Books

High Commission of Canada celebrates Asian Heritage Month at Sunway University

Exhibition to be held to look at Asian Canadian literature and challenges, including topics on identity, decolonisation, and inclusion

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 19 May 2022 8:00PM

High Commission of Canada celebrates Asian Heritage Month at Sunway University — (From left) Esther Van Nes, political counselor, High Commission of Canada; HE Wayne Robson, High Commissioner of Canada to Malaysia; Professor Sibrandes Poppema, president of Sunway University; and Professor Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam, provost and dean of School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University. – Pic courtesy of Sunway Education Group, May 19, 2022

THE High Commission of Canada in Malaysia collaborated with Sunway University School of Arts and launched the ‘Transpacific – An Asian-Canadian Literary Journey’. The artistic exhibition is being held in conjunction with Asian Heritage Month.

With the theme ‘Continuing a legacy of greatness’, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the official declaration of May as Asian Heritage Month. It also commemorates the 65th anniversary of Canada and Malaysia's bilateral ties.

Asian Heritage Month, celebrated every May in Canada, is an opportunity for people to learn more about the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage.

“To commemorate these milestones, the High Commission of Canada in Malaysia together with Sunway University School of Arts supported the development of the unique literary and artistic exhibition, curated by William Tham, JF Garrard and Vincent Ternida, working with Penang Institute, the Asian Canadian Writers Workshop in Vancouver and Dark Helix Press,” shared His Excellency Wayne Robson, High Commissioner of Canada to Malaysia.

In this exhibition, Asian Canadian literature and challenges were addressed, including topics on identity, culture, intersectionality, decolonisation, racism, and inclusion. It consists of four posters combining visual design and text coupled with visual imagery in the form of heritage photographs, magazine covers and photos, including works from Sunway University School of Arts students.

The launch was accompanied by a panellist session, ‘A Conversation with Artists & Authors: Illustrating Diversity & Inclusivity, One Word at a Time’, which featured William Tham, Pauline Fan, Adriana Nordin Manan, Srijah Nair and Esther Van Nes as moderator.

They discussed the inspiration and ideas behind the development of the exhibition and the role of Asian-Canadian authors in shaping and diversifying the literary landscape in Canada.

‘A Conversation with Artists & Authors: Illustrating Diversity & Inclusivity, One Word at a Time’, moderated by Esther Van Nes and featuring (start from second left) William Tham, Pauline Fan, Adriana Nordin Manan, and Srijah Nair. – Pic courtesy of Sunway Education Group

Throughout Canada’s history, Canadians of Asian heritage have done so much to make Canada the country that it is today.

The artistic exhibition officially unveiled at Sunway University will also be displayed at various locations across the country throughout the year.

In keeping with the goals of the Mission Cultural Fund (MCF), the exhibition will provide a well-rounded introduction to the Asian Canadian literary scene and bring greater awareness of Canadian writers of Asian heritage to Malaysians. – The Vibes, May 19, 2022