In the afternoon of 19^th November last Saturday, Confucius Institute, NTU (CI-NTU) held a grand ceremony of “Nanyang Chinese Literature Award” and “Nanyang Chinese Culture and Literature Forum” 2011. Honorary Principal of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Prof Su Guaning, along with Chairman of Singapore Literature Society Mr Luo Ming and Honorary Chairman of Singapore Association of Writers Dr Wong Meng Voon are some of the guests for the event. Mr Luo Ming and Dr Wong Meng Voon were awarded the Nanyang Chinese Literature Award 2011 to affirm their outstanding contributions to the development of Singapore literature. Cultural Medallion recipients Mr Tan Siah Kwee, Mr Chia Hwee Pheng and Dr Liang Wern Fock engaged in a cultural and literature forum, each sharing their precious insights on cultural topics such as Chinese calligraphy, literature and pop-music.

          Director of CI-NTU, Dr Koh Hock Kiat kicked-off the event sharing the numerous achievements ever since CI- NTU fund was launched. He emphasized that Nanyang Chinese Literature is a combination of the Chinese Culture essence of both olden and modern days, which also radiates the characteristics of local framework and global insight of modern literature. He introduced famous singer Emil Chau’s popular song Feng Yu Wu Zu (Break the Barriers), as a gesture of gratitude to Prof Chew Cheng Hai and Prof Su Guaning who had entrusted him to pave a smooth road for the development of CI-NTU. Thereafter, CI-NTU Fund vice-chairman Mr Liew Sing Hun hoped that Nanyang Literature can take note of positive views from global literature, and no matter what situation arises, it can stay vital and have an undefeatable confidence.

          Prof Su Guaning shared with us that cultural education is an important essence in developing citizens’ cultural character. Cultural excellence and improvisation is the fundamental element for a country to develop structurally and spiritually, and to elevate its competitiveness against other countries. Prof Su also expressed his gratitude to Mr Liew Sing Hun and many others from NTU Alumni, and showcased Chuan Deng (Passing the Light), a poem written by Mr Toh Lam Huat, to encourage fellow colleagues in contributing selflessly to World Chinese Culture.

          Besides witnessing the developments of Singapore thus far, Mr Luo Ming and Dr Wong Meng Voon also played an important role in Chinese education. They displayed strong sense of pride when sharing with us their experiences in Chinese literature and education, and the hardships encountered in pursue of their goals. Chairman of the Chinese Calligraphy Society of Singapore Mr Tan Siah Kwee led the audience into a reflection journey of the Cultural Medallion, and shared with us many interesting stories during his effort of popularizing calligraphy; Chairman of Singapore Association of Writers Mr Chia Hwee Pheng shared his sentiments that  “Literature is Human Science”, but also advocated the future of Chinese literature should be of alliance with the development of local culture and internet age; Being a popular music composer in Singapore and Adjunct Professor of Chinese Studies in NTU, Dr Liang Wern Fock displayed a refined posture of a university lecturer, who used Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin (Moon Represent My Heart) from singer Ms Teresa Teng and Moon Represent Whose Heart from singer David Zee Tao to help audience appreciate the cultural connotations behind the lyrics.

          Under the impressive hosting by Assoc Professor Lai Ah Keow, the award winners of Nanyang Chinese Literature Award and the three Cultural Medallion recipients engaged in an exciting seminar.

          Other guests who attended this event include: Mr Chen Jiang, Counsellor of Culture, Embassy of China in Singapore; Mr Chia Ban Seng, Council Member of NTU; Prof Chew Cheng Hai, Chairman of CI-NTU Fund, and Mr Ho Kiau Seng, vice-chairman of CI-NTU fund. Co-organizers of this event include: National Library Board Singapore, National Arts Council, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Association, The Nanyang Khek Community Guild, Char Yong (Dabu) Association Singapore, Foong Shoon Fui Kuan, Ying Fo Fui Kun, World Scientific and Bukit Timah Literature Center.

          This event also has the support of Embassy of China in Singapore, The Office of Chinese Language Council International and Confucius Institute Headquarters. Capital 958 is the supporting radio station of this event.