On September 15, in Xiamen, I had the chance to speak with Ye Liangyuhui, a Chinese student from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “This is my first journey to experience Chinese civilization, and I am filled with excitement and anticipation,” she shared with enthusiasm. Since childhood, she has been captivated by Chinese culture, and now, alongside her classmates, she has come to Xiamen to explore in person the fascinating artifacts and historical sites that they have only read about.
That day marked the opening of the 2024 Huang Tingfang Scholarship Chinese Cultural Experience Camp for Malaysian middle school students at Huaqiao University in Xiamen. Fifty Malaysian Chinese middle school students and their leaders took part in this program, organized by the Fujian Overseas Friendship Association and the Huang Tingfang Charitable Foundation, with Huaqiao University serving as the host. Over the next nine days, these students will travel through Xiamen, Yan’an, and Xi’an, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.
During the opening ceremony, the Huaqiao University Drumming Team energized the crowd, while the dragon and lion dance troupe captivated the first-time visitors. Their performances drew frequent gasps of amazement from the audience.
Li Wenshen, the Vice President of the Fujian Overseas Friendship Association, conveyed his hopes that the participants would deepen their understanding of China and become advocates of Chinese culture, contributing to the narrative of friendship between China and Malaysia.
“Huaqiao University looks forward to seeing each participant gain knowledge, forge friendships, and experience personal growth during this journey,” added Huang Hui, Vice President of Huaqiao University.
In memory of Mr. Huang Tingfang, the founder of the Hong Kong Sun Hung Kai Properties Group, his family established the Huang Tingfang Charitable Foundation in 2010 and launched the Huang Tingfang Scholarship in 2015. In 2024, they introduced a new award category for Southeast Asia, recognizing outstanding Malaysian Chinese middle school students for their cultural experiences, field studies, and interactive exchanges in China.
According to Huang Ruohong, a representative of the Huang Tingfang Charitable Foundation and General Manager of the Sun Hung Kai Group’s operations in China, Mr. Huang hailed from Putian, Fujian. Although he left his hometown at a young age, he has always maintained a connection to his roots. The foundation’s commitment to supporting Malaysian students visiting China aims to enhance their understanding of their ancestral homeland.
“Cultural experiences can bridge the past, present, and future, igniting our curiosity, imagination, and creativity,” Ye Liangyuhui emphasized. She firmly believes that “reading thousands of books is not as valuable as traveling thousands of miles,” and she is eager to embark on this cultural journey with her fellow students.
