PolyU Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Flag-Raising Ceremony and Chinese Culture Festival Opening: Exploring Yan Fu’s Legacy
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) marked its 30th anniversary on November 25, 2024, with a flag-raising ceremony that preceded the opening of the Chinese Culture Festival. The main event, titled “Chinese Culture and its Modernisation: Yan Fu’s Legacy,” attracted over a thousand attendees, including members of the university, political figures, and notable guests from the business community.
Co-Organization of the Festival
The festival was co-organized by PolyU, the Fujian Yan Fu Academic Research Association, the Fujian Chuanzheng Culture Management Committee, and the Fujian Culture and Economy Exchange Center. It highlights the contributions of Yan Fu, a distinguished scholar known for his efforts in integrating Western ideas into Chinese education. His legacy underscores the importance of merging Chinese and Western cultures while fostering patriotism and innovation among students.
Notable Attendees
Prominent attendees at the ceremony included Fang Jianming, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR; Sze Chun-fai, Under Secretary for Education of the HKSAR; Dr. Lam Tai-fai, Chairman of PolyU’s Council; and Prof. Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU.
Opening Remarks
In his opening remarks, Dr. Lam emphasized the role of culture in national survival and development, echoing sentiments expressed by General Secretary Xi Jinping. He conveyed the need to cultivate students who embody a strong national pride while being open to diverse cultural influences. The event seeks to utilize Yan Fu’s legacy as a source of inspiration for students navigating a changing world.
Objectives of the Festival
Huang Ping noted that the festival aims to enhance the younger generation’s understanding of Chinese culture, promoting a robust sense of national identity through an in-depth exhibition of Yan Fu’s life and achievements.
Festival Timeline and Activities
The festival is scheduled to run until December 12 and will include a series of activities such as an international forum featuring 23 scholars and experts who will engage in discussions related to the contemporary relevance of Yan Fu’s ideas.
Exhibition at PolyU
An exhibition hosted at the PolyU Jockey Club Innovation Tower will showcase Yan Fu’s works, documents, and photographic materials to illustrate his impact on China’s development towards self-reliance and reform. The exhibition will incorporate interactive multimedia elements, including a virtual dialog experience with a digital representation of Yan Fu.
Cultural Celebration and Community Engagement
The PolyU Chinese Culture Festival encompasses a variety of artistic themes and activities designed to celebrate and promote the richness of Chinese culture, aiming to encourage appreciation and understanding among staff, students, alumni, and the wider community.
Flag-Raising Ceremony
The morning flag-raising ceremony, marking the university’s milestone anniversary, also hosted senior government representatives and members of the PolyU community, reflecting on the significant occasion.
More Information
Further details regarding the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival are available through the university’s official website.
(Source: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
