On October 6th during the Mid-Autum Festival, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), through the Confucius Institute at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (CI@UMS) warmly welcomed a delegation of teachers and students from SM La Salle, Kota Kinabalu. The programme, highlighting UMS’s commitment to fostering Malaysia–China cultural understanding, featured an “Immersive Cultural Experience” that combined interactive learning, creative workshops, and cultural showcases—allowing participants to explore the essence of Chinese traditions in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.
Upon arrival, the SM La Salle delegation was received with enthusiasm at CI@UMS. The event began with an introductory video on CI@UMS, and China’s national culture. In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Chiew Tung Moi, Director (Malaysia) of CI@UMS, expressed that UMS has consistently played an active role in strengthening Malaysia–China cultural exchange and friendship. She welcomed more local schools to engage with CI@UMS and discover the depth and vitality of Chinese culture through firsthand experience.
During the interactive session, China-dispatched instructor Ms. Jin Jinjin guided students through a short film and quiz on the Mid-Autumn Festival, helping them understand its origins and cultural significance. Ms. Jin also conducted a live demonstration on making lacquer fans, explaining each step of the process before inviting students to create their own. Under her guidance, students painted and decorated their fans with unique designs and practised basic calligraphy on them—seamlessly combining traditional art and craftsmanship in an atmosphere filled with creativity and excitement.
The visit continued with a tour of CI@UMS’s exhibition room, where Dr. Chiew introduced CI@UMS’s vision, educational achievements, and cultural initiatives. As a gesture of hospitality, CI@UMS presented commemorative gifts to the visiting teachers. The delegation also visited the “Ink in Unity, New Voices of the Silk Road” Malaysia–China Chinese Calligraphy Exchange Exhibition, accompanied by Mr. Yap Kian Wei, committee member of the Kota Kinabalu Calligraphy Association Sabah. The students admired the exquisite works by Malaysian and Chinese calligraphers and experienced how Chinese calligraphy bridges cultures and fosters mutual appreciation.
This event not only enriched the SM La Salle’s teachers and students’ understanding of the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese artistic heritage, but also reinforced UMS’s leading role in promoting Malaysia–China cultural ties. UMS, through CI@UMS, remains committed to deepening collaboration with local schools and inspiring future generations through diverse, interactive, and meaningful cultural experiences that keep Chinese culture thriving across Sabah.
