Chew Wee Kai
Director, Hua Language CentreArticles by Chew Wee Kai
Culture
Why civilisations burn their own books
In times of peace, books are indeed a treasure trove. However, the scholarly air that emanates from tireless reading and burning the midnight oil holds little value amid the blood and chaos of years of war, remarks Hua Language Centre director Chew Wee Kai.
Chew Wee Kai
02 May 2025
Culture
A taste of fear: On snakes and the Wood Snake Year
The snake is a creature with a very mixed reputation; in Chinese culture, it is simultaneously seen as auspicious and as a symbol of evil. In celebration of the Year of the Snake this year, Hua Language Centre director Chew Wee Kai discusses the duality of the slithering reptile.
Chew Wee Kai
14 Feb 2025
Culture
A Singaporean's climb up Huangshan 40 years ago
Hua Language Centre director Chew Wee Kai describes his first visit to Huangshan some 40 years ago, which was a memorable trip in more ways than one. Aside from the unapologetic clouds and towering pine trees atop of the mountain, the climb up and descent down is one for the books.
Chew Wee Kai
15 Dec 2023
Society
Feigning strength: Why we use derogatory terms on peoples and countries
Hua Language Centre director Chew Wee Kai points out that throughout history, people have come up with various terms to refer to "others". Such forms of discrimination, while not physically harmful, can still be perpetuated and lead to discord and resentment. It is up to present generations to end the cycle.
Chew Wee Kai
08 Dec 2023
History
The forgotten memories of those who returned to China after WWII
Post World War II, in the 1950s and 60s, some Chinese returned to China full of hope for new beginnings. When people are young, they are full of dreams, but all too often not all plans and aspirations can be fulfilled in real life, muses Hua Language Centre director Chew Wee Kai. The important thing is to keep moving forward from the struggles of those times, even if it means to erase them from memory.
Chew Wee Kai
20 Oct 2023
Culture
Why a 'nonsense song' is all the rage in China
Hua Language Centre director Chew Wee Kai gives his take on nonsense songs, from children's rhymes to the latest viral hit in China - Luocha Haishi by Dao Lang. At first glance, these ditties seem to indulge one's imaginations, but on closer inspection, they offer commentaries on the world.
Chew Wee Kai
18 Aug 2023
Culture
Etching the turbulence of youth on wax paper: A former journalist remembers
Unless one is of a certain age today, one would probably not have etched wax paper or made printings from them. Hua Language Centre director Chew Wee Kai recalls the days of painstakingly preparing sheets of wax paper full of the memories of youth.
Chew Wee Kai
09 Jun 2023
Culture
The second life of yesterday's papers
Hua Language Centre director Chew Wee Kai thinks fondly of old newspapers and the purpose they served in the past and still serve in the present. From spreading the news of the day to being used as decorations and even polishing glass, their role is humble no doubt, but always useful.
Chew Wee Kai
06 Apr 2023