NPTU visits UTAR to explore Hakka studies collaboration

Delegates from the National Pingtung University (NPTU) visited UTAR Kampar Campus on 25 October 2024. The visit aimed to promote mutual understanding between UTAR Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) and NPTU Hakka Studies Center, as well as discuss and explore potential collaborations on Hakka studies’ research and the Hakka culture industry.

The delegates from NPTU were led by the Hakka Studies Center and Master Programme of Hakka Cultural Industry Director Assoc Prof Dr Huang, Lu-Feng. He was accompanied by Master Programme of Hakka Cultural Industry academic Assoc Prof Dr Guo, Zih-Hong and postgraduate student Ms Wang, Mei-Fang, along with representatives from Taiwan’s culture industry. Also present were Liudui Tourism Industry Development Association Chairman Mr Wu, Wun-Hao, Kaohsiung Liugui Tourism and Recreation Association Chairman Mr Yang, Yi-Guei, Liudui Tourism Industry Development Association Chairman Mr Ciou, Jian-Guo and Director Mdm Jhang, Su-Jhu, and Dongpian Village, Neipu Township, Pingtung Village Chief Mr Huang, Ri-Yang. Representative from I Culture Berhad Ms Soo Ying Torng was also present at the meeting.

Welcoming the delegates were ICS Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Wong Wun Bin, Department of Chinese Studies (Kampar Campus) Head Assoc Prof Dr Toh Teong Chuan, Office of International Affairs Deputy Director Assoc Prof Dr Chen, I-Chi and UTAR staff.

Dr Wong and Dr Huang facilitated brief introductions of the members from both parties at the start of the session. Dr Wong then provided an overview of the progress in establishing ICS, covering the Hakka community in Malaysia, as well as research, publications, academic events, and international collaborations in Hakka Studies at ICS. He mentioned, “The Hakka ethnic group in Malaysia is a unified yet diverse concept. Hakka studies is one of the important research areas of ICS, and Hakka studies is also a popular research topic among undergraduate and postgraduate students. A number of related research papers, thesis and publications have been published over the years.”

Following was a brief introduction from Ms Soo on I Culture Berhad, a company engaged in history, culture, education and local revitalisation, aiming to create a better society through historical records and cultural inheritance. I Culture Berhad has been actively collaborating with ICS to organise several academic and community events over the years. The company has also been actively involved in the promotion of Hakka culture through their business, event, publication and programme.

Dr Huang, on the other hand, shared insights on the Hakka culture industry projects conducted by the NPTU Hakka Studies Center at various locations in Taiwan. He also discussed the concepts of culture and creativity as important foundations for the culture industry, and shared case studies to provide a better understanding of Taiwan’s culture industry.

During the discussion, other delegates from NPTU introduced their respective organisations or places and their efforts in the culture industry with assistance from academia. The topics included the development of local industries driven by the culture industry, industry-academia collaboration, brand promotion, corporate social responsibility (CSR), rural regeneration, Hakka culture exchange, and more. Both parties expressed their anticipation for future collaboration and opportunities.