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On October 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., the opening ceremony of the “Legacy of Golden Stone” Suzhou-Hong Kong-Macao Seal Carving Joint Exhibition was grandly held at the Centre for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau, E34 Cultural Building. This event, as one of the series of activities for the “3rd Festival of Chinese Culture” at the University of Macau, was jointly organized by CCHC of the UM, Suzhou Overseas Friendship Association, Changshu Overseas Friendship Association, and Changshu City International Cultural Exchange Promotion Association. The event attracted many artists, scholars, and guests from Suzhou, Macao, and Hong Kong.

The guests attending the event included: Wang Yang, Standing Committee Member of Suzhou Municipal Committee, Minister of United Front Work Department, Secretary-General of the Municipal Committee, and President of Suzhou Overseas Friendship Association, Wan Sucheng, Director of the Propaganda and Culture Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao, Song Yonghua, Rector of the University of Macau, Ho Teng Iat, All-China Women’s Federation Standing Committee Member and President of Macau Association of Fellows Provincials From Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai, Deng Bing, Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of Suzhou Municipal Committee and Vice President of Suzhou Overseas Friendship Association, Sam Chin Peng, Founding President of Macau Jiangsu Soviet Union, Xu Aoao, Retired President of Macau University of Science and Technology, Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics, and Permanent Honorary President of Macau Jiangsu Soviet Union, Fu Zimei, President of the People’s Daily Macau Branch, Liu Gang, President of Xinhua News Agency Macau Branch,  Tchu Angela, President of the Macau Suzhou Friendship Association, Wu Wenjin, Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of Changshu Municipal Committee and Executive Vice President of Changshu Overseas Friendship Association, and Zhu Shoutong, Director of CCHC.

At the ceremony, Wu Wenjin delivered a speech stating that artists from the three regions used handmade knives as brushes and stones as paper, integrating the essence of Chinese culture and the spirit of the times into a small space, not only showcasing the unique charm of seal carving art but also reflecting our firm belief in jointly inheriting and promoting the excellent traditional Chinese culture. In the future, it is hoped that based on a good foundation of exchange and cooperation, we will continue to make good use of the “Excellent Traditional Chinese Culture Hong Kong and Macao Tour” as a platform for exchange, continuously deepen the connotation of activities, and use culture as a link to expand the exchange and cooperation between Changshu and Hong Kong and Macao in the fields of art, science and technology, talent, and industrial projects, further stimulating the strong power of patriotism and love for Hong Kong and Macao.

Rector Song reviewed the recent activities held by the UM, especially the “One Country, Two Systems” themed activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. He emphasized that the University of Macau has always been committed to cultivating more patriotic and Macao-loving talents. Cultural Building, as a landmark building of the University of Macau, symbolizes the university’s emphasis on humanities, traditional culture, and Chinese art. Song Yonghua also highly praised the excellent national culture of Suzhou and Changshu, especially mentioning the Suao Pavilion, which is based on the prototype of Canglang Pavilion, as an important architectural representative of the University of Macau, guided by history and carrying culture.

Wu Wei, President of Yushan Seal Society, introduced the history and experience of Yushan Seal Society in detail in his speech, stating that Yushan Seal Society has been committed to promoting the popularization and improvement of seal carving art. He mentioned that Macao has a profound connection with Yushan Seal Society, and this joint exhibition not only showcases the essence of seal carving art from the three regions but also promotes cultural exchange and integration. He also revealed that the joint exhibition displayed more than 110 seal carving works, each of which is a testament to the artists’ efforts and wisdom.

The opening ceremony also included a ceremony to present the original stone seals to the UM, jointly issued by Wu Wei, President of Yushan Seal Society, Ho Pan, Vice President of Hou kong Seal Society, and Tang Changcheng, President of Hong Kong Seal Society. Wu Jianzhong, the University Librarian, accepted on behalf of the university and returned a collection certificate. Subsequently, 14 guests jointly performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official opening of the “Legacy of Golden Stone” Suzhou-Hong Kong-Macau Seal Carving Joint Exhibition. After the opening ceremony, the guests visited the exhibition and the Suao Pavilion, and took a group photo there.

The “Legacy of Golden Stone” Suzhou-Hong Kong-Macao Seal Carving Joint Exhibition not only provided a platform for artists from the three regions to showcase their talents and exchange skills but also promoted in-depth cultural exchange and integration, making a positive contribution to the inheritance and development of Chinese culture.

From October 11th to 13th, 2024, the “Guangdong Red Culture Tour” organized by the Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC) of the University of Macau (UM) was successfully carried out. This event received strong support from the UM and was warmly welcomed by the people of Huizhou and Dongguan. A total of 28 participants, including teachers and students from the CCHC of the UM and Macao Chinese History and Culture Ambassadors, took part in this study camp. The camp aimed to deepen the understanding of the historical and cultural heritage of the Guangdong region among Macao’s teachers and students, and to enhance their recognition and pride in Chinese culture.

On the first day of the camp, the participants arrived at Luofu Mountain in Huizhou, known as the ” The First Mountain of Lingnan,” famous for its beautiful natural scenery and rich Taoist culture. Luofu Mountain has a profound cultural heritage, integrating Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism in one mountain. During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Taoist figures such as Ge Hong, Bao Gu, and Huang Daxian practiced medicine, cultivated themselves to aid society, and wrote books here. Their miraculous legends and the beautiful landscapes became important subjects for poems and writings by famous literati like Li Bai, Du Fu, Su Shi, and Yang Wanli. Numerous poems, couplets, and cliff inscriptions also form the unique historical and cultural landscape of Luofu Mountain. The participants strolled through the mountain, feeling the fresh air and experiencing the long history and culture, gaining a deeper understanding of the natural scenery and Taoist culture in the Lingnan area.

On the morning of October 12th, the study camp visited Huizhou West Lake, known for the footprints of famous literati such as Su Dongpo. The participants enjoyed the elegance and talent of ancient Chinese literati amidst the lake and mountain views. In the afternoon, they visited the Hakka Women Scenic Area, a new era civilization practice base in Boluo County, which gathers the charm of Hakka culture spanning thousands of years. It is an industrial tourism area that integrates production and craft display, sightseeing, shopping, and Hakka cultural display, allowing people to deeply understand the history and characteristics of Hakka culture and experience the traditional handicrafts and cuisine of the Hakka people.

On the morning of October 13th, the study camp visited the Dongjiang Column Memorial Hall in Dongguan. The Dongjiang Column, also known as the Guangdong People’s Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Force Dongjiang Column, was a people’s anti-Japanese army created and led by the Communist Party of China in the Dongjiang area of Guangdong Province during the Anti-Japanese War. Here, the participants learned about the heroic deeds of the Dongjiang Column in the Anti-Japanese War and deeply felt the indomitable and selfless dedication of the revolutionary martyrs. In the afternoon, the study camp visited the Lin Zexu Memorial Hall. Through rich historical materials and cultural relics, the participants gained a more comprehensive understanding of Lin Zexu’s life and his outstanding contributions in the anti-opium campaign, enhancing their admiration for the national hero.

The study camp concluded its journey in Dongguan. Through this Guangdong historical and cultural study camp, the teachers and students from Macao visited the historical and cultural sites of Yue Dong, gaining a deep understanding and experience of the essence of Guangdong culture. This event was a journey of inheriting historical culture and continuing the national spirit, promoting the students’ understanding of Chinese culture, especially Lingnan and Hakka cultures.

The first “Macao International Children’s Literature Award Ceremony” was held on 16 August 2024 in the auditorium of the Library of the University of Macau (UM), attracting more than 200 children’s literature writers and research experts. The award is jointly established by the Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC) of UM along with several other institutions. Initiated in September 2023, it was aiming for promotion of the development of children’s cultural and creative industries and enhancing Macao’s influence in the international field of children’s literature.

Mok Kai Meng, vice-rector of UM, delivered a welcome speech, emphasizing the importance of the competition to the future cultural development of the country and the nation. Wu Yiqin, vice chairman of the Chinese Writers Association, mentioned in his speech that this award is of great significance to cultivating young people’s literary interest and cultural self-confidence, and injects new vitality into Macao’s cultural prosperity. Lo Song Man, vice president of the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau, quoted data and pointed out that nearly 40% of local writers pay attention to children’s literature, mostly educators, which helps their works to be close to children’s growth and education. Yu Qi, the representative of the Jiangsu Association for Friendship and International Exchanges, said that the establishment of the award responded to the call of the party and the state to discover and promote outstanding children’s literature works.

Guests who attended the award ceremony also included Yin Rutao, Deputy Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, and Cheng Yanxi, Representative; Xu Xinyuan, the Member of the Administrative Committee of the Cultural Development Fund of the Macao SAR Government; Ma Yingying, President of the Associação dos Autores de Macau; Wang Quangen, Professor from Beijing Normal University; Fang Weiping, Professor from Zhejiang Normal University; Wang Binbin, Professor from Nanjing University; Li Xuewu, Professor from Jinan University; Cui Qinglei, Executive Editor of “Contemporary Chinese Literature Research” of the China Writers Association; Jiao Heran, Editor from the “Wenyi bao” newspaper; and Pang Chap Chong, Dean of Students at UM and others.

On 17 August, CCHC held the “Chinese Children’s Literature Seminar” to deepen the academic discussion and exchange of children’s literature. Zhu Shoutong, director of CCHC of UM, pointed out that children’s literature, as a bridge connecting the past and the future, adults and children, has unique value and mission. He encouraged interdisciplinary communication and integrated multiple perspectives into the research as well as creation of children’s literature, so as to make it an important carrier to reflect the spirit of the times and inherit the essence of culture.

To promote academic exchanges between Macao and Suzhou, the Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC) of the University of Macau (UM) and Soochow University jointly organised a three-day training programme on Chinese culture promotion. A total of 26 students and faculty members from Soochow University participated in the programme at UM to enhance their understanding and knowledge of Macao’s history and culture.

Zhu Shoutong, director of CCHC, said at the opening ceremony that the activity could strengthen academic exchanges between the two places and promote the development of academic research. Ji Jinping, director of the Student Affairs Office of the School of Chinese Language and Literature at Soochow University, encouraged students to immerse themselves in the cultural atmosphere and academic environment of UM.

During the programme, students and faculty members from Soochow University attended workshops on a variety of topics, including Macao’s culture, children’s literature, and traditional Chinese poetry. They also visited the Suao Pavilion, the University Gallery, the UM Library, and the Wall of Great Wisdom at UM.

The Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC) at the University of Macau (UM) successfully held its 2024 Academic Committee Annual Meeting on 7th April 2024. The meeting was presided over by Zhu Shoutong, the Director of the CCHC. During the meeting,  Wu Zhiliang, the Chairman of the Academic Committee of CCHC, met with all the members of the academic committee and engaged in thorough discussions and exchanges on the suggestions proposed by the members. The suggestions encompassed a range of areas including the acquisition of research resources, the creation of the Centre’s unique characteristics, the development of publications, and the establishment of an academic criticism centre. These suggestions are highly directive and practical for the future development of the Centre.

At the meeting, Zhu Shoutong first reviewed the Centre’s achievements over the past year, particularly the notable success in promoting the study of Chinese history and culture and its dissemination in Portuguese-speaking countries. Additionally, he pointed out the challenges faced by the Centre in its future development and emphasized the importance of actively seeking more support to make greater contributions to China’s academic research and cultural dissemination.

The suggestions put forward by the committee members are of guiding significance for the Centre’s future development such as actively seeking research resources and financial support, refining tender and project designs, strengthening the quality of publications, and establishing a dedicated criticism centre. All of these are aimed at expanding the research team, enhancing influence, and further promoting the education, research, and dissemination of Chinese history and culture.