Celebrating International Chinese Language Day

To commemorate the 16th International Chinese Language Day, the Confucius Institute (CI) at UTAR held an Open Day on 19 and 20 April 2025 at UTAR Kampar Campus. Themed Building Bridges with Chinese, Fostering Cultural Integration (中文为桥·文化共融), the event included a variety of activities celebrating the occasion. It was organised with the guidance and support of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia and sponsored by the Beijing Language and Culture University Press.

The opening ceremony for the International Chinese Language Day Teaching Symposium took place on 20 April 2025. UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations, Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, was invited to officiate the ceremony.

In his speech at the event, he said, “With language as the bond, we jointly advance the grand vision outlined in the ‘China-Malaysia Joint Statement on Building a High-Level Strategic Community of Shared Future.’ As a pioneering institution for Chinese education in Malaysia, UTAR has always been committed to nurturing bilingual talents who bridge cultures. Increasingly, Malay and Indian students are enrolling in Chinese language classes, using Mandarin to tell their own stories. This cross-ethnic cultural resonance is a vivid microcosm of the ‘Community of Shared Future’ ideal.”

In line with the global theme of the 2025 International Chinese Language Day, Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space, four curated sub-themes guided the activities:

Writing · The Beauty of Characters (书·文字之美)

A calligraphy workshop led by a master calligrapher enabled participants to write heartfelt messages on bookmarks, celebrating the artistic beauty of Chinese characters. The event attracted numerous calligraphy enthusiasts who eagerly wielded their brushes to create elegant strokes.

Reading · The Charm of Texts (读·文章之妙)

An exhibition on the origins and evolution of Chinese characters was also organised. The event received over 200 donated books, including textbooks, teaching aids, picture books, and academic monographs from Beijing Language and Culture University Press. A dedicated bookshelf, unveiled at the event, now provides local communities with easier access to Chinese reading materials.

Appreciation · The Richness of Culture (赏·文化之博)

Participants immersed themselves in traditional Chinese culture through hands-on activities such as paper-cutting, Hanfu dressing, lacquer fan crafting, and tea ceremonies. The lacquer fan-making workshop showcased the intricacy of traditional craftsmanship, while Hanfu try-ons and etiquette demonstrations deepened participants’ understanding of China’s sartorial heritage. The paper-cutting activity highlighted the creativity of Chinese folk art, and tea performances and tastings allowed guests to savour the depth and elegance of Chinese tea culture.

Exploration · The Path of Civilisation (探· 文明之道)

Renowned Chinese-Malaysian experts in international Chinese education such as Beijing Language and Culture University Institute of International Chinese Education Deputy Director Prof Jiang Liping,  Beijing Language and Culture University Press Senior Editor and the Editor-in-Chief Prof Chen Weichang, The Communication University of China Centre for International Chinese Education Deputy Director Prof Le Qi, and Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) Department of Chinese Education Senior academic Dr Tan Tiam Lai were invited to discuss the topic—Digital Intelligence Empowering Chinese Teaching: Becoming a Smart Educator. The symposium explored innovative pedagogical methodologies, delving into China’s national context and pedagogical frameworks for teaching Chinese internationally. Discussions focused on leveraging AI and digital tools to enhance teaching quality, modernise Chinese education, and advance high-quality Chinese learning in Malaysia.

Additionally, the Malaysian Confucius Institute (Classroom) Directors’ Forum was held, where experts and directors from various Confucius Institutes (Classrooms) engaged in lively discussions to jointly map out the future development of international Chinese education in Malaysia.

Prof Ma Yingxin and Assoc Prof Dr Chong Siou Wei, the Chinese and Malaysian Co-Directors of CI at UTAR, expressed their gratitude to all participants. They emphasised that the event’s diverse activities served as a meaningful bridge for civilisational dialogue between China and Malaysia, and pledged to further enhance cooperation in language education and cross-cultural exchange.

The International Chinese Language Day celebrations concluded on a high note, fostering deeper intercultural understanding and showcasing the global appeal of the Chinese language. CI at UTAR remains dedicated to promoting international Chinese education and cultural exchange, ensuring that “Chinese as a Bridge” continues to connect learners and culture enthusiasts around the world.