By Anthony Chew
Photos by Muhammad Zamir Bin Ahmad Termizi
Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) registered a record of holding two major events at its campus in Jalan Lim Lean Teng today (August 24, 2019).
First, it was a seminar with the topic “Hundred Years of Han Chiang & Teo Chew”, which was attended by about 120 participants. Second, HCUC also launched “Han Chiang Centennial Publications”, which comprise collections of Han Chiang’s existence, history and its alumni.
Both events were organised in conjunction with Han Chiang’s 100 Years of Excellence celebration.
Undoubtedly, it was a proud day as seen from the smiling faces of the VIPS at the HCUC Auditorium who included Penang Han Chiang Associated Chinese Schools Association Board of Directors Chairman Dato’ Seri Ooi Soo Hing, Advisor Dato’ Seri Choot Ewe Seng, Honorary Secretary Datuk Tan Hiang Joo, Directors Dato Tan Soo Nam, Dato’ Choo Chiang Meng, Mr Khoo Choon Aun, Mr Ooi Hooi Hiong, Mr Liang Wing Sim and Mr Gan Hock Hoe.
Dato’ Seri Ooi Soo Hing and Dato’ Seri Choot Ewe Seng launched the Han Chiang Centennial Publications, witnessed by HCUC Vice Chancellor Dr Beh Kok Hooi.
The publications are titled “100 Years of Han Chiang & Teochew Conference Proceedings”, “100 Years of Han Chiang & Teochew Stories & Echoes” and “100 Years of Han Chiang & Teochew History & Images”.
In an interview with HCUC News, Board Chairman Dato’ Seri Ooi Soo Hing said the history of Han Chiang is very important, especially why the Malaysian Teochew community wanted to establish a school and named it as “Han Chiang”.
“Education is a very long term journey, hence there is a common slogan that it takes 100 years to build up an educated society. So “build up” means to educate.”
Dato’ Seri Ooi added that a person’s life is like a tree growing up, “that’s why we will have a tree-planting ceremony on Aug 25 to mark our 100 years anniversary.”
In his opening speech for the seminar, HCUC Vice Chancellor Dr Beh Kok Hooi said he is happy to note that three HCUC academic staff from the School of Chinese Studies would be sharing with the seminar participants, the aspects of the history & development of Han Chiang schools and the schools’ relationship with the Malaysian Teochew community.
The three are HCUC Deputy Vice Chancellor and Dean, School of Chinese Studies, Dr Ooi Bee Peng, lecturers Dr Yeoh Kim Chuan and Miss Lin-Chia Hui.
In a keynote address, Ms Lim Gaik Siang, who is chairperson of Penang Heritage Trust, touched on various aspects of the Teochew culture and custom.
At the seminar, the speakers from China, Singapore and Malaysia discussed the history of Han Chiang as well as history of Teochew culture.
Among the participants present today were representatives from Penang Heritage Trust, George Town World Heritage Incorporated, Penang Chinese Girls’ Private High School, Jit Sin High School, Heng Ee High School, Chung Hwa High School Kuala Kangsar, Chung Ling Private High School, HCUC, Han Chiang High School and Han Chiang Primary School, as well as individuals from Universiti Malaya and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).
Also present at the seminar’s opening ceremony were Han Chiang High School principal Miss Kung Bee Lee, Dean and staff of HCUC, teachers and staff of Han Chiang High School and Han Chiang Primary School, respectively.
Tomorrow (Aug 25), there will be a talk on “China Development & China-Malaysia Relations” which will be led by Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang, HE Mr Lu Shiwei.
The talk will provide a good platform for communication and discussion on China and to improve academic research.
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