Fostering closer inter-ethnic ties through a Chinese book on Malay poetry

To promote deeper mutual understanding and foster closer ties between members of different communities through literature, the Confucius Institute at NTU Singapore launched a Chinese book about the works of four titans in Malay poetry and literature.

Titled Major Malay Poets In Singapore, Malaysia And Indonesia, the book is authored by Professor Leo Suryadinata, a sinologist and former director of the Chinese Heritage Centre at NTU.

The book aims to introduce Chinese readers to Malay literature in the region through works by Masuri S.N (Singapore), Usman Awang (Malaysia), Chairil Anwar (Indonesia), and Gus Mus (Indonesia). Aside from translating the Malay poems into Chinese, Prof Suryadinata also elaborates on the context in which these poems were written.

Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman, Member of Parliament (Marine Parade) and Mayor, South East District, graced the book launch and delivered a speech as the Guest-of-Honour.