Third Festival of Chinese Culture Reports Good News: The work “Talented Woman in Chaotic Times,” deeply participated in by our centre, has won the Excellent Award from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

At the 10th China (Anqing) Huangmei Opera Art Festival held in the hometown of Huangmei Opera—Anhui Anqing, the Huangmei Opera piece created and performed by Shanghai JunDe Cultural Communication Co., Ltd. won the Excellent Performance Award from the National Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

“Talented Woman in Chaotic Times” is based on the character of Xia Shuji, a female poet from Jiangnan during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the elder sister of the national hero Xia Wanchun. She embodies national integrity and concern for her country, depicting a painful historical episode written by a “wise and talented woman” during a time of turmoil. The lead actress, Hu Qian, is a specially invited as a mentor to the ambassadors for the promotion of Chinese historical culture at the Centre for Chinese History and Culture at the University of Macau. The titles of the productions “Talented Woman in Chaotic Times” and “Conquer the World” were written by Prof.Zhu Shoutong, the director of the centre.

It is reported  that the competition was highly competitive, with many national and provincial-level troupes participating. Among the award-winning productions, “Talented Woman in Chaotic Times” is the only award received by a non-governmental arts organization.

Talented Woman in Chaotic Times certificate.

 

 

“The First Macao International Children’s Literature Award Ceremony and Chinese Children’s Literature Seminar” was successfully held in CCHC

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.

 

 

 

 

 

CCHC successfully held the Lingnan Culture Advanced Seminar for Students of Hong Kong and Macao for cultural inheritance promotion

Students and faculty from Soochow University learn about Macao’s history and culture at UM

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.

UM holds First International Forum on Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture

The Centre for Chinese History and Culture (CCHC) of the University of Macau (UM) held the First International Forum on Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture. The forum brought together experts, scholars, and leading figures in the field of Chinese medicine from around the world to discuss the close connection between health and Chinese medicine.

Zhu Shoutong, director of CCHC, said in his speech that, Chinese medicine is a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, hoping that the forum would enable participants to discover new values in the Chinese cultural system by bringing together Chinese medicine and traditional culture. Li Peng, deputy director of the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences at UM, said that Chinese medicine does not only represent an industry that the Macao SAR Government has focused on in recent years, but also is a research field that the university greatly supports. He added that the forum could take advantage of Macao’s role as a bridge for cultural exchanges between China and the West, and promote Chinese medicine on the international stage.

The forum featured Maha Guru Anand, a Malaysian practitioner of Chinese medicine and an international yoga instructor, as a speaker. Maha Guru has extensive experience in both medicine and yoga and is dedicated to promoting physical and mental health education. He mentioned that Chinese medicine deserves more attention in the medical field as it can explain the complex relationships between different parts of the human body. During the forum, experts and scholars held in-depth discussions and exchanges on various topics, such as the integration between Chinese medicine and natural medicine, and the development trend of Chinese medicine in the context of technological advancement.

李鵬致辭

Focusing on Future Development and Enhancing Influence —— The 2024 Academic Committee Annual Meeting of the Centre for Chinese History and Culture was convened successfully

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.

UM signs cooperation agreement with Sacred Heart Canossian College on promotion of Chinese history and culture

The Centre for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau (UM) and Sacred Heart Canossian College (SHCC) signed a cooperation agreement on the promotion of Chinese history and culture. SHCC is the 13th school in Macao to join UM’s base for the promotion of Chinese history and culture. According to the agreement, the two parties will jointly organise a series of outreach activities to promote Chinese history and culture in Macao, deepen students’ understanding of Chinese history and culture, and cultivate talent who love the country and Macao.

The agreement was signed by representatives of UM and SHCC. Li Defeng, associate dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, said that the agreement will provide students of SHCC with more opportunities to learn about Chinese history and culture, and cultivate affection for home country and cultural confidence among them. So Ying Suen, principal of SHCC, expressed hope for future cooperation between the two parties, such as more outreach activities to promote Chinese culture.

 

Fan Weiqun Purple Sand Clay Teapot Art and Fan Family Pottery Excellent Works Tour Exhibition in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Greater Bay Area Officially Opens

On March 21st, 2024, “Chinese Intangible Heritage – Yixing Clay Teapot ‘Excellence of Teapot’ Fan Weiqun Purple Sand Clay Teapot Art and Fan Family Pottery Excellent Works Tour Exhibition in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Greater Bay Area” was officially opened by Macau Jiangsu Province Overseas Friendship Association, Yixing Ceramics Industry Association and Wuxi Overseas Friendship Association, and hosted by the Centre for Chinese History and Culture(CCHC) of University of Macau (UM) and Yixing Fan Family Ceramic Art Co. With the core concept of “Intangible Cultural Heritage – Peace – Culture – Inclusion – Inheritance”, the exhibition showcases more than 150 pieces of original Clay Teapots by Master Fan Weiqun, a representative heir to the National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and his team of masters, which highlights the brilliance of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in the institution of higher education. The exhibition will be on display until March 27, 2024.

The exhibition was organized by Fan Weiqun, a representative heir of intangible cultural heritage and a master craftsman of Jiangsu Province, who led a group of masters from the Fan Family Workshop to Macao. The exhibition activities included a presentation of the production techniques of purple sand pottery, tea ware and tea art experience, purple sand, paintings and calligraphy exchange, an academic report of purple sand, a cultural lecture on purple sand and so on. Those activities are designed to kindle their interest in traditional Chinese culture and enhance their understanding of Chinese culture so as to make them learn and love intangible cultural heritage in a relaxing and interactive way.

At the opening ceremony, PANG Chap Chong, Dean of Students of UM, FAN Weiqun, distinguished master of pottery, Shi Juntang, President of Yixing Ceramics Industry Association, Ma Da, Honorary President of Jiangsu Arts and Crafts Association, Xie Qiang, representative of the masters, and ZHU Shutong, Director of CCHC of UM, delivered speeches. PANG said in his speech that this exhibition coincides with the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return, which is not only a promotion of the excellent traditional Chinese culture, but also a deepening of cultural exchange and cooperation between Jiangsu and Macao. FAN Weiqun said that he looked forward to in-depth collaboration with more cultural institutions, universities experts and scholars to jointly promote the internationalization of the purple sand art, so as to make this treasure of Chinese culture shine more brightly on the world cultural stage. ZHU Shoutong pointed out in his speech that in the current context of promoting the excellent traditions of Chinese culture, the significance of purple sand pottery is increasingly prominent in modern cultural development, showcasing exceptional research value.

At the opening ceremony, WONG Kei, Director of Rector’s Office and other representatives of UM, presented certificates of appreciation to FAN Weiqun and other participating artists. Fan Weiqun also led the guests to visit the exhibition and had in-depth exchanges on the production, the ceramic carving and decoration of purple sand teapots, and tea art performance. During the seminar after the opening ceremony, the guests and scholars discussed the development of the culture of purple sand teapots, which strengthened the understanding of the culture of purple sand among the teachers, students of UM and other visitors. Zhu Shoutong also presented Fan Weiqun with a certificate of “Supervisor of Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassador” of the CCHC to jointly promote the inheritance and development of purple sand art and culture at UM.

The guests who attended the opening ceremony also included CHUI Sai Cheong, member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice-President of the Legislative Assembly of Macao; LU Bo, Deputy to the 13th National People’s Congress and President of the Macao Daily News; SAM Chin Peng, President of Macau Jiangsu Province Overseas Friendship Association; KUNG Po Mei, President of Macao Calligraphy Association; ZENG Zhihui, Permanent President of Associação da Arte do Chá de Macau; LOK Hei, President of the Macau Artist Society; and WANG Jian, Executive Vice-President and Secretary General of Jiangsu Provincial Association of protecting Intangible Cultural Heritage; SONG Jiangen, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of Jiangsu Arts and Crafts Association; XU Jianrong, Vice President of Jiangsu Arts and Crafts Association and Director of Yixing Zisha Craft Factory; CHEN Hongbing, President of China Medical System Holdings Limited; GUO Tongchun, Chairman of Wuxi Shengqian Investment Company Limited; Gu Shaopei, Ji Yishun, and Xie Qiang, masters of Chinese arts and crafts and Fan Zefeng, master of ceramic arts of Jiangsu Province; HU Ke, member of the National Urban Sculpture Art Committee and Vice President of Yixing Pottery Association; LI Defeng , representative of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities(FAH); WONG Seng Fat, Interim College Master of Cheng Yu Tung College; LEUNG May Yee, College Master of Choi Kai Yau College; YANG Liu, master of Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College; TAM Sik Chung, Interim College Master of Shiu Pong College; Lampo LEONG, director of the Center of Arts and Design; Billy LEUNG, Assistant University Librarian; CHEANG Neng Ian, deputy director of CCHC; SIO Chio Ieong, Director of Academic Research Division of CCHC; WEI Chuxiong, Emeritus Professor of FAH, etc.

Deepening Understanding, Building Harmony: The Centre for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau Visited the National Security Education Exhibition

The Centre for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau visited the National Security Education Exhibition on 10 May 2024, in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the concept of national security and how it is implemented in the Macao S.A.R..

During the visit, the teachers and students of the CCHC expressed their agreement with the theme of the exhibition, “A Holistic Approach to National Security, Innovation Leads to the 10th Anniversary”. Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of “A Holistic Approach to National Security”, the exhibition comprehensively showcased the Central Government’s significant emphasis on and continuous support for the national security of the Macao S.A.R., as well as the relevant policies and measures that have been proactively developed to and effectively implemented by the government of the Macao S.A.R..

As an academic institution dedicated to the preservation of Chinese history and culture, the teachers and students of the CCHC are deeply aware of the importance of national security to the development of culture, history and society. They said  that only with national security is fully guaranteed can culture flourish and people enjoy a peaceful and stable life.

After the visit, teachers and students of the CCHC expressed their intention to further deepen their understanding of national security, actively participate in actions to safeguard national security, and contribute to the prosperity and stability of the Macao S.A.R..

The organization of the National Security Education Exhibition provided an important learning platform for the general public, and demonstrated the determination and confidence of the Macao S.A.R. Government and the Central Government in their joint efforts to safeguard national security. With the concerted efforts of the whole community, the development of the Macao S.A.R. will usher in a better tomorrow.

The Inauguration Ceremony of the Third Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassadors and Appointment Ceremony of the Second Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassadors

On 9 May, 2024, the Centre for Chinese History and Culture of the University of Macau held the Inauguration Ceremony the third Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassadors and the second Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassadors Appointment Ceremony at the Cultural Building (E34) of the University of Macau.

First of all, Dr. Cheang Neng Ian, Deputy Director of the Centre for Chinese History and Culture, delivered a speech. He reviewed the achievements of the Chinese Culture Promotion Ambassadors from the past two sessions and emphasized the importance of cultural promotion activities for the dissemination and promotion of Chinese culture in Macao. He said that more activities will be organized to gather the core strength to enhance the dissemination and promotion of Chinese culture. After that, Dr. Cheang Neng Ian introduced the work of the CCHC, emphasizing that the Centre is committed to nurturing the backbone of the local promotion and dissemination of Chinese history and culture in Macao.

Afterwards, Dr. Cheang Neng Ian, Prof. Yeung Siu Kwai, Director of Academic Research Division and Ms. Leona Kuan, Principal Administrative Officer, jointly presented the certificates of accreditation to the second Chinese Culture Ambassadors, and thanked the ambassadors for their unremitting efforts over the past year, and for their continuous participation in the Centre’s series of cultural exhibitions, forums, seminars, and lectures, etc.. They have successfully spread the Chinese culture to various corners of the Macao society, and made positive contributions to the enhancement of the University of Macau’s cultural identity and pride. This has contributed to the strengthening of the sense of cultural identity and pride of the University of Macau. After the ceremony, the guests and ambassadors participated in a tea gathering to exchange and share their experiences.

 

The inauguration of the third Chinese history and culture promotion ambassadors has injected new vitality into the promotion of Chinese culture in Macao. We believe that with the joint efforts of the new ambassadors team, Chinese culture will be more widely spread and recognized in Macao, and we look forward to their active involvement in the Centre’s various Chinese history and culture promotion activities.