News 2012
Chinese New Year Celebration
31st January 2012
The CI organized a celebration of Chinese New Year at La Trobe University with more than 500 guests, staff, students and the public from local community gathered to enjoy the Chinese culture featuring colorful lion dance, beautiful performances, interesting games and delicious Chinese food. Staff and students were also invited to go to the stage to participate in a traditional game.Nearly all La Trobe senior leadership attended the event including the Chancellor Adrienne E Clarke, Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rosenberg. The event was also presented by Hon Mr Ken Smith, Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly and State Member for Bass and Madam Guo Xiaojuan, Education Consul of P R China and some other leaders from local community.
China’s outward direct investment in context: from ‘open door’ to ‘going out’
by Professor Jianfu Chen, La Trobe University, presented on the 1st of March 2012.
A short synoposis of the topic presented: “There has been considerable debate in Australia, Europe, the US, Japan and other countries in recent years over the nature and implications of China's outward direct investment (ODI) around the world. These discussions resemble the ones relating to Japan's global investment in the 1970s and 1980s, although anxieties about Chinese investment seem to be even more intensive. The debate has, however, suffered 'from too much speculation and too few facts'.”
In this seminar the focus was on general trends and motivations, the evolving policy and legal framework for China's ODI including developmental and strategic trends over the last 30 years or so.
The seminar was jointly organized by the Confucius Institute and School of Law and was attended by a modest group of 60 academics and industry representatives.
Communicating with Ancient Sages – Seminar on Chinese Guqin
by Madam Deng Chongying presented on the 11th of March 2012
La Trobe scholars and music lovers from the general public gathered at the Boardroom of the Confucius Institute to join in a unique event: a combined seminar and concert of the Chinese guqin given by the master player, Madam Deng Chongying.
The Confucius Institute organized the seminar with an aim to provide an opportunity for La Trobe staff and students, as well as the local community, to have a deeper understanding and enhanced appreciation of Chinese high culture. At the seminar Madam Deng shared her knowledge and experience of this ancient art then, accompanied by a student, played master pieces of guqin to demonstrate the beauty of the traditional music.
The unique combination of seminar and concert was a great success. Participants showed their strong interest in this art form and asked many questions throughout the seminar. “This was a wonderful experience for me. I enjoyed it very much”, said Professor Brian McGaw, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering.
Understanding Patterns of Growth and Equity in China
by Professor Minquan Liu, Peking University, presented on the 19th of March 2012.
Synopsis: “There are likely to be many factors which have together shaped the current pattern of growth and equity in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Among them are the foundations laid in the pre-1978 era, especially in respect of land-related institutional reforms and social sector investments. These factors successfully complemented the subsequent export and foreign direct investment promotion strategies the PRC followed in the post-1978 years. However, given the large size of the PRC, while these strategies have helped to kick-start its economic take-off, the long-run growth of the country cannot depend on it. It will be important for the PRC in the forthcoming decades to expand its own domestic demand and renew social sector investments. Among other things, it will need to improve on its current income distributions. In particular, as well as wage increases, it will be important for the PRC to expand its social protection programs.“
The seminar was jointly organized by the Confucius Institute and School of Economics
Chinese Calligraphy Demonstration
March 25th 2012
The Confucius Institute held a Calligraphy demonstration day at the University Library to encourage students to take an interest in a time honored Chinese art, Calligraphy. Over 200 staff and students had an opportunity to take part in learning how to write their name in Chinese, using the calligraphy style.
This was the first time for La Trobe University students to experience the exotic feature of creating Chinese characters with a classic brush pen. Many students remarked on the significant difference between western and Chinese calligraphy writing methods and showed an interest in learning more about the art.
The event was held to promote the courses in calligraphy the Institute wished to operate and arouse the students’ interest in this art. The event has led to a great appreciation for Chinese calligraphy by Australian staff and students, and the success of the event also gave CI confidence to hold more similar events to bring Chinese cultures to local community.
11th Chinese Bridge Competition
12th of May
The Confucius Institute of La Trobe University played host to the Victorian Preliminaries of the 11th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition held on Saturday the, 2012, bringing another wave of learning Chinese amongst students in Victorian universities. This was the first such competition being hosted by a Confucius Institute in Melbourne. Nine contestants from Deakin University, La Trobe University, RMIT University, Monash University and the University of Melbourne competed here for the opportunity to participate in the world finals to be held in Changsha, China in July and August this year.
Themed “My Chinese Dream” the competition was completed in two sections, presentations and Chinese Talent and Skill Performances.
Professor John Rosenberg delivered a speech and said La Trobe University and the La Trobe University Confucius Institute were very pleased and proud to host the 11th Chinese Bridge Competition in Melbourne. Consul General Hon Shi Weiqiang highlighted that the Chinese Bridge has become an important channel of cultural communication and a bridge of friendship between Chinese and Australian people and especially young students. Mr. Shi also praised the competitors for their hard work and achievements. He hoped that Australian young people can acquire a better understanding of China through this competition and gain more opportunities to study in China with the Confucius Institute scholarships.
Other distinguished guests presented the event included Madam Guo Xiaojuan, Education Consul of P.R. China in Melbourne and Dr Tony Jarvis, Associate Dean (International), Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of La Trobe University.
The second board meeting of the Confucius Institute
17th May 2012
The second board meeting of the Confucius Institute was successfully held at Chongqing University. Six board members from La Trobe University, led by Professor John Rosenberg, and five board members from Chongqing University attended this meeting, The board members discussed the strategic direction and set the tone for the future development of the Institute. The budget for 2012 and proposed programs were also reviewed. It was firmly believed that the Confucius Institute will be managed as one of the best through the joint efforts of the two universities.
Forty years after: what is on the agenda – a context analysis of Australian newspaper reportage on China
by Dr. Li Kun, Peking University, presented on the 5th of June 2012.
This presentation addressed the issue of major Australian newspaper coverage of China. Media plays an important role in setting public agenda and impacts what is considered as important, but does this media coverage present an image of China and China-related issues that is consistent with the "real" China or our own perceptions of China?
The seminar was jointly organized by the Confucius Institute and School of Communications, Arts Critiques and Enquiries
Chinese Culture Day at Charles La Trobe College
7th August 2012
The Confucius Institute brought fabulous Chinese art performance including talented local individuals performing a lion dance, traditional martial arts demonstration and traditional performances to the Charles La Trobe College, one of the best schools in Melbourne on the. The purpose of the performance was to cultivate the students’ passion for Chinese culture. Students undertook a number of activities including tai chi, movie viewing, quiz on Chinese culture and Martial Arts as a part of the cultural activities. On behalf of La Trobe Confucius Institute, Prof Pei Likun donated more than 300 text books to support the Chinese language teaching in this school.
Bendigo Chinese Cultural Festival-Chinese art and books exhibition and movie night
9th to 24th August
In recognition of Bendigo’s rich Chinese heritage, the Confucius Institute organized La Trobe University Bendigo Campus Chinese Cultural Festival from the 9th to 24th August. Through a series of cultural activities including a Chinese Book and Art Exhibition and a Chinese movie night, the staff and students from Bendigo campus and the local community experienced a unique Chinese cultural festival.
“Beyond Confucius”- Chinese Book and Art Exhibition showcased the colorful Chinese culture through the selected Chinese artwork and publications. It embraced historical documents and copies of ancient paintings which are rarely exposed to the public. The exhibition used vivid figures and tea sets to illustrate the beauty of Chinese Gongfu and Way of Serving Chinese Tea. There was also delicate paper cutting artwork, fancy thread-bound books and other unique cultural items on display. The exhibition also presented popular Chinese language textbooks to inspire attendees to start their Chinese language learning journey.
Played at the opening night of the Festival, the 9th of August 2012, the movie “Lost on Journey” is a comedy about two unlikely travel companions who share a series of unfortunate circumstances during their travels home for Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, celebrations. Prior to the movie, there were festivities including a Lion Dance, and a temporary Chinese food hall allowing people to try many different Chinese cuisines.
Health Philanthropy in China: Contributions and Prospects
by Professor Vivian Lin, La Trobe University, presented on the 23rd of August 2012.
Synopsis: “Health philanthropy was critical in the establishment of western medicine in China in the one hundred years leading up to Liberation in 1949. Its role began to resurface with China's economic reforms and her opening to the world in the 1980s, especially as the collectivized health system collapsed, and new health challenges emerged. Initially in the form of bilateral and multilateral donors, health philanthropy has contributed to testing of new service models and operationalization of policy intent in the late 20th century. In the new millennium, the range of philanthropic interests have broadened and further contributed to the development of civil society role in healthcare. The national health reforms announced in 2009 reflect a range of policy ideas that demonstrate the strategic inputs of donors. With further demographic, social, and economic changes, how well will these reforms serve the changing healthcare needs of China, and what will be the future role for health philanthropy?”
The seminar was jointly organized by the Confucius Institute and School of Public Health
Literature and law: Two perspectives on Wrongful Convictions in China
by Professor He Jiahong, Renmin University of China, presented on the 24th of August 2012.
Synopsis: “Since 2006, we have collected more than 100 wrongful conviction cases occurred between 1980 and 2005 in China, including 50 murder cases. In 2010, a new set of evidence rules were issued in China and, in 2012, the Criminal Procedure Law was amended.”
This seminar examined the perspectives of law and literature on the basis of actual cases of wrongful conviction in China.
Confucius Institute Open Day
26th August, 2012
The Confucius Institute had its annual Open Day on aiming to encourage the general public to learn Chinese language and participate in the cultural activities operated by the Confucius Institute. The programs of the Confucius Institute were displayed in various forms including multimedia, information boards and brochures. The CI also gave away a large number of Chinese language learning materials and small gifts with CI logo and name. On the day the participants were able to get their names written in Chinese calligraphy, try their hand at some Chinese knotting and sample some Chinese foods.
Australia-China Student and Scholars Open Forum on Chinese Culture
22nd September 2012
The Confucius Institute and the Consulate General of P R China in Melbourne jointly organized an Australia-China Student and Scholars Open Forum on Chinese Culture on. About 800 Australian and Chinese scholars and students got together to exchange ideas, enjoyed performances and get to know new friends. The event was widely welcomed by the participants and many expressed that more of such opportunities should be provided for the scholars and students of the two countries in the future.
Melbourne Confucius Institutes Moon Festival Celebration
25th September 2012
The Confucius Institute at La Trobe University and the other two CIs in Melbourne celebrated the Moon Festival together. The performers of the day were mainly the students of the three universities. The performance of “Xiao” by an Australian student recommended by LTU Confucius Institute received warm applause from the audience. This celebration was another successful cooperation of the three Institutes.
Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration
30th September 2012
The Mid-Autumn Chinese Festival Celebration took place at the City of Darebin, aiming to promote the Chinese traditional festival among the local Australians and improve the awareness of the Institute’s programs and to establish new partnerships in the City of Darebin Council. The event was jointly organised by the Confucius Institute at La Trobe University and Darebin City Council.
The event featured expert demonstrations in calligraphy, a Chinese lion dance, , Chinese food, free movie show, a traditional Chinese dance performance, and a drumming performance. After the performance the primary students were given a chance to sample some Chinese foods and then participated in a number of workshops and activities with primary level students undertaking paper cutting, knotting, calligraphy, and storytelling.
Mr Shi Weiqiang, Consul-General of P R China in Melbourne, Professor John Rosenberg, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University and Cr Stanley Chiang, former Mayor of Darebin City addresses the audience.
Australia-China Student Forum
Seventeen students from Peking University (PKU) and Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) and 20 La Trobe students from various disciplines participated in a four-week reciprocal Student Cross Cultural Program in Melbourne and Beijing in October and December 2012 respectively. As Chinese cultural ambassadors, PKU students were dedicated to promotion of Chinese culture through academic and cultural activities, and participated in a number of dialogues. After completion of the pre-departure Chinese language and relevant cultural classes, of the La Trobe students will embark their journey to Beijing in December. They will further participate in Chinese language class and cultural seminars and visits to cultural heritages as well as participation in a student forum focused on the Diplomatic relations between Australia and China. This program will be a great channel to arouse Australian students’ interest in China and most of the students have expressed their interests to continue to learn Chinese language in the future.
With the support of Chongqing University and the Confucius Institute (HanBan), the Confucius Institute of La Trobe University organized the first extension to the Australia China Student Forum in 2012. 20 selected LTU students attended Chongqing University in Chongqing at the end of November. During their two-week stay the LTU students participated in a series of academic activities and discuss the topics on bilateral relations, trade and education with their peers from Chongqing University. This program aims to provide another opportunity for Australian students to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and encourage them to continue their Chinese language study after the learning journey.
7th International Symposium of World Forum on Chinese Culture
1st and 2nd of December 2012
The 7th International Symposium of World Forum on Chinese Culture was held at the Crown Promenade in Melbourne. This conference was jointly organized by the Confucius Institute of La Trobe University, Association for Yan Huang Culture of China (AYHCC) and Global Chinese Arts & Culture Society in Singapore.
The aims of the Conference are to promote a deeper understanding of China and Chinese culture and facilitate exchange and dialogue between Chinese culture and the world especially the Asia-Pacific Region so as to build a harmonious world.
The theme for the 7th International Symposium was: “The importance of Chinese culture in conjunction with the Rise of China in the 21st century”. The International Symposium will drew over 100 participants from around the world including Mr Xu Jialu, Vice Chairman of the 9th and 10th Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the Peoples Republic of China and Senator Kate Lundy, Minister for Sport, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor of La Trobe University Professor John Rosenberg, Mr Shi Weiqiang, Consul General of P R China in Melbourne and Vice Consul General Mr Huang Fengwen.
This symposium provided an opportunity for policy makers, academicians and professionals in the area of cross cultural engagement, arts and humanities to come together to share and exchange ideas, experiences and knowledge. It promoted the interaction of Chinese and Western cultures, to facilitate Chinese culture merging into the global scene and to generally contribute to greater intercultural awareness with the construction of a harmonious world for people of all race and countries.
Chinese Culture in International Context: Reflections and Future Implications
By Honourable Professor Xu Jialu, Vice-chairman of the 9th and 10th National People’s Congress Standing Committee of People’s Republic of China and President of the International Society for Chinese Language Teaching. 3rd December, 2012.
Synopsis: Outline of what a "global vision" should be. This vision should not be boring but should be filled with realism, historicism and optimism. It should be a combination of many. China has also culture of excellence dedicated to this world, we strive to achieve "Do unto others, do not impose on people”. It the philosophy of seeking to complement then just rather be difficult and deferent. We should work on dialogue between government, the public and scholars. This is let the world know we build human ethics. This is the formation of a new world order.