UTAR hosts book launch for Prof Tan Chee Beng’s latest publication

The UTAR Tun Tan Cheng Lock Institute of Social Studies (TCLI) and UTAR Library successfully hosted the Book Launch and Public Lecture titled Traditions Matter: Lineage and Rituals in an Emigrant Village in South China by Prof Dr Tan Chee Beng on 10 March 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The event gathered distinguished scholars, researchers, students, and members of the public to celebrate Prof Tan’s latest work, which explored the cultural significance of lineage and traditions in rural China.

Present at the event were TCLI Steering Committee Chairman Dato’ Seri Dr Hou Kok Chung, United Malacca Berhad Chairperson Datin Paduka Tan Siok Choo, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science Adjunct Professor and book author Prof Dr Tan Chee Beng, New Era University College Institute for Sustainable Development Studies Director and Research Professor Prof Dr Lee Kam Hing, UTAR Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) Director Prof Ts Dr Lim Yang Mooi, Division of Strategy and Performance Measurement (DSPM) Director Prof Dr Zuraidah binti Abd Manaf, TCLI Director Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) Institute of Social Economic Research (ISER) Assoc Prof Dr Yap Hon Lun and UTAR Library Director Ms Ang Suan Sim.

In his welcome speech, Prof Dato’ Ewe commended Prof Tan’s contributions and said, “This book is a testament to the enduring significance of tradition in shaping cultural identity. Prof Tan’s meticulous research not only preserves valuable historical narratives but also offers fresh perspectives on how traditions continue to evolve in a rapidly changing world. His work will undoubtedly serve as an important resource for scholars and students alike.”

Prof Tan, a highly regarded cultural anthropologist, has made significant contributions to the study of Chinese overseas communities, ethnic minorities in China, and Southeast Asian indigenous peoples. Having taught at leading institutions such as the National University of Singapore, the University of Malaya, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, he has made significant contributions to the field, which are widely recognised. His works, including The Baba of Melaka: Culture and Identity of a Chinese Peranakan Community in Malaysia and Chinese Religion in Malaysia: Temples and Communities, have provided valuable insights into the socio-cultural dynamics of Chinese heritage, migration, and identity.

His latest book, Traditions Matter: Lineage and Rituals in an Emigrant Village in South China, presents an ethnographic study of Meiyao Village in Yongchun, Fujian, highlighting its socio-economic transformations, lineage structures, and religious practices. A key focus of the book is the jinxiang (incense pilgrimage), a ritual that continues to unite communities across generations. The book also explores the Yongchun diaspora, emphasising the enduring role of tradition in shaping identities despite modernisation and migration.

In addition to his scholarly contributions, Prof Tan has donated 1,267 titles in 1,796 volumes from his personal collection to UTAR Library, including rare Baba Malay classical novel translations of Journey to the West, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and Water Margin. These works’ historical significance makes them invaluable resources for research and academic study. His generous donation has greatly enriched UTAR Library’s collection, providing students and researchers with access to rare and important materials in the field of Chinese cultural studies.

The event concluded with a public lecture by Prof Tan, followed by an engaging discussion with the audience. His work continues to inspire scholars and students to understand the evolution and persistence of traditions in modern society.