Lecture by Prof. Dr. Chang Chak Yan in the 32nd talk of the “Tan Lark Sye Lecture Series”
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.
