The eighth month of the lunar year brought the spirit of festivity and unity to the communities around the world. Besides the staple symbols like the eye-catching lanterns, mouth-watering mooncakes and the bright full moon in the night sky, the festival of harvest also emphasises the joy of community bonding.

In a concerted effort to foster community spirit as well as promote the joy of the Mid-Autumn Festival among the Kampar community, UTAR Confucius Institute, the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS), and the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) jointly organised the UTAR Mid-Autumn Festival, with support from Unovate Centre, in the evening of 7 September 2024 at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Kampar Campus.

The UTAR Mid-Autumn Festival was also organised in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, drawing hundreds who shared conversations and moments with their families and friends at the hall, pulsing with vibrance and energy.

Amidst the furore of joy stood a diverse array of exhibition and workshop booths, brimming with rich cultural elements. Each booth offered a unique glimpse into not only the core activities of the Mid-Autumn Festival but also the stories of Chinese heritage, inviting the festival-goers to engage actively in the celebration and share light-hearted experiences.

The exhibition booths were mainly comprised of culture from Chinese tradition, including Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing), Chinese tea art, calligraphy, Chinese chess, wood carving, sachet making, Chinese knotting, and paper cutting.

Meanwhile, the variety of workshops such as Chinese rubbing, mooncake making, lantern making, paper cutting, wood carving, and hand-drawn fans offered the participants an opportunity to experience the processes of creating Chinese traditional crafts hands-on.

For the participants who sought a fun challenge of wit, an eclectic array of lantern riddles was also set up. Displayed openly yet with a quest for furtiveness, the lantern riddles challenged the participants to test their shrewdness and teamwork, which sparked countless brainstorming sessions among the festival-goers.

With the support of Unovate Centre, a variety of food and beverage vendors were positioned along the walkway beside the hall, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests.

As dusk fell and the moon cast its glow over the campus, echoes of melodies resonated around Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik. The performances, accompanied by a series of Malaysian traditional and modern tunes, drew much admiration and cheers from the participants.

The performances featured a variety of categories, including Indian dance, Orang Asli dance, Malay dance, Chinese traditional dance, Chinese wushu, Chinese opera, diabolo performance and song performances.  Joining the lineup were performers from SMK Kampar, Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara (JKKN) Perak, UTAR Kampar Campus Wushu Club, UTAR Kampar Chinese Diabolo, UTAR Chinese Society, Dezhou University (DZU), and UTAR.

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat said, “Tonight, as we gather to celebrate this festival, we not only honour a time-honoured tradition but also mark a significant milestone, the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations. We are delighted to host culture exhibitions and workshops on Chinese traditional arts and culture, which showcase the diverse and dynamic cultural heritage of both Malaysia and China.”

He added, “I am deeply honoured to witness the invaluable contributions of the Confucius Institute in fostering cultural understanding and educational exchanges. The institute serves as a bridge between China and Malaysia, promoting the learning of the Chinese language and culture and strengthening the ties between our communities. Its presence here at UTAR enriches our academic and cultural landscape, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.”

UTAR ICS Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, who is also the Director (Malaysia) of UTAR Confucius Institute, said, “The UTAR Mid-Autumn Festival not only aims to highlight traditional heritage, but also deepen Malaysia-China diplomatic relations. It is a joyful celebration shared by everyone, and at the same time, it also serves as a significant moment for cultural exchanges between Malaysia and China. I believe tonight’s cultural performances and activities will add more vibrance to the UTAR Campus.”

The beautiful display of diverse heritages shined throughout the celebration of the harvest moon, highlighting the rich tapestry of Malaysian and Chinese culture with their unique styles and roots. UTAR Mid-Autumn Festival may have been just a simple celebration of joy and harmony, but it nonetheless strengthened bonds among participants, fostering a sense of community and connection with its fun-filled atmosphere.

Also present were UTAR Council Member Mr Hew Fen Yee, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, UTAR Confucius Institute Director (China) Prof Dr Ma Yingxin, FAS Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng, Faculty of Science (FSc) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, ICS Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Wong Wun Bin, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Dr Peter Tan Sin Howe, ICS Head of Department of Chinese Studies (Kampar Campus) Assoc Prof Dr Toh Teong Chuan, ICS Adjunct Professor Prof Dr Lo Yuet Keung, Office of International Affairs (OIA) Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, OIA Deputy Director Assoc Prof Dr Chen, I-Chi, UTAR T&CM Centre Director Assoc Prof Dr Te Kian Keong, Lian Zhen Calligraphy Academy Founder Mr Tan Xing Wei, DZU students, UTAR staff and students.