The calligraphy and painting exhibition ‘Celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day’ of the ‘Charm of China’ Chinese Culture Series was kicked off at the Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College (MLC) on 25 September 2020, showcasing a collection of calligraphy works and paintings by MLC students.

At the opening ceremony, Prof Zhu Shoutong, director of the Research Centre for Humanities in South China and director of the Centre for Chinese History and Culture delivered a keynote speech on calligraphy, in which he talked about the history and development of Chinese calligraphy. Apart from students’ work, the exhibition also showcased works by Prof Rico Lam Long Wai, registrar of UM, and Mr Lau Iong Chi from the Facility Management and Maintenance Section, Campus Management and Development Office. They both donated some of their calligraphy works and paintings to the MLC.

As the first event in the ‘Charm of China’ Chinese Culture Series, the exhibition featured four art forms, namely calligraphy, painting, music, and paper cutting. In the coming months, the college will organise a series of lectures, workshops, recitations, and speech contests related to Chinese culture. This yearlong series is designed to help MLC students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the beauty of Chinese culture through creation and practice. It also aims to stimulate students’ interest in learning about and disseminating traditional Chinese culture, thereby enhancing their national pride and love for their home country.

Participating guests included Prof Xu Jie, interim dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, interim director of the Confucius Institute and head of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature; Mr Paul Pang Chap Chong, Dean of Students of UM; Prof Katrine Wong, interim master of the MLC, and director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Enhancement; among others.