Visitors participating in the long-standing tradition of orange tossing by the grand hall’s ponds
The first full moon of the year marked the close of the long-awaited Chinese New Year. More than that, it set a vibrant stage for the Lantern Festival, also known as Chap Goh Mei, signifying a fresh beginning and a warm community embrace of the spring breeze.
Meanwhile, the rich history and artistry present in Chinese calligraphy resonated deeply with the philosophy of the Lantern Festival. Each brushstroke carried the weight of the writer’s heart, and each finished work conveyed the tale of the writer’s wisdom. Whether expressing one’s cordial blessings to family and friends or adorning a space of reunion with a diverse array of calligraphic arts, calligraphy infused a quaint charm into the jovial celebration of cultural heritage.
The Chinese Calligraphy Week officially inaugurated (from left): Mr Xiao, Assoc Prof Yang, Prof Ma, Prof Liu, Mr Zhao, Prof Goi, Mr Hew, Mr Zheng, Prof Choong, Mr Tang, Mr Ng, Dr Chong and Mr Zhang
As a light-hearted initiative to preserve the rich cultural identity and heritage of the Lantern Festival and Chinese calligraphy, the Confucius Institute at UTAR and the National Calligraphy and Painting Education Association of China, under the advisory of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, joined forces with the Dezhou University of China (DZU), the Calligraphy Society of Malaysia, UTAR Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS), and UTAR Unovate Centre to organise the Lantern Festival Celebration and Chinese Calligraphy Week Opening Ceremony. Themed Jin She Na Fu (金蛇纳福), the event was held at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik on 12 February 2025.
The lion dancers prancing around, sending their best wishes to the crowd
Besides providing a platform for the Kampar community to celebrate the Lantern Festival together with loved ones in the Year of the Snake, the celebration also aimed to inaugurate the Chinese Calligraphy Week, which was held at UTAR Kampar Campus from 12 to 21 February 2025.
Exciting performances enlivening the evening at UTAR Kampar Campus
A diverse array of refreshments and ornaments complemented the vibrant evening with stalls coordinated by Unovate Centre
The Chinese Calligraphy Week consisted of a two-week-long series of calligraphic activities, including the Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition (12 - 21 February), Chinese Calligraphy Talk (13 February), Chinese Calligraphy Workshop (14 February), and Chinese Calligraphy Competition (15 February). The unique activities were designed to immerse writers of all proficiency levels in the art of Chinese calligraphy, providing them with opportunities to explore diverse techniques, refine their brushwork, and delve into the cultural and artistic significance behind each brushstroke through hands-on experiences, guided by experienced writers.
Visitors immersing themselves in the world of calligraphy, with a total of 115 works on display
Visitors of various demographics trying their hand at calligraphy
Visitors proudly displaying their calligraphic works, expressing their best wishes for the future
In his remarks, the Minister of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, Mr Zheng Xuefang said, “The Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival belong not only to Chinese communities, but also to people all around the world. Celebrating the Chinese New Year, enjoying the beauty of lanterns, eating glutinous rice balls, and embracing friendships together in Malaysia vividly showcase the harmonious coexistence of cultural exchanges between China and Malaysia.”
Mr Zheng also mentioned the close friendship displayed over the past year between the two economies, citing mutual visits by the leaders of China and Malaysia, as well as the increased volume of bilateral trade.
He said, “The exchanges between the people of China and Malaysia are also growing well. In 2024, 4.1 million of China’s citizens visited Malaysia, with 502 round-trip flights between China and Malaysia every week, and more than 57,000 China’s students currently studying in Malaysia. Besides, polls show that 77% of Malaysians have a positive impression of China, further demonstrating the close friendship between the people of both economies.”
The National Calligraphy and Painting Education Association of China President Prof Liu Li said, “With Chinese calligraphy as its theme, the celebration extends warm holiday greetings to Malaysian communities. More than just a meaningful journey for the China National Calligraphy and Painting Education Association, this event is also a celebration of our shared friendship and a journey of growth together.”
He added, “The establishment of the Confucius Institute in Malaysia signified a meaningful milestone. The joint effort by UTAR and DZU not only showcased the close relationship between the two universities, but also fostered an amicable bridge for higher education and cultural exchanges between the two economies. Through the Confucius Institute, I believe we can make great contributions to Chinese communities, traditional arts, friendship and people-to-people exchanges between China and Malaysia.”
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min said, “On behalf of UTAR, I would like to thank all the participating units for making this cultural celebration a reality. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Malaysia and China have long maintained close cooperation in the fields of economics, culture, and education, further strengthening the deep and ongoing friendship between the people. Through calligraphy, today’s celebration contributes to the deepening of cultural collaboration between the two economies. The Chinese Calligraphy Week is not only a showcase of calligraphic art, but also a platform for the co-creation and preservation of cultural heritage. We hope that this event will inspire more people to appreciate the beauty of calligraphy and the richness of Chinese culture, further fostering cultural exchange and friendship between Malaysia and China.”
Conveying his wishes through a pre-recorded video, DZU President Prof Zhao Changlin said, “Since its establishment, the Confucius Institute at UTAR has been actively conducting Chinese language classes and promoting Chinese language through cultural exchanges and mutual understanding among people.”
He added, “Calligraphy is a treasure of Chinese culture and tradition, signifying boundless philosophy and artistry in every brushstroke. This calligraphy event serves as a platform for everyone to showcase their talents and exchange cultural insights. Each work will reflect the writer’s appreciation of Chinese culture, and serve as a testament to the thriving presence of Chinese culture among the UTAR community. I hope that, through the Lantern Festival Celebration and Chinese Calligraphy Week, visitors will immerse themselves in the charm of Chinese culture while helping to preserve this cherished activity.”
Echoing the sentiment, the Calligraphy Society of Malaysia President Mr Ng Swee Kheng said, “Calligraphy not only embodies writing and art, but also the essence of Chinese culture. It transcends language barriers and serves as a bond that connects people’s hearts. Together, we will work to plant the seeds of Chinese culture in Malaysia’s multiracial landscape and let the beauty of calligraphy shine.”
He added, “The Calligraphy Society of Malaysia is also committed to fostering the learning and appreciation of calligraphy among Malaysian youths. We have established youth groups in several secondary schools and universities in Malaysia. Notably, some of the young participants from UTAR, who contributed exceptionally to the preparation of this event, are members of these groups. We hope that, while promoting calligraphy, we could provide Malaysian youths with opportunities to exchange calligraphy insights with their peers worldwide, which will broaden their horizons. In doing so, we hope to infuse new energy into the promotion of calligraphy in Malaysia.”
Also present at the UTAR Lantern Festival celebration were the Education Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia Mr Zhao Changtao, the Secretary of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia Mr Tang Jing, UTAR Council Member Mr Hew Fen Yee, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong; National Calligraphy and Painting Education Association of China Vice President Assoc Prof Yang Xiaohui, Executive Deputy Secretary General Mr Zhang Yanjun; DZU College of Fine Arts Representative Mr Xiao Long; Chinese Calligraphy Society of Malaysia Vice Presidents Mr Kok Beng Hong and Mr Wan Song Chin, Vice Secretary Mr Teoh Tian Soong, Head of Judge Mr Ngiew Yew Keng, Head of Liaison Mr Wong Wai Choong; the Confucius Institute at University of Technology Sarawak Director Assoc Prof Han Mengqi; Confucius Institute at UTAR Director (China) Prof Dr Ma Yingxin, Director (Malaysia) Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei; UTAR staff and students.
The Lantern Festival’s conclusion marked the beginning of a new chapter in both academic and cultural journeys. The Lantern Festival of 2025 at UTAR Kampar Campus brought layers of joy to the UTAR community and the wider community amidst the start of the February trimester. Most notably, it infused the celebration of Malaysia-China friendship and Chinese culture with a vibrant spirit of unity, mutual appreciation and artistic expression, fostering a deeper bond between the people from the two economies.
Best wishes for the Year of the Snake! From left: Dr Chong, Prof Choong, Mr Tang, Mr Hew, Prof Liu, Mr Zheng, Prof Goi, Mr Zhao and Prof Ma
Please refer to the official Facebook page of UTAR Confucius Institute for more information on Chinese Calligraphy Week.
Lantern Festival & Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15XQdqiKLU/
Chinese Calligraphy Talk:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DEJCViP6W/
Chinese Calligraphy Workshop:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FiPHgsT4P/
Chinese Calligraphy Competition:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/164wXtEgpm/
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