MoQing Chinese Carnival illuminates the night with cultural grace

One could say culture and cultural heritage are core aspects of an individual’s identity. They not only define where a person comes from but also influence how they interpret their place in society. While culture is ever-changing, cultural heritage is preserved. Together, they form a connection between history and the present, guiding individuals through the modern world while remaining rooted in their origins.

The students from UTAR Chinese Language Society (CLS) of Kampar Campus and the university took the limelight at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Kampar Campus on 3 May 2025, dazzling the crowd with a vibrant showcase of Chinese cultural heritage, dynamically woven into the spirit of UTAR’s cultural identity. The celebration of UTAR and Chinese culture, the “MoQing (墨卿) Chinese Carnival,” garnered over 500 visitors with its whimsical take on traditional Chinese elements, kindling a vibrant atmosphere through a seamless blend of the rustic and the modern.

The theme of the Chinese carnival, MoQing, symbolised elegance and wisdom. It aimed to showcase the richness and beauty of Chinese cultural heritage, while conveying a message of positivity to the public.

The carnival featured a full day of activities, with plenty of fun opportunities awaiting visitors at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik during the day. More than 10 stalls offered games and refreshments, immersing visitors in a sprightly festive atmosphere while guiding them through the timeless charm of Chinese cultural heritage. The activities ranged from interactive workshops and traditional games to stalls selling refreshments and handmade arts and crafts.

By nightfall, the carnival embarked on an ephemeral yet profound trip into the world of artistry, dazzling visitors with a symphony of performances. The performances filled the grand hall with waves of excitement and cultural flair, featuring Chinese traditional performances by the talents from the UTAR community. The performing groups included UTAR Kampar Chinese Dance, UTAR Kampar Chinese Diabolo, UTAR Kampar Chinese Orchestra, and UTAR Kampar 24 Festive Drums Team.

The main highlights of the evening show were two drama performances, both staged by students from the organising committee, including “Lun Hui Men – Wei Bing Kuang Tu” (轮回门–伪病狂徒) and “Qing Suo She Yuan” (情锁蛇缘). Each act skilfully wove together elements of Chinese tradition and modernity, enriched with unique, witty humour tailored specifically for the UTAR community and youth audience. Revolving around familiar themes, refreshing storylines, and playful plot twists, the performances tugged at the audience’s heartstrings and drew rounds of applause for the actors’ delightfully silly and over-the-top portrayals.

“Lun Hui Men – Wei Bing Kuang Tu” followed the short-lived story of Ah Bing, a man impersonating a patient in a psychiatric hospital, as he accidentally journeyed into hell and faced his sinful past. Meanwhile, the plot behind “Qing Suo She Yuan” offered a modern twist on the Chinese folktale The Legend of the White Snake. It explored the forbidden romance between Bai Bai, a mystical being, and Xu Xian, a human, as they struggled to overcome the barriers of fate. Their tales unfolded with moments of light-hearted absurdity, as well as moments of heartfelt tension, balancing the hilarity of exaggerated portrayals with the emotional depth of their underlying themes.

Besides the exciting performances and lucky draw sessions, the evening show was also graced by local artists, including Mr Chris Kuan (官杰皓), Ms Jess Jia Sian (佳仙), Mr Joshua Fung (洪晨峰), and Ms QQ Tan (陈梓淇). Their performances added a modern musical flair to the convergence of traditional and modern elements, further elevating the evening’s dynamic atmosphere to another level.

UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong said, “The MoQing Chinese Carnival is not just a cultural celebration, but also a continuation and inheritance of culture. As descendants of Chinese education, we have long celebrated traditional Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year, Qingming, Mid-Autumn, and Winter Solstice, which are legacies passed down from our forebears. This enduring spirit lives not only because of our forebears, but also thanks to the youths who, like the students behind this carnival, remain committed to organising meaningful cultural events. I believe the organising students have done an outstanding job.”

He added, “UTAR CLS hosts a variety of events almost every year, from Chinese New Year celebrations and Mid-Autumn festivals to the current carnival. At UTAR, we encourage our students not only to excel in the classroom, but also to step beyond their classrooms to learn and work together with others in organising meaningful events.”

The Organising Chairperson of the MoQing Chinese Carnival, Sam Yong En, who is also the 16th Chairperson of CLS (Kampar Campus), said, “UTAR CLS has been progressing for 16 years. In these years, the society has grown significantly, organising countless events and carrying forward the legacy of our seniors’ hard work. It is thanks to their exemplary example and encouragement that we were able to hold firm in our belief and bring to life what everyone now sees as the MoQing 2025 Chinese Carnival. From the initial idea to its realisation, we overcame countless challenges and gained many meaningful experiences along the way.”

Also present at the carnival’s evening show were UTAR CLS (Kampar Campus) Advisor Dr Vivien Wong Zi Wen, Head of Department of Student Affairs (DSA) Kampar Campus Mr Chiang Jeng Fong, DSA (Kampar Campus) Administrative Assistant II Ms Lau Jean Moon, and representatives from NO DEAL Clothing Mr Henry Teoh Chun Kit (sponsor) and The Farmer’s Tavern Ms Suet Yee (sponsor).

The MoQing Chinese Carnival kindled appreciation for Chinese cultural heritage through its light-hearted and modern portrayals of traditional customs and festive elements, building upon the legacy of Chinese predecessors. By blending creativity with tradition, the event fostered a sense of cultural pride among the younger generation and guided them towards a more inclusive future—one where diverse cultural heritages continue to thrive in a contemporary world.