Opening Ceremony of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival: “Chinese Culture and its Modernisation: Yan Fu’s Legacy”

Preceded by a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) as a university, the opening ceremony of the Chinese Culture Festival’s signature event “Chinese Culture and its Modernisation: Yan Fu’s Legacy” international forum, exhibition and public lectures was held on campus today. The event attracted more than a thousand PolyU members, political and business leaders and distinguished guests from various sectors.

The“Chinese Culture and its Modernisation: Yan Fu’s Legacy” eventwas led by PolyU and co-organised by the Fujian Yan Fu Academic Research Association, Fujian Chuanzheng Culture Management Committee, and Fujian Culture and Economy Exchange Center. Distinguished guests at the opening ceremony included  Mr Fang Jianming, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR; Mr Sze Chun-fai, Under Secretary for Education of the HKSAR; Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU; Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU; Prof. Ben Young, Chairman of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival and Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) of PolyU; Prof. Li Ping, Vice Chairman of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Mr Huang Ping, Executive Vice President of theFujian Yan Fu Academic Research Association; Prof. Wang Gangfeng, representative of the Fujian Chuanzheng Culture Management Committee.

The event highlighted the contributions of Mr Yan Fu, known as the first Chinese scholar to introduce Western ideas to China, in advancing enlightenment education and the integration of Chinese and Western cultures in modern Chinese history, with the aim of promoting Chinese cultural excellence and fostering patriotism and innovation among students.

In his opening remarks, Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “General Secretary Xi Jinping has stated that culture is a vital force for the survival and development of a nation. The magnificent Chinese traditional culture has become deeply embedded in the genetic makeup of the Nation, shaping the thoughts and behaviours of the Chinese people. At PolyU, we are committed to promoting Chinese culture with the aim of nurturing students who possess a strong sense of national pride, talent and integrity, and passion for the country and the Nation. As an international metropolis that blends Chinese and Western cultures, Hong Kong not only embraces Western influences but also carries forward rich Chinese traditions. Mr Yan Fu’s legacy inspires us to preserve traditional Chinese culture while drawing on the wisdom from all cultures to pursue continuous innovation, contributing to national prosperity and progress.”

Mr Huang Ping said, “This event aims to explore the impact of Mr Yan Fu’s thoughts on the modernisation of Chinese culture through a rich and comprehensive exhibition of his life and achievements. It seeks to deepen the younger generation’s understanding of Chinese culture while strengthening their sense of national identity and pride.”

Mr Yan Fu, one of the most influential enlightenment thinkers, translators, and educators of the late Qing dynasty, was among China’s first modern intellectuals to explore the world beyond its borders. This event aims to celebrate Mr Yan Fu’s spirit of “patriotism, innovation, courage to challenge norms, perseverance, and resilience”, inspiring university students to break traditional boundaries.

Activities took place today and will continue until 12 December. One of the highlights, the international forum onChinese Culture and its Modernisation: Yan Fu’s Legacyfeatured 23 renowned scholars and experts from 18institutions across Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas, including from Heidelberg University in Germany, Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales in France, Kansai University and Niigata University of International and Information Studies in Japan, and Tsinghua University, Peking University, Beijing Normal University, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Fudan University, Nanjing University, Xiamen University and Fujian Normal University in China. They engaged in in-depth discussions on the contemporary value of Mr Yan Fu’s patriotic ideas in building Chinese cultural identity.

An exhibition at the PolyU Jockey Club Innovation Tower showcases Mr Yan Fu’s works, documents, photographs and life achievements, and explores his influence on modern China’s spirit of self-reliance and reform. The exhibition features interactive multimedia displays, blending contemporary art, audiovisuals, documentaries and AI virtual technology, enabling participants to engage in conversations with a virtual Mr Yan Fu to better understand his ideas. PolyU will also host three academic lectures by university experts from Mainland China and Taiwan, exploring Mr Yan Fu’s influence on modern China. Other activities include guided exhibition tours and a calligraphy workshop inspired by Mr Yan Fu’s writing, led by PolyU students, to encourage interactive learning and stimulate discussion.

Since the launch of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival in March, the University has showcased many aspects of the richness and diversity of Chinese culture through various artistic themes and activities. These have includedChinese traditional porcelain, embroidery, indigo dyeing, Chinese music and recitations of Chinese classics. Invited scholars, experts and artists have demonstrated the value and beauty of Chinese culture through exhibitions, lectures and workshops. The Festival has united staff, students, alumni and friends of PolyU,providing everyone with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the Nation’s profound and rich history and culture and so cultivate a deeper appreciation of its value.