Classic novel can boost ties among people

KUALA LUMPUR: As one of China’s four great classical novels of all time, Dream of the Red Chamber can play a role in boosting friendship among people of all races and nationalities.

This is why Nirvana founder and managing director Tan Sri David Kong Hon Kong did not hesitate when approached by Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy to contribute RM1mil to a foundation to set up the Centre of the Dream of the Red Chamber Studies at Universiti Malaya.

“The content of Dream of the Red Chamber is very meaningful and influential.

“Many countries translate the masterpiece into their own language, proving its popularity.

“I hope we can help make Dream of the Red Chamber shine even brighter, with more and more people understanding its essence,” Kong said.

Chan said that with the financial assistance, the university can now get the relevant faculties and departments to sit down and work out the details.

“It is my personal dream that this centre can promote the intercultural research of Chinese and Malay cultures as one of its main tasks.

“This will make the centre very meaningful,” he said.

At the event, wellknown local Chinese artists presented their calligraphy works to celebrate Chan’s donation of his collection to UM.

I hope we can help make Dream of the Red Chamber shine even brighter, with more and more people understanding its essence. Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy

Dr Wong Kum Peng said it was exceptional of Chan to part with his prized possession to make this oneofitskind collection centre in Malaysia. He wrote Meng Hui Hong Lou in his work, which loosely means “dream about the Red Chamber again”.

“The classic novel is deep and profound, packing all kinds of elements in one book,” he said.

The works of Dr Cheng Haw Chien, meanwhile, condensed themes of Dream of the Red Chamber, on dream, illusions and sentiments.

As a fan of the classic novel, he said he enjoyed reading commentaries on the masterpiece, to deliberate on the different views and opinions people have.

Such commentaries are also available in the collection donated by Chan.