The University of Macau (UM) will confer the Doctor of Letters honoris causa degree on Prof Pai Hsien-yung on Wednesday 24 February, in recognition of his contributions to Chinese literature and the art of Kun opera. Following the degree conferment ceremony, Prof Pai will give a Doctor honoris causa Lecture titled ‘My Kun Opera Journey’.

In addition to being a world-renowned writer, Prof Pai Hsien-yung is also dedicated to the studies of modern Chinese history and the promotion of Chinese art and culture. He has produced a youth version of Peony Pavilion, a masterpiece of Kun opera, which has been performed in different parts of the world. In his talk, Prof Pai will share his insight on the connection between literature and Kun opera.

The ceremony and the lecture will be held at 5:00 pm in the University Hall. The lecture will be conducted in Mandarin, with simultaneous interpretation into English. Those who are interested please make online registration at https://isw.umac.mo/evm/register/kunop. For enquiries, please call 8822 8400 or email to prs.event@umac.mo.

In addition, an international academic conference on the universal influence of Pai Hsien-yung and Chinese literature will be held on 25 February and 26 February in the auditorium in the University Library. More than 30 scholars from the United States, Australia, Southeast Asia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan will attend the conference to discuss Prof Pai’s contributions to literature and art. The event is co-organised by UM’s Department of Chinese Language and Literature, the Research Centre for Humanities in South China, and Chao Kuang Piu College.