| Xinchao Movement is an academic exchange
program established by Shantou University to promote Chaozhou culture
and the spirit of Chaozhou people. The Movement aims to renew interest
in Chaozhou’s unique cultural traditions and to strengthen the
cultural identity of Chaozhou natives through a number of events and
activities. By spearheading the Xinchao Movement, Shantou University
also hopes to boost its role as a think tank for the region.
The first major event was the Xinchao Concert held on April 16
attended by 2,000 students and teachers at Shantou University. Performers
in the Xinchao Concert included Chaozhou natives such as Miriam
Yeung, Anthony Wong, Chet Lam, and the duet ‘at 17’.
The concert provided an opportunity for the Hong Kong performers
to rediscover their cultural roots and for young people in Shantou
to be exposed to Hong Kong’s mainstream and alternative music.
The general perception of Chaozhou natives is that they are conservative
and traditional. But the reality is that Chaozhou natives have established
themselves in Chinese communities all over the world in areas as
diverse as business, education, culture and entertainment, and politics.
Their work ethic, thirst for knowledge, and progressive yet pragmatic
character symbolize all that is good about Chaozhou.
The 21st century heralds the age of knowledge. Advanced communications
technologies have fostered more open and diverse societies that
are more connected than ever. China is a vast country with many
different cultures. Shantou University, one of the major projects
supported by the Li Ka Shing Foundation, is the only general university
serving a population of 10 million in the Chaozhou-Shantou area.
In addition to promoting economic, cultural and scientific advances,
Shantou University has also achieved success in the study and research
of Chaozhou culture. Over 20 papers on the topic have been published.
The University library has developed a special Chaozhou Collection
dedicated to the collection and preservation of important cultural
resources. Shantou University students are active participants in
the region’s economic and cultural activities, taking part
in over 100 collaborative projects with local government and industry.
In recent years, Shantou University has initiated a number of cultural
exchange programs with Hong Kong youth.
Shantou University is the driving force behind the Xinchao Movement,
with the ultimate goals of promoting the innovative character of
Chaozhou natives, enhancing understanding of the Chaozhou spirit,
strengthening ties between Chaozhou and the international community,
and fostering a new Chaozhou culture that is rooted in tradition
but forward-looking.
Other activities in the Xinchao Movement, including a brand research
project and a Xinchao Movement web site, will be launched later
this year.
17 Apr 2004
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