23 August 2021- The opening ceremony of the 4 Weeks China Scholarship for 2021 Online Mandarin Programme of Hebei University organized by Hebei University and sponsored by the Chinese Language Education Center (CLEC) of the Ministry of Education China.

A total of 17 students selected from Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) awarded 4 weeks China Scholarship and participated 2021 Online Mandarin Programme of Hebei University from 23 August 2021 until 17 September 2021. The programme content includes elementary Chinese characters and Chinese culture and virtual tours of Baoding in Hebei and Beijing.

In opening speech, Professor Dr. Yan Yi (Dean, School of International Exchange and Education of Hebei University) welcomed students of the four weeks programme. He welcome students of UMP visit to Hebei University for exchange and study after the end of epidemic. Due to the pandemic of Covid-19, this programme change to online platform.

Ms Yong Ying Mei (Malaysia Director, Confucius Institute (CI) at Universiti Malaysia Pahang) expressed that this is second times of UMP proposed students to apply this China scholarship programme since 2019. She hopes all participants take initiative to learn Mandarin and Chinese culture, especially Chinese characters. She expressed her gratitude for the support of the CLEC of the Ministry of Education and Hebei University for organizing Online Mandarin Programme for Malaysian students under the epidemic. She encouraged students to learn Chinese characters, and Chinese culture and enjoy the online classes conducted by experience lecturers and Professor from Hebei University, China.

A total of 30 persons attended the opening ceremony. Also present were Ass. Prof. Liang Weige (Director, Confucius Institute Center, HBU), Dr. Fu Hongyan (Vice Director, Confucius Institute Center, HBU), Prof. Dr. Guo Fuliang (Chinese Director, CI UMP), lecturers and students.

By : Nornashua Farhani Binti Abdul Ghaffar

6 August 2021 – Confucius Institute Universiti Malaysia Pahang (CI UMP) held an online Chinese Paper Cutting Arts Competition. A total of 30 UMP students participated in the competition. UMP student’s show enthusiasm in learning Chinese arts during semester holidays.

Chinese paper cutting is the skills of handcraft to cut or engrave a sheet-like material with scissors or a carving knife. It is not only a kind of handcraft, but also a piece of artwork, as could express the idea through the pattern. Chinese paper cutting is one of the Chinese folk arts which often used to decorate doors and windows. Chinese paper cutting arts are made of red paper which symbolize happiness in Chinese culture.

Since Qixi Festival is coming soon and at the same time celebration for Centennial Anniversary of Hebei University which is Chinese partner university of CI UMP, therefore the contents of the Chinese paper cutting arts competition is the magpie which symbolizing the Qixi Festival and the wording pattern “bai nian he da” which is means 100th years anniversary of Hebei University.

Participants were exposed to steps of Chinese paper cutting arts which demonstrated by Ms. Feng Yijie and Mr. Li Bowei (Volunteer Language Teachers). Participants following the steps and submit their paper cutting through online. The judges are Ms. Yong Ying Mei (Director Malaysia, CI UMP), Prof. Dr. Guo Fuliang (Director China, CI UMP), Ms. Feng Yijie and Mr. Li Bowei (Volunteer Language Teachers). The 10 winners were given HSK Level 2 Test (HSK Online Test Home Edition) for free within a year.

Ms. Yong Ying Mei appreciated volunteer language teachers for their efforts and contributions in this competition and sincere blessings to Centennial Anniversary of Hebei University.

By: Fatin Zahirah Binti Mansur