August 4, 2023

?? ????-??? ?????????: ??? ??????? ?????????????? ??? ?????? ???????? ?? ????? 《伍連德新論: 南洋知識分子與近現代中國醫衛》??? ??????????, ????????????? ??? ???????: ???????????? ?? ??? ??????? ?? ????????? ????《革命运动、跨域人物、社会图像：东南亚华人研究与视野》

Date & Time: 2:00-4:00pm, Saturday, Aug 12, 2023

Venue: The POD, Level 16, National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064

Register here.

View the programme here.

Organised by the NUS Department of Chinese Studies, the Southeast Asian Chinese and Modern China Research Group, and the Wan Boo Sow Research Centre for Chinese Culture, this event spotlights Associate Professor Wong Sin Kiong’s (NUS Chinese Studies) two books, Wu Lien-Teh Revisited: The Nanyang Intelligentsia and Modern Medicine in China《伍連德新論: 南洋知識分子與近現代中國醫衛》and Revolution, Personalities, and Society: Perspectives on the Chinese in Southeast Asia《革命运动、跨域人物、社会图像：东南亚华人研究与视野》.

Wu Lien-Teh Revisited: The Nanyang Intelligentsia and Modern Medicine in China《伍連德新論: 南洋知識分子與近現代中國醫衛》, published March 2023, re-examines the life of renowned physician Wu Lien-Teh and shines light on his diplomatic, medical and humanitarian contributions. Beyond highlighting his roles as a ‘Plague Fighter’ and ‘Pioneer of Modern Medicine’ in China, the book delves into his lesser-known aspects as a public intellectual, diplomat and social activist. Wu Lien-Teh Revisited focuses on his recruitment of Nanyang talents to China, his contributions to the establishment of a modern medical system, and the introduction of Chinese medicine and culture to the West. Wu Lien-Teh emerges as a pivotal figure linking epidemic prevention, Chinese history, and knowledge exchange in modern China, offering readers a multi-dimensional perspective on his significant role in Chinese history.

Focusing on Singapore and Malaysia’s Chinese societies in the early 20th century, Revolution, Personalities, and Society: Perspectives on the Chinese in Southeast Asia《革命运动、跨域人物、社会图像：东南亚华人研究与视野》examines key changes in the Chinese society in Southeast Asia, namely that of political awakening, cross-regional activities, and the establishment of various institutions. The book explores how figures like Kang Youwei and Sun Yat-sen influenced patriotic consciousness and nationalism, and discusses the role of Chinese businessmen and intellectuals in cross-regional interactions. It also highlights the growth of associations, schools, and temples due to increased Chinese immigration. Overall, the book offers insights into the transformative period shaping Chinese society in Southeast Asia.

The books will be discussed by A/Prof Wong, Professor Danny Wong (Universiti Melaya Department of History), and Associate Professor Yow Cheun Hoe (NTU Chinese Department), with Professor Ong Chang Woei (NUS Chinese Studies) as moderator.