In the second half of 2015, the Confucius Institute at UQ continued to focus on programs and events that foster engagement between Australia and China. In an important milestone, the Institute celebrated its 5th anniversary during this period. There have been many key achievements since the Confucius Institute at UQ was first established, and moving forward the Institute is excited to see how it can continue to grow and develop greater activities to benefit the long-standing Sino-Australian partnership.
Key Events of Q3/Q4 2015:
UQ Confucius Institute's 5th Year Anniversary
In November 2015, the Institute celebrated 5 years of formal operations at UQ since its establishment in 2009. Throughout the years, the Confucius Institute at UQ has played an important role in increasing the understanding of China enagagement, Chinese language and culture. This has been achieved through a diverse range of events, activities and programs that are offered to UQ staff, students, and its broader community, including schools, community groups and organisations.
At a reception event held in celebration of the Institute's anniversary, Professor Ping Chen, Director of the Confucius Institute at UQ, expressed his thanks towards the University and partner Tianjin University for their support over the years.
Confucian Award Received By Former UQ Vice-Chancellor
In recognition of his contributions as Senior Consultant to the Conf
ucius Institute Headquarters and towards integrating the Confucius Institute into The University of Queensland, Professor Peter Høj was presented with the 2015 Outstanding Individual of the Year Award. The award was presented by Hanban during the 2015 Confucius Institute conference in Shanghai. Serving as one of 16 senior consultants to Hanban since 2013, UQ’s former Vice-Chancellor and President has also provided a great deal of guidance and support to the UQ Confucius Institute.
Award details can be found at UQ News.
UQ CI Presents at Annual CI Conference
The Confucius Institute at The University of Queensland was honoured to be invited to present during sessions at the 10th Confucius Institute Conference held in Shanghai in December 2015. UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Høj chaired a President's Forum session on Confucius Institute Development over the next 5 Years. Senior Deputy Director of the Confucius Institute at UQ Dr. Geoff Chen was a guest speaker during a Director's Forum on Chinese Language Teacher Certification and the cultivation of local teachers.
Chinese Cinema Showcase
Partnering with UQ's Schonell Theatre, the Confucius Institute at UQ organised free screenings of two contemporary Chinese films. In line with the Institute's focus on the local community, Brotherhood of Blades and 20 Once Again were screened to the general public in addition to the UQ population. As part of the 2015 Chinese Cinema Showcase, a public lecture presented by Ms Kiki Fung was also held. The well-renowned Hong Kong film critic and Head Programmer of the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival provided insight into the history of Chinese cinema and its evolution over recent times.
Over 650 people were welcomed to the Chinese Cinema Showcase, making it one of the largest attended CI events to date. Events like this importantly provide opportunities for people to experience different mediums of Chinese popular culture. The Confucius Institute is looking forward to presenting the best of China's film industry at future Chinese Cinema events.
Dr Zhao YongChen Visits UQ
In September, Adjunct Professor Dr Zhao Yongchen was invited to present a public lecture entitled Opportunities, Challenges and Prospects of China-Australian Collaboration. The presentation highlighted key factors in Sino-Australian engagement in a range of areas including commerce, energy resources, infrastructure development, education, judicial, law enforcement and tourism.
Aiming to increase the understanding of the partnership between Australia and China, this event is one example of the Institute's collaborative work with Brisbane's Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China and The University of Queensland.
Performance Showcase of Chinese Culture in Local School
The Confucius Institute at UQ facilitated a Chinese cultural showcase at Camp Hill State Infants and Primary School. The local Brisbane school was visited by a student troupe from the Beijing University of Chemical Engineering. Chinese traditional dance, classical music, Wushu and calligraphy demonstrations were all well received by the students, staff and visitors, and complemented the Mandarin program that is offered at Camp Hill. Through this experience, the Institute was able to support the understanding of Chinese language and culture within the Queensland school community.
Chinese Business Etiquette Course
In Q4, the Institute held a number of courses targeted at benefiting participants who regularly interact with Chinese people, including students, visitors, academics, researchers, and industry or government connections.
Staff and academics from throughout the UQ campus attended Mr Fred Hong's presentations which were designed to provide participants with interactive opportunities to reinforce information that they had learnt. Participants gained an understanding of key cultural aspects and how these shape the behaviours, traditions and interpretations of Chinese people. The course covered topics including engagement with Chinese people, principles regarding working with Chinese people, and cultural protocol.
The course was reported by participants as an engaging workshop presentation facilitated by a very knowledgeable instructor.
Chinese Scholarship Council Academic Research Workshop
In October, the Confucius Institute sponsored a workshop regarding the publication of research in academic journals. The event was held for non-native English speaking RHD (Research Higher Degree) students and researchers in Science, Engineering and Technology. Up to 70 CSC students from Brisbane-based universities were provided information and advice by senior UQ professors and teaching staff. Topics covered included scientific writing, academic integrity and general study in Australia. The UQ Library also provided its support by familiarizing students with key resource tools for effective research.
Did you know?
Whilst the new year is celebrated on the 1st of Janurary by the Western culture, Chinese New Year (春节 chunjie) is based on the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, causing celebrations to fall on different dates each year. To the Chinese, as well as other cultures in the Asia region, Chinese New Year is the most important holiday, with celebrations lasting for approximately two weeks.
Traditionally, the new year calls for a family reunion, with people travelling across the country to return to their families. in 2016, celebrations for the Year of the Monkey will start on February 8.