Han Chiang University College of Communication (Han Chiang) held the 2026 Datuk Poh Choon Seng Golden Sail Awards ceremony on Wednesday evening (September 30), presenting a total of 19 awards with prize money exceeding RM90,000. The awards recognized the achievements and contributions of faculty, students, alumni, and long-serving individuals across various fields.
First Batch of Chinese Department PhD Graduates Marks Milestone
Han Chiang Chairman Datuk Tang Choon Hooi highlighted at the ceremony that this year, the universitys Chinese Department welcomed its first batch of PhD graduates. He described this as an important milestone in Han Chiangs academic development journey and a new chapter in the institutions Chinese language education.
In a multicultural society like Malaysia, being able to continuously cultivate high-level talents in Chinese language education, Chinese studies, and Chinese culture itself holds very significant meaning, Tang emphasized. He noted that Han Chiangs communication and media programs have nurtured many industry professionals, and the university remains equally steadfast in developing Chinese language academics, which is its fundamental mission.
To encourage more students to pursue Chinese studies, the Han Chiang School Board of Directors launched multiple Chinese Department scholarships this year, providing RM200,000 annually for students interested in enrolling in Chinese Department programs. This initiative not only eases students financial burden but also sends a clear signal: Chinese language education in Malaysia still has broad development space and social demand.
China Research Centre Deepens Exchanges
Tang revealed that Han Chiangs China Research Centre, supported by the Chinese Consulate General in Penang, continues to carry out academic activities and strengthen exchanges with Chinese universities and scholars. He specifically thanked DAP Advisor and Ayer Itam State Assemblyman Lim Guan Eng for donating over 500 treasured books to Han Chiang students last year, enriching the schools teaching resources.
He noted that since its establishment, the Golden Sail Awards have gradually gained attention and recognition from the Chinese community and various sectors of society. Deputy Chairman Datuk Poh Choon Seng has cumulatively sponsored over RM1.5 million to date. Beyond recognizing outstanding performance and exceptional contributors to the campus and industry, the awards also aim to encourage Han Chiang students to study hard, pursue excellence, and contribute to society.
Chinese Consul General: China-Malaysia Relations at Historical Best
Chinese Consul General in Penang Zhou Youbin stated in his speech that Chinese-language media, Chinese associations, and Chinese education form the three pillars of Malaysias Chinese community, playing an important role in promoting Chinese cultural heritage and China-Malaysia cultural integration.
He said Chinese-language media has long paid attention to Chinas social development, opening a window for Malaysian people to understand China, and also bears the contemporary responsibility of promoting China-Malaysia friendship. He pointed out that current China-Malaysia relations have entered the best period in history, with both countries working together to create the next Golden 50 Years.
Zhou Youbin reviewed high-level visits over the past year: last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Malaysia, and the two countries leaders agreed to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future; Chinese Premier Li Qiang also visited Malaysia twice within one year. Additionally, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited Shanghai and Hangzhou, China in September this year and met with Li Qiang, injecting new momentum into consolidating political mutual trust, deepening economic and trade cooperation, and enhancing civilizational mutual learning between the two countries.
He expressed that the Chinese Consulate General in Penang is willing to work with all sectors to implement the consensus reached by the two countries leaders, promote deeper and more substantive cooperation and exchanges between China and Malaysia at the local level, and strive to benefit the peoples of both countries and promote China-Malaysia friendship.
New Media Leadership Awards
This year, Han Chiang added the Outstanding Media Leadership Contribution Award and the Media Excellence Contribution Award. The former was presented to Dato Koo Chiew Keong, Editor-in-Chief of World Chinese Media Group and Han Chiang journalism alumnus, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to Chinese-language media over 40 years.
The Media Excellence Contribution Award recognized the long-standing commitment to journalistic professionalism and contributions to the development of Chinese-language media in Malaysia by the editors-in-chief of the countrys six major Chinese-language newspapers. The recipients were: Sin Chew Daily Editor-in-Chief Tan Han Kwang, Guang Ming Daily Editor-in-Chief Tan Kian Koon, China Press Editor-in-Chief Lim Meng Piao, Nanyang Siang Pau Editor-in-Chief Loh Yi Wei, Kwong Wah Yit Poh Editor-in-Chief Lim Song Yong, and Oriental Daily Editor-in-Chief Yeong Chee Ling.
Additionally, Lew Chun Pin, China Press Northern Region Manager who graduated from Han Chiangs Chinese Department diploma program in 2006, received the Poh Choon Seng Outstanding Alumni Award in recognition of his contributions to Chinese-language media.
Student Works Recognized
In the student creative works category, this years Han Chiang graduate Teoh Sheau Lin and five classmates formed Delulu Production, winning the Best Film Production (Bachelors Degree) award for their work Like Jade, Like Flower, showcasing Han Chiangs achievements in film and broadcasting education.
Distinguished guests attending the ceremony included Han Chiang Chinese School Board of Directors Executive Advisor and Han Chiang Honorary President Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping, Bagan Member of Parliament Lim Guan Eng, Han Chiang Chairman Datuk Seri Fang Yan Hua, Golden Sail Awards sponsor and Board Deputy Chairman Datuk Poh Choon Seng, Han Chiang Secondary School Board Chairman Lee Yu Pin, Han Chiang President Khoo Kim Hoon, and numerous Chinese community leaders and education figures.