proceeded to provide feedback on the suggestions put forth by the attendees and emphasised the need for concerted efforts by FTAM members to ardently promote Taoism in future. With this, he officially brought the successful colloquium to a close.

Daozhang Tan at the end of the colloquium

All members of organising committee with Daozhang Tan (front row, fifth from right), Prof Tan (front row, fourth from right) and Dr Chin Yee Mun (front row, third from left)