【32nd Talk】Prof. Dr. Chang Chak Yan: “The Cultural Values of Nanyang University”
Upcoming Event
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Introduction |
The thirty-second session of the “Tan Lark Sye Lecture Series” is Moderatored by New Era University College, co-organised by Chinese Weekly, and executed by the Tan Lark Sye Institute and the Institute of International Education. This talk features Prof. Chang Chak Yan, a renowned political commentator based in Hong Kong, former Professor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and alumnus of Nanyang University. In this lecture, Professor Chang Chak Yan will guide us in exploring the cultural significance embedded in Nanyang University. We will revisit its founding aspirations and delve into its unique educational philosophy that has cultivated several generations of outstanding and influential talents. Let us, through Professor Zheng's sharing, explore the cultural values of Nanyang University and the enduring cultural heritage it brings. |
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Speaker |
Professor Chang Chak Yan was born in Kuala Lumpur in 1936. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Nanyang University in 1963, followed by a Master's and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario in Canada and the State University of New York at Binghamton in the United States, respectively. In 1977, he joined the Department of Government and Public Administration at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), where he served as a lecturer, professor, and department head. During his tenure at CUHK, Professor Cheng initiated the establishment of the "Center for Overseas Chinese Studies". He also founded the research division of ethnic and overseas Chinese studies at Lingnan University in Hong Kong, where he conducted research on ethnic groups and the economy of overseas Chinese communities. His research interests include issues related to overseas Chinese, Hakka studies, Chinese foreign policy, Asian international relations, and Southeast Asian politics and governance. Professor Cheng Chi-yuen is also a well-known political commentator. |
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Moderator |
Mr. Wong Chin Yuan (Deputy Chairman of Sibu Rural District Council) Mr. Wong Chin Yuan graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Western Australia and earned a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Manchester, England. He holds several professional credentials, including being a Fellow Member of CPA Australia and a Practicing Accountant certified by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants. In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Wong serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Sibu Rural District Council. He is also the Assistant Organizational Secretary of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Central Committee and the Chairman of the Dudong Branch. |
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Information |
Date: 17 July 2024 (Wednesday) |
Trailer (Video)
Lecture Postscript
The 32nd “Tan Lark Sye Lecture Series” , hosted by New Era College, co-organized by the “Malaysia Chinese Weekly,” and planned and executed by NEUC Tan Lark Sye Institute and Institute of International Education (IIE), attracted around 270 people to participate and engage in discussions.
This lecture invited Prof. Dr. Chang Chak Yan, former professor and department head of the Department of Political Science and Administration at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, as well as an alumnus of the fifth graduating class of Nanyang University, to be the keynote speaker. The topic was “The Cultural Values of Nanyang University”.
Prof. Dr. Chang Chak Yan, obtained his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Nanyang University in 1963 and subsequently earned his master's and doctoral degrees in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario in Canada and the State University of New York at Binghamton, respectively. He joined the Department of Political Science and Administration at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1977, where he served as a lecturer, professor, and department head. His research interests include issues concerning overseas Chinese, Hakka studies, Chinese foreign policy, international relations in Asia, and politics and government in Southeast Asia. He remains active in academia, currently teaching at several universities in Hong Kong and actively promoting cultural education.
In this lecture, Prof. Dr. Chang shared the unique educational model of Nanyang University. Reflecting on universities around the world today, he believes that higher education currently emphasizes technical skills and knowledge acquisition solely to provide students with a stepping stone to secure jobs after graduation. However, such an educational system only fosters individuals who are adept at competition but lack the ability to unite people.
In contrast, when Nanyang University was established in the 1950s, it already criticized this model. Professor Cheng argues that the special value of Nanyang University lies in its educational system that emphasizes cultural cultivation and the bonds between individuals to promote a harmonious society, rather than solely focusing on cultivating a competitive society.
He points out that today’s higher education needs to break through traditional molds by showcasing its value through cultural education and emphasizing mutual understanding among people, rather than merely academic achievements. Professor Dr. Chang explained the enduring cultural value of Nanyang University in an accessible manner for audiences unfamiliar with its history, leading to active exchanges with the audience during the Q&A session. The lecture was hosted by Mr Wong Ching Yong.
