Young Malaysians from different ethnic backgrounds have same passion
KUALA LUMPUR: Young Malaysians from diverse backgrounds are uniting through their shared passion for calligraphy, achieving both national and international acclaim.
The Kuala Lumpur World Calligraphy Carnival 2024 celebrates this cultural connection, highlighting Malaysia’s diversity and cross-cultural exchange.
Dewi Eva Natasha Ag China, 20, a civil engineering student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, fell in love with calligraphy at the age of nine.
“I have been practising it for about 10 years. I first learned about it when I saw my senior doing it during a co-curricular activity and found it very intriguing. So I wanted to give it a try,” she said when met at the carnival.
“When I write calligraphy, I feel a profound sense of tranquillity. In my opinion, I don’t need to understand the language to appreciate it. It gives me a truly peaceful feeling.”
Dewi’s calligraphic prowess has earned her prestigious accolades, including winning two international competitions – one in Hong Kong and one in Beijing, where she was awarded the top prize.
Chinese heritage: Visitors admiring exhibits at the World Calligraphy Carnival which is being held at Kompleks Kraf in Kuala Lumpur. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
Noah Tovi Neoplean, 16, a Form Four student at SM St Peter Telipok in Sabah, began learning calligraphy seven years ago.
“It has instilled in me a sense of calmness and focus,” he said, adding that he has won the state-level competition in Sabah and placed in the top five nationally.
Sik Heung, 10, from SJKC Pui Gin in Sandakan, said, “I started learning calligraphy when I was six years old. My father is a calligrapher, so I’m following in his footsteps.”
“I have participated in and won competitions at the state and national levels. Calligraphy calms me down when I feel frustrated in my studies,” she said.
Kanesh Shanker, 19, a Bachelor of AI student at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia here, also has a connection to calligraphy.
“I studied at a Chinese school in my primary years and learned a bit of calligraphy there, but it wasn’t until secondary school that I began pursuing it seriously,” he said.
It took him about two years to master the basic forms, and he has since continued to improve his calligraphic skills.
“I’ve entered state and international competitions and received a consolation prize,” he said.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said it is encouraging to see people from different ethnic backgrounds developing a keen interest in calligraphy.
Calligraphy artists (from left) Kanesh Shanker, Sik Heung, Dewi Eva Natasha Ag China and Noah Tovi Neoplean showcasing their work at the World Calligraphy Carnival in Kuala Lumpur. The carnival celebrates Malaysia’s diversity and cross-cultural exchange. - IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
“With open and inclusive hearts, they embrace this ancient art, allowing it to flourish through cross-cultural exchange.
“This blending of cultures, preserving tradition while bringing in fresh vitality, is a true reflection of Malaysia’s harmony and diversity,” he said in his speech read out by ministry deputy Secretary-General (Culture) Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff, who attended on Tiong’s behalf.
Tiong added that calligraphy has become a bridge that fosters connections between various cultural communities.
As Malaysia and China mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, calligraphy is playing a vital role as a shared cultural expression.
China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing said that with the proposal of “building the global community with a shared future for mankind” and the Belt and Road Initiative gaining popularity, more foreign friends have become interested in Chinese culture and started to learn Chinese character writing.
“The culture of the ethnic Chinese group, with Chinese character writing as a distinctive part, together with the cultures of other ethnic groups, have jointly constituted the diverse and inclusive national culture of Malaysia,” he added.
Around 500 workpieces from 48 countries will be showcased at the carnival, held from yesterday to Nov 10, with exhibitions, seminars, educational conferences and handicraft workshops.
The event will also honour “the Golden Jubilee Exhibition Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between China and Malaysia”.
Also present during the opening were former MCA president Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan, 988 general manager Woo Bee Ay and Federation of Calligraphy Society Malaysia president Ng Swee Kheng.
