PolyU, Tsinghua University and the University of Macau Organise a Tripartite Exchange Programme to Promote Chinese Culture

The Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), established on 17 January this year, successfully held its inaugural event from 26 to 30 June. The Research Centre jointly organised an academic and cultural exchange programme with Tsinghua University and the University of Macau, enabling students from Beijing, Hong Kong and Macau to engage in Chinese historical and cultural exchange. The exchange programme provided an important platform for students to explore modern Chinese history, develop new perspectives on traditional Chinese culture, and deepen professional learning in the context of national development.

Dr Lam Tai-fai, Chairman of PolyU’s Council and Advisory Committee Chairman of the RCCHC (4th from left); Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU (2nd from left); Prof. Wing-tak Wong, DP and Provost of PolyU (2nd from right); Prof Li Ping, Dean(FH) (1st from right) and Prof. Han Xiaorong, Head(CC)(1st from left) took a group photo with representatives from Tsinghua University and the University of Macau: Prof. Zhong Wei-min, Director of the Institute of Humanities, Tsinghua University (3rd from right) and Prof. Richard Weixing Hu, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau (3rd from left) at the welcome dinner.

PolyU was honoured to receive strong support from Tsinghua University’s Rixin College and Faculty of Humanities, and the University of Macau’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Arts and Humanities. Approximately 70 teachers and students from the three universities gathered in Hong Kong to participate in the five-day exchange programme.

(Left) The RCCHC held its unveiling ceremony on 27 June 2023. Dr Lam Tai-fai (2nd from left), Prof. Jin-Guang Teng (2nd from right), Prof. Wing-tak Wong, (1st from left), and Prof Li Ping(1st from right) officiated the ceremony.
(Right) Renowned scholars from the three universities shared their knowledge and insights on Chinese history and culture at the academic exchange programme, including Prof. Zhong Wei-min, Director of the Institute of Humanities, Tsinghua University (left); Prof. Lin Shao-yang, Distinguished Professor of the Department of History, University of Macau (centre); and Dr Chen Bin, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Chinese Culture, PolyU (right).

In addition to lectures, participating students were tasked with writing a 3,000- to 5,000-word paper on one of three topics: 1) Modern China and the World; 2) Modern China: Thought, Culture and History; and 3) New Interpretations of Traditional China. Students then presented their papers for discussion with instructors and peers.

The Research Centre arranged excursions for teachers and students to cultural sites including the Sheung Wan Heritage Trail, West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong Palace Museum, Tai Kwun and The Peak. These visits provided first-hand experience of Hong Kong’s modern historical and cultural developments.

(Left) The Advisory Board meeting has invited leaders from Tsinghua University and the University of Macau to share their experiences in writing history teaching materials and organising seminars. (from left to right) Dr Chan Man-hung, Honorary Curator of Jao Tsung-I Academy; Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum; Prof. Cheng Pei-kai, Former Director of the Chinese Civilisation Centre at City University of Hong Kong; Prof. Joseph Ting Sun-pao, Adjunct Professor and Honorary Senior Research Fellow of the Department of History at The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Prof. Han Xiaorong, Head of the Chinese Culture Department; Prof. Wing-tak Wong; Dr Lam Tai-fai; Prof Li Ping; Prof. Zhong Wei-min, Director of the Institute of Humanities, Tsinghua University; Dr Gu Tao, Associate Dean of Rixin College and School of Humanities, Tsinghua University; Dr Sun Zhangjun, Associate Head of the Department of History, Tsinghua University; Prof. Zhu Shoutong, Director of the Centre for Chinese History and Culture, University of Macau.
(Right) Participating students from the three universities presented their theses during an engaging discussion on Chinese history and culture.

Dr Louis Ng, Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum (4th from left) and Mr Kenneth Ng King-tsun, General Manager, Communications and Public Affairs of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (1st from left) introduced the Hong Kong Palace Museum and cultural facilities of the West Kowloon Cultural District to participants.

Dr Lam Tai-fai, Chairman of PolyU’s Council and Advisory Committee Chairman of the Research Centre for Chinese History and Culture, said, “the Research Centre is committed to enhancing young people’s interest in Chinese culture and their awareness of national identity. Through this exchange programme and other upcoming activities, we hope participating students will gain a deeper understanding of China, build national pride, and contribute to the Nation’s development.”

He added, “Moving forward, the Research Centre will continue establishing close partnerships with Tsinghua University and the University of Macau for cooperation in education, research, and innovation. This includes co-hosting high-level academic symposia, developing Chinese history learning materials, and providing teacher training - all with the aim of promoting Chinese culture together.”