Exploring global cultural exchange through Ancient Chinese texts exhibition

UTAR, in collaboration with the Center for Chinese Studies (CCS), Taiwan is hosting “A Shared Sky: The World of Chinese Texts and Cultural Exchange” (「共用蒼穹：中文古籍與文化交流的世界」中文古籍展覽), an exhibition of ancient Chinese texts, from 27 November 2024 to 6 January 2025 at the UTAR Gallery of Kampar Campus. UTAR staff, students, and members of the public are welcome to visit and explore the exhibition.

The opening ceremony took place on 27 November 2024. Officiating the event were CCS Deputy Director-General Dr Weng Chih-Tsung, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia (TECO) Education Division Director Ms Charlin Chang, and UTAR Library Director Ms Ang Suan Sim. Also in attendance were, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, ICS Head of Programme (M.A. (Chinese Studies)) Dr Ng Bung Chen, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, CCS International Cooperation Division International Affairs Coordinator Dr Joyce Chen and Special Collections Division Specialist Dr Cheng Ching-Ju, as well as UTAR staff and students.

In his welcome speech, Prof Choong expressed his gratitude to CCS for their strong support and assistance in organising this unique and valuable exhibition for the first time in UTAR and also Malaysia. He remarked, “The exhibition provides our students, staff and members of the public with a rare opportunity to engage with these precious collections, deepening their knowledge and understanding of Sinology, culture and history. Ancient texts carry a wealth of history, culture and knowledge, serving as a precious heritage of human civilisation. Academics have no boundaries, and knowledge is shared across generations. Through cross-regional and cross-cultural exchanges, we are empowered to uncover deeper insights and foster a greater appreciation for the timeless wisdom of the past. Such exhibitions not only provide the public with an opportunity to explore ancient Chinese texts, but also inspire interest and enthusiasm for Han culture, which is very worthy of encouragement and promotion.”

He also provided a brief overview of the background of the collaboration between UTAR and CCS, highlighting the generous support from CCS in providing book resources and the fruitful joint efforts achieved over the years. “Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate both parties continuing to work hand in hand, paving the way for further collaborations and exchanges across diverse areas,” he said.

Ms Charlin Chang congratulated the organisers on the success of the exhibition. She mentioned, “It is both a pleasure and an honour to witness the opening of such a meaningful and impactful exhibition. This beautifully curated and high-quality display allows us to take immense pride in Chinese culture. To shape a better world, we must cultivate a profound appreciation for humanity, history, and culture.”

She added, “I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the CCS team and Dr Weng for coming all the way from Taiwan. This demonstrates their commitment to education and culture. CCS, as a prominent hub for cultural preservation, has garnered high praise for its significant efforts in digitising ancient collections, ensuring the invaluable heritage is accessible to future generations. TECO has witnessed the remarkable growth of UTAR, which has also become one of the institutions that Taiwan’s higher education sector seeks to collaborate with. We look forward to even more cooperation with UTAR in the future.”

In his speech, Dr Weng conveyed Director-General Dr Wang Han-Ching’s gratitude to UTAR, stating, “It is an honour to be part of this exhibition, jointly organised by CCS and UTAR. This event serves as a significant cultural exchange. The meaningful title of this exhibition was thoughtfully developed by both parties, and I would like to thank the UTAR Library team for their invaluable support, especially in venue setup.”

He continued, “At CCS, our mission is to promote our collections globally, fostering knowledge exchange. Today’s exhibition differs from our previous exhibitions in other parts of the world, as it showcases ancient Chinese texts, while also strengthening the connection between the two economies. Through these ancient texts, we can appreciate the wisdom and experiences of our ancestors.”

The ceremony continued with a ribbon-cutting and souvenir exchange, followed by an exhibition tour led by Dr Joyce Chen.

The exhibition offers academics and students a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of ancient collections, including experiencing the evolution of ancient printing and writing technology through inscriptions, rubbings, and paintings; understanding the functionality of Chinese documents in disseminating knowledge and culture in East Asian civilisation through Chinese engraved block prints; learning the rich history of Malay civilisation through Chinese documents; uncovering the vestiges of Formosa (ancient Taiwan) civilisation through the written records by Ming and Qing literati; and exploring ancient treasures such as the “Yongle Encyclopedia”. Visitors will embark on a journey through time and space, immersing themselves in the historical and cultural essence of these Chinese classics while exploring the spread of ancient wisdom and unique cultural features of diverse regions.

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