Past events held by the Confucius Institute

Upcoming events

August

China Briefing 2/09

August 27^th

"Is the Chinese Stimulus Package Working? What Does it Mean to Australia?"

Presented in cooperation with the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies, The University of Adelaide
Sponsored by Ernst & Young and supported by the Australia-China Business Council SA chapter
Welcome speech by Mr. Angus Blackwood, Ernst & Young, Head of Transactions Advisory Services Adelaide

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July

July 5-13: 2009 Principals Tour to China

July 10: Regional Hanyu Qiao High School Chinese Speaking Competition. More details will be posted here shortly.

July 11-12: National Chinese Language Teachers Conference

May

May 7: Inaugural Confucius Institute Chinese Prize Night for outstanding students of Chinese at the University of Adelaide.

April

First Confucius Institute China Briefing draws a big audience

The Confucius Institute at the University of Adelaide, together with the Institute of Mineral and Energy Resources at the University of Adelaide held a forum on Chinese Investment in Australian Resource Industry on the 8th April 2009 at the National Wine Centre, Adelaide.

The forum was a huge success. More than one hundred people from all walks of life and professions attended the forum, far more than the expected 50 to 60 people. The four speakers were sharp, answered many of the questions directly in their presentations.

The speakers at the forum included: The Hon John Dawkins, Director of the Government Relations Australia, who was a member of the of Bob Hawke and Paul Keating governments and served as Finance Minister, Trade Minister, Employment Education and Training Minister and finally Treasurer; Professor Christopher Findlay, Head of the School of Economics at the University of Adelaide, Member of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM); Mr Andrew Stoler, Executive Director of the Institute of Foreign Trade, University of Adelaide, who served as Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization and who also serves on the Australian Foreign Minister's Aid Advisory Council, a member of the Advisory Board of Stanford University's GATT Digital Library, a member of the Advisory Committee of the Shanghai WTO Affairs Consultation Centre and a Senior Advisor to the Shenzhen WTO Affairs Centre; and Mr Gao Fusheng, Managing Director of Sinosteel Uranium SA.

China Briefings is a project developed by the Confucius Institute aiming to provide the most up to date and most accurate information and most in-depth analysis by the top experts in the field on the most concerned issues and topics to the Australian public.

The inaugural China Briefing was launched within the context that although Chinese investment in Australia is tiny in comparison to other foreign countries there is a profound worry among some sectors of the Australian society about Chinese state owned enterprises buying up resource companies in Australia.

Professor Mobo Gao, Chair of Chinese Studies at the Centre for Asian Studies and Director of the Confucius Institute, in his introduction to the forum, listed some crucial questions surrounding the issue of Chinese investment in Australia for the forum to address such as:

• Why would Chinese want to invest in Australia resource industries?
• To what extent are Chinese state owned enterprises also governed by market mechanism?
• Will Chinalco investment in Rio Tinto impact on the pricing mechanism in the world market?
• How do we see through the political shadow boxing to know what is really good for Australia’s national interest?

The forum reached a consensus that Chinese investment in Australia resource industries should be welcomed because it would bring many benefits to the Australian economy.

After a question session for half an hour the speakers and audience mingled together over light refreshment and drinks.

The China Briefing forum attracted wide media attention, the SBS, ABC, the Advertiser as well as local community Chinese language papers were present at the forum and some of the media interviewed the speakers.

The Forum was co-chaired by Professor Mobo Gao of the Confucius Institute and Professor Richard Hills of the Institute of Mineral and Energy Resources.

For more information about the China Briefings, please contact the Confucius Institute or phone 08 8303 5819.

Past Event - Public Lecture - Human Rights in China

Public Lecture - Human Rights in China

As part of his visit to the University of Adelaide, the President of Shandong University, Professor Xu Xianming, will deliver a public lecture on Human Rights in China. The lecture is Jointly presented by the Confucius Institute and the Adelaide Law School.

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The Confucius Institute welcomes all those who are interested in contemporary China to make the most of this unique opportunity to hear an insider's perspective on human rights in China today.

Date: Friday 3 April 2009
Time: 4pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre 102, Napier Bldg, University of Adelaide

All welcome, but registration is essential.
To register, call 08 8303 4799.

Please see the flyer for all the details

Past Event - Professional Development for Chinese Teachers Term 1, 2009

Chinese for the Classroom and Chinese Literature

The Confucius Institute's first professional development courses for Chinese language teachers for term 1, 2009, will start on March 18. These courses are being presented in conjunction with the Chinese Language Teachers' Association of South Australia.

This term the Confucius Institute is running two programs (click on the links for more details):

Chinese for the Classroom - primarily for teachers who learnt Chinese as a second language

A Grand Tour of Contemporary Chinese Literature - primarily for teachers of background speakers' Chinese

Both of these courses will be conducted by the Confucius Institute's visiting teacher, Associate Professor Sheng Lin, from Shandong University.

For more information please contact the Confucius Institute.

Past Event - October 22nd 2008

Public Lecture - The Rise of China and Chinese Studies in the West

Professor Mobo Gao, Chair of Chinese Studies, Centre for Asian Studies, University of Adelaide, and Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Adelaide

6-8pm 22 October, 2008
Napier Building, Lecture Theatre 102 (Level 1)
The University of Adelaide
Admission Free

Professor Mobo Gao, Director of the Confucius Institute and Chair of Chinese Studies at the Centre for Asian Studies will present the 6th lecture in the 2008 Distinguished Social Sciences Public Lecture Series.

The Distinguished Social Sciences Public Lecture Series is presented by Professor Ann Brooks and Professor Graeme Hugo, and showcases the best thinking and research in the Social Sciences.

For more information contact the School of Social Sciences on 8303 3737.

Past Event - end November to early January 2008

6 week China Study Tour 2008

Study Chinese in Shandong, North-East China, the hometown of Confucius!

Date: end November 2008 to early January 2009

Where: Shandong University + Shanghai and Beijing

The Confucius Institute at the University of Adelaide, together with Shandong University, North-East China, are jointly running a tour for all those keen to study Mandarin, from novices who want to explore one of the most interesting and useful languages in the world to those who would like to extend upon and consolidate skills they have already acquired.

Participants undertake 5 weeks of intensive language study which is broken up with one week touring around Shandong, Beijing and Shanghai.

Language classes are in the mornings with experienced teachers from Shandong University. In the afternoons you are free to study or explore the city. Weekends are also free for you to study, socialise, wander and relax.

Participants do not have to be currently enrolled at the University of Adelaide to take part. The course is open to one and all, from students to retirees, and is an excellent opportunity to brush up on (or begin) some Mandarin whilst being immersed in the culture and enjoying the sights.

The cost of the tour, including tuition, accommodation, tours and transport in China (excluding international airfares) is approximately $2000-$2600.

For further information or to register your interest, please contact the Executive Officer of the Confucius Institute, via email: Glen Stafford or Telephone: 08 8303 5819.

To view a brochure, click here.

Please note: the Study Tour may not go ahead if minimum numbers are not reached.

Past Event - August 23rd 2008

2008 South Australian Chinese Language Teachers Conference

Chinese matters for the future…….quality, innovation and standards in the Chinese Curriculum

Saturday August 23, 9am-4pm
The University of Adelaide, Napier Building

Organised by the Confucius Institute, the South Australian Department of Education and Children's Services (DECS), the Chinese Language Teachers Association South Australia (CLTASA) and the Chinese Language Curriculum Studies Association (CLCSA).

The SA Chinese Language Teachers Conference brings together Chinese language teachers from all school sectors for a day of seminars and workshops. It provides an opportunity to share information and resources and discuss the challenges and issues facing Chinese teachers in South Australia.

Workshops this year cover a broad range of topics, including Chinese literature, using ICT in the Chinese classroom, choosing texts for background speakers, strategies for teaching kindergarten and primary students, and much more.

The Director of the Confucius Institute, Professor Mobo Gao, will open the conference and give the keynote address.

For more information about the program and how to register please see the registration form or contact Mr Phil Wilson, Asian languages Consultant, DECS, on 8226 2650.

Past Event - August 12th 2008

The Battle for China's Past: Mao and the Cultural Revolution

Public talk with Confucius Institute Director, Professor Mobo Gao

Presented in conjunction with the Australia/China Friendship Society

Date/Time: Tuesday August 12, 7pm
Place: Staff Room, Adelaide High School, West Terrace

In his talk Professor Gao will discuss his latest book The Battle for China's Past: Mao and the Cultural Revolution. By "a critical analysis of the mainstream account of the Mao era and the Cultural Revolution and by revealing what is offered in the unofficial e-debates", this book "tackles the extreme negative description China under Mao in recent publications and argues that most people in China, including the rural poor and the urban working class, actually benefited from Mao's policy of a comprehensive welfare system for the cities and basic health and education provision for rural areas, which are being reversed in the current rush towards capitalism".

"This important book opens a much needed window onto Chinese perceptions of the country's post-Mao direction. Highlights the renewal of popular support for socialism and the growing opposition to contemporary state policies".
-Martin Hart-Landsberg, Professor of Economics, Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Oregon

"Aims a knockout blow at Jung Chang's recent book on Mao, which Bush and the conservatives rave-reviewed..this is a breath of fresh air and a welcome return to the rebel spirit."
-Gregor Benton, Professor of Chinese History, University of Cardiff

RSVP by Wednesday August 6 to the Confucius Institute or phone 8303 5819

Gold coin donation to Australia/China Friendship Society for entry.

Past Event - July 16th 2008

Public Lecture - Limiting Confucian Meritocracy

Professor Tan Sor Hoon, National University of Singapore

6-8pm 16 July, 2008
Napier Building, Lecture Theatre 102 (Level 1)
The University of Adelaide
Admission Free

With the support of the Confucius Institute, Associate Professor Tan Sor Hoon from the National University of Singapore will present the inaugural lecture of the 2008 Distinguished Social Sciences Public Lecture Series.

In her discussion of the limits of Confucian Meritocracy, Associate Professor Tan will provide listeners with insights into Confucian views about equality, capitalism and the questions Confucians would raise about the growing inequalities of the global economic system.

This lecture is a must for anyone interested in the place of Chinese ideas in the modern world.

Please see the flyer for more information.

For more information contact the School of Social Sciences on 8303 3737

Past Event - July 7th 2008

Seminar - Land Ownership and Farmers' Livelihoods in China

Professor Andrew Watson, University of Adelaide

Date/Time: Monday 7 July, 1.00-2.00 pm
Venue: University of Adelaide, Napier Building LG14

Professor Watson is one of the most eminent scholars of Chinese studies, the Ford Foundation Representative in Beijing for nine years and has just returned from China. Professor Watson is also on the Board of the Confucius Institute at the University of Adelaide.

Past Event - May 2nd 2008

2008 Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students - Preliminary Finals

2pm Friday 2 May
Exhibition Hall, National Wine Centre of Australia
(Corner Botanic and Hackney Roads)
The University of Adelaide
Admission Free

The Confucius Institute is hosting the 2008 Preliminary finals of the Chinese Bridge (Hanyu Qiao) Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students. Students from around Australia will compete to qualify for the finals to be held in Changsha, China, in June and July.

English flyer | Chinese flyer

Please direct enquiries to the Confucius Institute.

Past Event - April 13th 2008

Zorba in China

Public talk with Mr Li Chenggui

2pm, Sunday 13 April
Ira Raymond Room, Barr Smith Library
Admission Free

The Confucius Institute at the University of Adelaide is delighted to present in association with the SA Council for the Greek Cultural Month this fascinating Sunday afternoon of Chinese and Greek culture.

Mr Li Chenggui is a Beijing Resident, Hellenist, journalist, retired head of the Xinhua News Agency in Athens, and translator of Zorba into Mandarin. He is now involved in organising pre-Olympics cultural events in Athens.

He will talk (in Greek) on how he came to translate Zorba by Nikos Kazantzakis - it's also the story of his life and of modern China. With him will be his wife, Yang Xingyun, a distinguished singer.

Dr Alfred Vincent will also be accompanying Mr Chenggui and will be providing an English translation.

For more information please contact the Confucius Institute at confucius.institute@adelaide.edu.au or call 8303 4288.

For more information about the Festival Hellenica, of which Zorba in China is a part, please contact festivalhellenika@hotmail.com.

Past Event - March 18th 2008

Appreciating Chinese Painting

An artist talk and demonstration with Professor Zhao Qiuping

1pm, Tuesday 18 March
Ira Raymond Room, Barr Smith Library
Admission Free

The Confucius Institute has great pleasure in presenting renowned Chinese artist Professor Zhao Qiuping as she introduces and explains the beauty of Chinese painting.

In this special Confucius Institute cultural event Professor Zhao will introduce the different Chinese painting mediums and explain the distinctive features of, and how to appreciate, Chinese painting. She will also illustrate her talk with a demonstration of her mastery of Chinese painting.

This is an event not to be missed!

Past Event - March 12th 2008

2008 the Year of the Rat
an insight to Chinese astrology and the year ahead

Wednesday March 12, 2008
6.15pm - 8.15pm

Join us for our first cultural seminar for 2008 and discover what is in store for the Year of the Rat, its significance, and the role of astrology in contemporary Chinese culture.

Date: Wednesday March 12, 2008
Time: 6.15pm-8.15pm
Fee: $10.00
Venue: Room 209, Napier Building, North Terrace Campus, The University of Adelaide

[more information]

This event is presented in conjunction with Professional and Continuing Education

Past Event - September 21st - October 20th 2007

Photographic Exhibition Capturing the Beauty and Culture of China

The Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the Chinese Government’s State Council and the Overseas Chinese Association SA, in association with the Confucius Institute at the University of Adelaide present a photographic exhibition capturing three aspects of contemporary China. The exhibition features over 100 photographs by photographers Mr. Wang Wenlan and Mr. Chen Fuli. The exhibition is divided in three sections each addressing a specific theme:

• Bicycle Kingdom (by Wang Wenlan)
• Beautiful homeland (by Chen Fuli)
• Tenth Anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China

The exhibition is on show in the Ira Raymond Room at the University of Adelaide's Barr Smith Library at the following times:

• Monday - Thursday: 8.00am - 8.00pm
• Friday: 8.00am - 6.00pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 1.00pm - 5.00pm:

For more information please see the flyer or contact:

• Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Office at the University of Adelaide on (08) 8303 5229, email pvci@adelaide.edu.au
• Overseas Chinese Association SA on (08) 8336 8633

Past Event - Monday August 20th 2007

Chinese Teachers' Forum

The Confucius Institute, in association with the Discipline of Creative Writing at the University of Adelaide, is hosting Li Yao, the well-known translator of Australian works into Chinese for five days in August.

While in Adelaide Li Yao has kindly agreed to discuss issues involved in translating literature into Chinese with teachers of Chinese.

Past Event - Tues May 22 & Wed May 23rd 2007

Visit by Hanban Expert

The CI and the Centre for Asian Studies are pleased to announce the first visit by a Hanban expert to the now officially launched Confucius Institute on Tuesday May 22 & Wednesday May 23rd.

Ms. Shi Hong from Zhejiang University has extensive experience teaching Chinese as a foreign language both within China and overseas. 

The Tuesday May 22 workshop will cover aspects of teaching of Chinese to students with Chinese backgrounds. All teachers teaching Chinese at primary and secondary schools are most welcome to attend.

The second workshop on May 23 will focus on the teaching of Chinese as a second language in Australian schools and at ethnic schools. All teachers from any of Adelaide’s high schools, primary schools and Chinese ethnic schools are most welcome.

These workshops are intended to help Chinese teachers in South Australia with their work, introduce them to new teaching materials and familiarise them with the work of the Confucius Institute.

The Interim Director, Dr Gerry Groot and the Interim Deputy Director, Dr Zhang Ning, look forward to meeting as many teachers as possible and finding out how best to help them improve and popularise Chinese in South Australia.

Further Details are available by contacting the Confucius Institute Ph 83035815

Past Event - May 9 to May 12 2007

The First World Forum of Confucius Institutes

Between May 9 and May 12, Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto Japan, is organising the first meeting of Directors of Confucius Institutes from around the globe.

According to the organisers:
The World Forum of Confucius Institute Directors is intended to provide opportunities for exchange and discussion of individual institute experiences, the state of affairs concerning Chinese language education and intercultural culture exchange, the role of Confucius Institutes, language and culture in the era of globalization. In addition, there will be an international symposium and a Japan / China exchange festival with will be open to the general public.

Dr Gerry Groot will attend the conference with the aim of learning from the experiences of other institute directors and to build the connections vital for long-term success.