Ministry of Culture-Performance Venues & Architectural Heritage

Under Ministry of Culture's Spotlight Taiwan Project (台灣文化光點計畫), the 9th Sultan Idris Education University Chinese Literature Festival will be held on the theme "Crossing Borders And Transboundary (跨界與跨際)" in Malaysia, aiming to promote cultural exchange and understanding by showcasing literary works from Taiwanese and Malaysian authors.

Running until June 17, the festival has invited renowned Taiwanese authors Lien Ming-wei (連明偉) and Apyang Imiq (程廷), as well as Taiwan-based Malaysian Chinese authors Ng Kim Chew (黃錦樹) and Tee Kim Tong (張錦忠) to participate in keynote speeches and panel discussions.

The UPSI literature festival, which began in 2015, has invited Taiwanese writers and scholars to take part in panel discussions on various themes such as translated literature, Taiwanese modernist literature, Malaysian Chinese literature, and nativist literature. The Malaysian Chinese literature based in Taiwan, having been influenced by Taiwanese literature, has also enriched the history of Taiwanese literary world. Therefore, this year's festival focuses on the historical context and cultural background between Malaysia and Taiwan, featuring activities such as lectures, book readings, film screenings, and theatrical performances.

To enhance students' comprehension of the literary works, the festival will also organize book readings, academic workshops, and various activities such as literary competitions. Additionally, two documentaries, "I Remember (我記得)" and "A Lifetime in Chinese Literature (讀中文系的人)," part of the documentary series "The Inspired Island: Series of Eminent Writers from Taiwan (他們在島嶼寫作)," will be screened. In a lecture, Ariff bin Mohamad, a well-known Malaysian writer, will share his insights on the cultural connections between Taiwan and Malaysia.

The rich variety of literature in Malaysia reflects the country's diverse ethnic groups and languages, while Taiwan's vibrant literary scene thrives against the backdrop of its rich history. Notably, Malaysian Chinese writers based in Taiwan are bringing new energy and perspectives to the local Malaysian literary community, encouraging more innovative and diversified approaches to the literary development.