The Conference on Malaysian Chinese Education and Language Inheritance was successfully concluded at Xiamen University Malaysia on April 20, 2024.

Hosted by Department of Chinese Studies, Xiamen University Malaysia, this event was sponsored by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia and supported by the National Language Committee of China’s Overseas Chinese Language Research Center and Beijing Normal University’s Global Chinese Comparative Studies Center.

During the opening ceremony, Zhao Changtao, the Education Counselor at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Malaysia, affirmed the value of the academic conference. He highlighted that the conference not only demonstrated the crucial role of Chinese in international communication, but also promoted the development of international Chinese education. 

Prof. Wang Ruifang, the President of Xiamen University Malaysia, briefed the guests on the development of XMUM and expressed a positive outlook for future academic exchanges.

Prof. Wang Xiaomei, Dead of the Department of Chinese Studies, stated that the conference not only marked International Chinese Language Day but also witnessed the fifty years anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, hoping to promote development in related fields through this conference. 

One of the highlights was the special session introducing the Global Huayu Grammar - Malaysia Volume edited by Prof. Guo Xi. This book explores the linguistic differences, and development trends in the varieties of Chinese across different regions, and points out a general trend towards convergence and integration, marking a significant milestone in global and Malaysian Chinese language research. 

From left to right: Prof. Cao Xianwen, Prof. Su Xinchun, Mr. Tang Jing, Assoc. Prof. Zhang Ying, Prof. Wang Xiaomei, Mr. Zhao Changtao, Prof. Wang Ruifang, Prof. Guo Xi, Prof. Tang Zhixiang.

Experts from a range of fields related to Chinese studies attended the Conference, including four distinguished keynote speakers. 

Prof. Guo Xi initiated the conference by reviewing the evolution of Chinese language research in China and Southeast Asia. He discussed the changing academic perspectives on Chinese language from its various roles as a tool, resource, and part of cultural heritage to its role in civilization.

Prof. Tang Zhixiang then explored new directions in international Chinese education, addressing its developments in teaching theories, systems, and training.

Prof. Cao Xianwen examined the nuances and evolution of key terms like Huayu, Huawen, Hanyu, and Zhongwen within the context of Chinese language teaching.

Finally, Prof. Su Xinchun discussed the theoretical application of 'Three Worlds' in textbook language, showing its significant impact on the objectives and functionality of educational materials in international Chinese education.

Additionally, 21 experts and scholars from Peking University, Beijing Normal University, Beijing Language and Culture University, Guangzhou University, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Jinan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Nanyang Technological University, University of Malaya, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Xiamen University Malaysia, and New Era University College delivered their presentations in six different sessions. The topics of discussion include: Chinese vocabulary system; Global Chinese grammar and vocabulary; Issues of language inheritance, language planning, and language identity in overseas Chinese communities; Chinese language teaching materials in Malaysia and the current status of Chinese language education.

In the closing ceremony, Prof. Guo Xi, Prof. Diao Yanbin, and Prof. Wang Xiaomei called on the academic community and the public to actively engage with the development of Chinese language and education in Malaysia, to further the use and local study of Chinese, and to contribute significantly to global Chinese research.