On February 6, Kong Zi Institute University of Malaya, in partnership with its teaching site Soka International School Malaysia (SISM), hosted a vibrant Chinese New Year Cultural Festival attended by over 350 students and family members. The event showcased traditional performances, interactive cultural activities, and ceremonial remarks from university and school leaders.
Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Wendy Yee Mei Tien, SISM Principal, who emphasized the importance of deepening understanding of Chinese New Year traditions and celebrating the festive spirit of the season. Zhao Wanzhen, Chinese Director of the Kong Zi Institute, highlighted the Institute’s commitment to advancing Chinese language education and fostering greater cultural understanding among young people. Dr. Nur Shahadah binti Jamil, Malaysian Director of the Kong Zi Institute, and faculty representatives from both institutions also attended.
The cultural showcase featured traditional Sichuan opera face-changing demonstrations, lion dances, classical Chinese dances, and contemporary fusion performances. Musicians performed on traditional instruments including the pipa, guzheng, and bamboo flute, creating an engaging atmosphere for the audience.
Throughout the venue, interactive cultural stations invited participants to engage in hands-on experiences, including traditional fan painting, calligraphy writing, sachet making, hanfu costume dress-up, and traditional games. One Chinese student participant reflected that celebrating his home culture abroad provided a meaningful connection to his heritage and a sense of cultural belonging, expressing hope for future participation in similar events.
The festival enriched campus cultural life and provided faculty, students, and families with an accessible platform for learning about and experiencing Chinese culture. The event strengthened people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between Malaysia and China.
