A journey where literature and culture beautifully intertwine: UTAR Chinese Literature Week 2025

In the spirit of a timeless utopia, UTAR Chinese Literature Week 2025 (CLW 2025) – Shi Li Tao Xiang (Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms) 第七届拉曼大学文学周《十里桃香》invited all to embark on a soul-enriching cultural journey where literature and culture blossom side by side. Inspired by the imagery of peach blossoms in full bloom, this year’s theme envisioned Literature Week as a poetic sanctuary—an escape from worldly noise, where elegance met simplicity and inspiration flowed freely, offering a haven of cultural charm and intellectual nourishment for all.

Organised by the Chinese Studies Society of Kampar Campus (CSS) and supervised by the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS), CLW 2025 was held at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Kampar Campus from 21 to 25 April 2025.

The opening ceremony, held on 21 April 2025 at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, marked a graceful beginning to the week-long festivities. The event was officiated by UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, alongside ICS Dean Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei. Also present were Kampar Campus’ Head of Chinese Studies Department and CSS Advisor Assoc Prof Dr Toh Teong Chuan, CLW 2025 Advisors Dr Wong Lih Lih and Ms Yau Ai Ping, Organising Chairperson Nur Shalina binti Badarul Sham, staff, and students.

In his remarks, Prof Choong extended his gratitude to the organising committee for the invitation, shared his connection with UTAR’s Department of Chinese Studies, and expressed his continued support for CLW over the years. As the Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations, he expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the students’ active involvement in organising such meaningful events. He said, “Your event planning and presentations offer me not just a window into the perspectives of today’s youth, but also fresh inspiration. In this fast-changing era, literature is like a precious ‘spiritual GDP’. May everyone draw strength from it and cultivate the inner calm needed to resist the noise of the world.”

Dr Chong congratulated the organisers on the successful commencement of CLW 2025 and highly praised the annual event. He said, “Since its launch in 2017, UTAR CLW has become a signature event on campus. I am pleased to see it continue to thrive as part of the university’s vibrant activity scene, bringing a diverse array of literary and cultural programmes to both staff and students. It is also a meaningful initiative that gives back to the community. Beyond our campus, the event is open to the public and secondary school students, nurturing their appreciation and understanding of Chinese culture from a young age. I hope CLW will continue to be held annually, passing on the cultural torch and enriching the campus literary atmosphere.”

Nur Shalina shared a brief introduction and said, “CLW 2025 builds upon our legacy while embracing innovation. We retain our beloved annual programmes while introducing fresh initiatives that reimagine literature through art, making it more accessible to the public. We aim to deliver an experience that feels both refreshingly new and deeply joyful, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the tranquil pleasure of literature and embark on an unforgettable literary journey.”

“I would like to express my gratitude to our supervisors for their kind support and advice, as well as to our committee members and helpers, for their cooperation and teamwork in overcoming various challenges and difficulties,” she added.

This year, CLW 2025 offered an even more vibrant and diverse line-up of events. Participants enjoyed hands-on workshops including Lacquered Fan and Calligraphy Cultural Creative Products, Chinese Rubbing, Book Carving, and Baked Free Adhesive Painting. In addition to these workshops, the week featured themed literary talks, a book fair held in collaboration with POPULAR Bookstore, traditional station games, a Hanfu dress-up experience, a literary award ceremony, and an exhibition. Each activity was carefully designed to engage participants and foster a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Chinese literature and cultural heritage.

Since its inception in 2017, Chinese Literature Week (CLW) has celebrated literary heritage while also empowering participants to discover career opportunities through creative expression, deepen their appreciation of literature, and engage with ICS’s vibrant academic community—turning passion into purpose.