Press conference on UTAR Silk Road Dunhuang {Artistic Wildness Heartfelt Charity} Charity Art Exhibition

A charity art exhibition titled, UTAR Silk Road Dunhuang {Artistic Wildness Heartfelt Charity}, is set to take place from 24 to 25 July 2025 at the Multipurpose Hall of UTAR Sungai Long Campus. To raise awareness and generate public interest in the upcoming exhibition, a press conference was held on 30 June 2025. The session served to introduce the exhibition’s theme and objectives, and to highlight the charitable purpose behind the fundraising efforts.

The charity art exhibition aims to raise support for the Patient Welfare Fund of UTAR Hospital, a vital fund that provides financial aid to patients in need of medical care.

The exhibition will feature an exclusive collection of works by artist Master Richard Wong, inspired by his artistic journey to the historic Silk Road region, particularly Dunhuang. Drawing upon the vivid beauty of the Dunhuang murals and the stunning Rainbow Mountains, Richard Wong’s latest series captures the spirit of cultural exchange, spirituality, and human compassion that defined the Silk Road.

 “Through his bright and colourful paintings, Master Richard Wong not only expresses a deep love for life but also encourages patients to face the challenges of illness with courage and resilience,” said UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat.

According to Master Richard Wong, it usually takes two to three years to complete a single artwork, with the most time spent during the data collection and composition stages. Even for small artworks, at most around a hundred can be completed in a year, while for large-scale artworks, no more than twenty are possible. He has even spent twenty years studying the texture of stone, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to artistic creation.

In addition to showcasing the artworks, the exhibition will offer visitors an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause. All proceeds from the artwork sales and donations will go towards the UTAR Hospital Patient Welfare Fund to support the healthcare needs of underprivileged patients.

UTAR invites the public, art enthusiasts, philanthropists and the wider community to attend the exhibition and be part of a charitable movement that blends artistic expression with social responsibility.

Also present at the event was Dato’ Yong Bun Fou, a close associate of Master Richard Wong. Among other notable attendees were renowned Malaysian lyricist, composer and singer Mr Chow Kam Leong, UTAR Dean of Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, UTAR Confucius Institute Director (China) Prof Ma Yingxin, UTAR ICS Head of Programme (M.A. (Chinese Studies)) Dr Ng Bung Chen and staff.

For more details, please visit the official exhibition website at:

https://utarmrwartcharity.utar.edu.my/.